Rollout: September's best new products

For taste buds that crave something sweet, Con Agra’s Act II brand introduces Buttery Cinnamon flavor, sweet, buttery flavor with a hint of cinnamon, made with 100 percent whole grain popcorn. It’s a good source of fiber and has zero grams trans fat per serving.

“These varieties are a whole new way to enjoy snacking,” says Stan Jacot, vice president of marketing, ConAgra Snack Foods. “We’re continuing to look for fun new ways for families and individuals to enjoy popcorn — whether as a great-tasting treat for family movie night or as a between-meal snack. And moms can feel good knowing these delicious snacks are also wholesome, helping them meet two of the 2005 Dietary Guideline
recommendations: to increase whole grain intake and reduce
or eliminate trans fats.”

Suggested retail price per two-count package of Shakeables is $2.69, and $1.99 for a three-count package of Act II.

Dora explores breakfast options

Minneapolis-based General Mills introduces Dora the Explorer Cereal, based on the popular animated Nick Jr. television series for kids. Dora is an adventurous bilingual Latina heroine, and General Mills licensed her because the character embodies and communicates many educational attributes.

Kids will adore the new star-shaped cereal, which combines a corn crunch with the flavor of cinnamon for a kid-friendly taste. And with only 6g of sugar and a good source of fiber (3g per serving), calcium and whole grain (at least 8g per serving), the cereal will have quite a few grown-up fans as well.

"Parents love Dora because her play-along adventures encourage kids to think, solve problems and make smart choices," explains Sherice Torres, vice president-hard goods for Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products. "We hope parents will be excited Dora the Explorer can also provide their kids with a smart breakfast choice that gives them energy for all their adventures."

Suggested retail price is $3.49.

Bigger and quicker pizzas

Schwan’s Consumer Brands North America Inc., Bloomington, Minn., rolls out two new varieties of frozen pizza: Red Baron The Big Baron Pizza (11 x 14 inches in size) and quicker cooking Red Baron Classic Crust Microwaveable Pizza.

Large enough to feed a hungry family or serve when unexpected guests drop by, Red Baron the Big Baron is 50 percent larger than the original Red Baron pizza, but is made with the same flavorful cheeses and meats. Ready in just 16 to 18 minutes from freezer to oven, it’s available in Pepperoni and Four Cheese varieties.

Due to demands from time-starved consumers, Classic Crust Microwaveable Pizza is ready in just 3 1/2 minutes. The square shape and round corners help to ensure a great microwave cooking experience. It’s available in four varieties: 4 Cheese, Pepperoni, Supreme and Sausage & Pepperoni.

“Now, whether consumers crave something that is quick and convenient or a pizza that’s big enough to handle any situation, Red Baron products have them covered,” says Bryan Olson, director for Red Baron Pizza.

Suggested retail price for Red Baron the Big Baron is $6.79, and Red Baron Classic Crust Microwaveable pizza retails for $3.29.