Rollout: October's best new products

With no added sugar or artificial flavors, Tropicana Pure debuts (in clear one-liter bottles) in four nutrient-rich blends: Pomegranate Blueberry, Mango Orange, Triple Berry, and Valencia Orange.

“Growth in juices, even though it's small, is occurring outside the breakfast day part," says industry analyst Harry Balzer, vice president at NPD Group. "In other parts of the day where we have beverages there is now potential to make that juice."

"Tropicana Pure is the first leading brand to enter the super premium juice category, one of the fastest growing categories in the produce section," adds McGinnis. "Research shows that a trusted brand like Tropicana will bring new consumers to the category, further fueling its growth."

Suggested retail price is $3.79.

A stand-up taco

Minneapolis-based General Mills introduces Old El Paso Salsa and Nacho flavored Stand 'N Stuff taco shells. Pair them with new sauces Old El Paso Taco Toppers, and each family member can create his own bliss.

Stand 'N Stuff taco shells (10 to a box) are easy to fill, serve, hold and eat. No more tipping tacos — Stand 'N Stuff shells stand alone. Stuff the shell with your favorite combination of meat, lettuce, tomatoes and cheese. Add that final touch of zesty ranch or mild taco sauce, along with a dollop of guacamole — all without fear of tipping over your perfect, made to order creation. Available in two flavor varieties — Mild Taco and Zesty Ranch — Taco Toppers sauces' inverted, easy-squeeze bottles offer a no-mess way to add the final touch to your taco masterpiece.

“Our new nacho and salsa flavored shells offer fun, tasty alternatives to plain corn shells," says Luis Sanchez, Old El Paso marketing. “Pair these new flavored Stand 'N Stuff shells with Taco Toppers sauces to bring even more flavor options to a meal.”

Suggested retail price for the taco shells is $1.89, and sauces retail at $2.49.

Spaghetti sauce in a box

Cincinnati-based grocer The Kroger Co. has introduced a line of Corelli brand pasta sauces in a shelf-stable aseptic box, the same one that tried to make a dent last year carrying Hormel and Stagg chili.

The super premium sauces include: Marinara, Roasted Garlic, Tomato Basil and Five Cheese. All contain fresh ingredients including authentic parmesan-reggiano and pecorino cheese and no dehydrated spices.

They are made by an Italian processor, Columbus S.r.l., and are packaged in Tetra Recart packaging from Tetra Pak Inc., Vernon Hills, Ill.

The lightweight, 13.8-oz. package size creates a new sub-category in the pasta sauce section by offering a smaller-size option for singles or two-person households. No utensils are needed to open the package, it’s recloseable, non-breakable, easy to store, and maintains the ingredients without preservatives. Tetra Pak’s technology also protects the food inside from undesirable color changes caused by light during distribution and retail display.

“Kroger customers are looking for better, more convenient food choices for their families," says Nick Hahn, director of corporate brands for Kroger. “This type of packaging gives customers more options, and Tetra Recart's innovative approach enables us to significantly improve packaging efficiencies."

Suggested retail price is $1.49 to $1.79.