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Rollout: April's best new products

FoodProcessing.com

Keywords: rollout and "product rollout"

April's best new products include: a new energy drink from Anheuser-Busch; Boca Meatless Breakfast Wraps; Kraft Grate-It-Fresh Parmesan Cheese; fruit crisps and veggie crisps from Frito-Lay; Jimmy Dean Breakfast Bowls; and jerky made for ladies.

180 now turns red

St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch Inc. introduces 180 Red with Goji, a new energy drink with a refreshing, slightly sweet cherry taste balanced with subtle tartness.

Containing carbonated water, sucrose, goji berry juice, acerola juice, guarana for natural caffeine, vitamins B-6, B-12 and C and lychee natural flavor, 180 Red with Goji is available in 8.2- and 16-oz. cans. It’s the fourth entry in the nonalcoholic 180 line.

Grown in Tibet, goji (pronounced go-gee) berries have high antioxidant levels, and are thought to increase energy and stimulate rejuvenation. Legend has it that the health benefits of the goji berry were an accidental discovery. Goji berries grew on a wall outside a famous Buddhist temple and fell into a nearby well. Frequent visitors to the temple who drank water from this well had good health. Gradually, the benefits were documented and spread among the nearby communities. As a result, goji berries have enjoyed a privileged place in Asian culture for thousands of years.

"Anheuser-Busch is the first major beverage company to launch an energy drink made with the exotic goji berry," says Andy Goeler, vice president of imports, crafts and specialty. "Not only does this give 180 Red its unique attributes, it also gives adults a great-tasting energy drink they can enjoy during active events or socially with friends. This unique combination will appeal to people who live a healthy lifestyle but don't want to sacrifice taste."

Suggested retail prices are 99 cents-$1.29 for 8 oz. and $1.99-2.29 for a 16-oz can.

Soy, what’s new for breakfast?

To help busy and health-conscious Americans start the day off right, Boca Foods, Madison, Wis., introduces Boca Meatless Breakfast Wraps, with zero trans fats, a good source of fiber and iron, an excellent source of soy protein and 17g of whole grain per serving.

A convenient breakfast option that goes from freezer to microwave to table in about 5 minutes, they are available in two varieties: Original and Southwestern. Each whole-wheat tortilla wrap is filled with a hearty mix of egg whites, cheese and meatless sausage.

"It's important to start your day with a breakfast that offers several dietary benefits your body needs," says Jackie Newgent, registered dietitian, chef and author. "The new Boca Meatless Breakfast Wraps are a delicious, satisfying option for those looking to add nutrients to their breakfast meal.”

Suggested retail price for a package of two wraps is $3.59.

Restaurant experience comes home

Parmesan cheese adds a distinctive and delicious topping for Caesar salad to pasta primavera and tomato bruschetta to deep dish pizza. Now you can give everyday meals that restaurant quality taste with Kraft Grate-It-Fresh Parmesan Cheese from the Glenview, Ill., office of Kraft Foods.

A convenient, first-of-its-kind block of fresh Parmesan cheese and grater in one, it’s one of those “why didn’t I think of that?” ideas that should resonate with consumers.  With just a few easy twists, consumers can top all types of dishes -- from salads and main dishes to appetizers and vegetables. The clockwise twisting motion keeps the cheese in place and ensures it is ready the next time you take it out of the refrigerator. It's easy and ready to use anytime, anywhere.

"Kraft Grate-It-Fresh is a simple way to bring the restaurant experience home," says Mia Hasegawa, brand manager of grated cheese. "It's a delicious way to top any meal without the hassle of pulling out your grater."

It’s in the grocer’s refrigerated dairy section. Suggested retail price for the 7-oz. size is $4.99.

Fruit and veggie crisps from Frito-Lay

Continuing its ongoing commitment to health and wellness, Plano, Texas-based Frito-Lay North America, a division of PepsiCo, introduces Flat Earth fruit crisps and veggie crisps.

Each 1-oz. serving of Flat Earth crisps contains a half serving of fruits or vegetables. They are available in six flavors: Farmland Cheddar, Garlic & Herb Field, Tangy Tomato Ranch, Wild Berry Patch, Apple Cinnamon Grove and Peach Mango Paradise.

Why Flat Earth? People once believed the world was flat, until someone set course to prove otherwise. Frito-Lay believes it can change conventional thinking by creating convenient, great-tasting snack crisps made with real fruits and vegetables.

This idea led to the development of the Flat Earth brand and its whimsical icon -- the Flying Pig, a fitting symbol for a snack that was once thought impossible ("when pigs fly…").

Suggested retail price for a 6-oz. package is $2.99.