Product Focus: Weight Management

New Year’s Eve is a favorite party day. For many, it’s a day for a final indulgence before vowing at midnight to lose weight, eat more healthfully and/or exercise more, the top-three resolutions. Interestingly, according to the 2015 installment of the International Food Information Council Foundation’s Food and Health Survey, more than half of Americans are trying to lose weight, but equally important for others is the effort to maintain weight.

When asked to rate the most effective weight management strategies, changing the types of foods they eat topped the list at 51 percent, followed by making sure they get enough physical activity (50 percent). An impressive number (64 percent) of consumers agree that high protein diets can help with weight loss.

While 37 percent of Americans cite lack of willpower as the biggest barrier to losing or maintaining their weight, 31 percent cite lack of time. When asked whether they would rather lose $1,000 than gain 20 pounds, 56 percent would rather lose the money, the same number as in the 2014 survey. However, there is also a gender gap, with 50 percent of men and 61 percent of women choosing to lose the money over gaining the weight.

Recognizing this opportunity with women, Skinnygirl, the solutions-based lifestyle brand created by reality TV personality Bethenny Frankel, recently introduced Skinnygirl Protein Tasty Nutrition Shakes and Bars. “Protein is an important part of our daily diet. It helps us feel full and satisfied,” said Frankel.

Weight Management Products

General Mills is rolling out Yoplait Plenti Oatmeal Greek Yogurt to assist with New Year’s resolutions. The 5.5-oz. oval-shaped bowls blend nonfat Greek yogurt with oatmeal and fruits. They join the original Yoplait Plenti Greek Yogurt line that debuted in June 2015, which includes whole-grain oats, flax and pumpkin seeds. Each serving of the new oatmeal line provides 170 to 180 calories, depending on variety, as well as 2g of fat, 2g of fiber, 12g of sugar and 11g of protein. The six varieties are: Apple Cinnamon, Blueberry, Maple Brown Sugar, Peach, Strawberry and Vanilla.

Atkins Nutritionals Inc., introduces Atkins Harvest Trail, a line of simple and nutritious snack bars that blend nuts with either chocolate or fruit. The four varieties are: Dark Chocolate Cherry and Nuts, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter, Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel, and Vanilla Fruit and Nut. Each 1.3-oz. bar contains 8g protein, along with 150-180 calories, 1-3g sugars, and 9-10g fiber, depending on variety. The protein comes from a blend of soy and whey protein concentrate. Fiber sources include chicory root fiber, oat fiber, soluble fiber, soluble corn fiber and polydextrose.

In July 2015, Nestle USA began the transformation of its weight loss and weight management Lean Cuisine brand, reintroducing this frozen meal platform as a modern-eating brand and ally for women’s wellness. As part of the transformation, the brand has started introducing an array of new recipes under its four sublines: Marketplace, Craveables, Comfort and Favorites. New recipes include Mushroom & Spring Pea Risotto, Pomegranate Chicken and Sweet Sriracha Braised Beef.