Minneapolis-based General Mills Inc. is on a new product roll, with an astonishing 50 launches in the first half of its fiscal year and 50 more coming in the second half ending May 27. Two themes are apparent in the lineup: the growing influence of multicultural consumers on American taste preferences and consumers' desires to either add or avoid certain ingredients in their diets.
One of my absolute favorites is caramel-flavored Dulce de Leche Cheerios, the only dulce de leche-inspired product in the ready-to-eat cereal category. The Cheerios family of products is twice as large as the next biggest cereal franchise, and has outpaced growth in the cereal category over the past five years, according to Nielsen. Traditionally used in Latin American desserts, dulce de leche is a caramel flavor. Combine it with Cheerios, and the new cereal will surely appeal to all American adults, particularly those seeking healthy eating but desiring more adventurous tastes.
"We are really excited about our new flavor as it combines a hint of the delicious caramel flavor rooted in Latin American culture with the already great-tasting, wholesome Cheerios we all know and love," says Jim Wilson, marketing manager for General Mills. "And the best part of our new breakfast treat is that Dulce de Leche Cheerios provides a healthy start to your day like any of our other Cheerios varieties."
Flavored with real caramel, Dulce de Leche Cheerios contains 39 percent of the RDA of whole grain, 6g of sugar, no artificial flavors, is low in fat (1.5g) and cholesterol-free. General Mills has created recipes using the cereal in popcorn balls, no-bake snack bars, bread, parfaits, cheesecake and, of course, a snack mix.
"Dulce de leche has always been a staple at my house especially when it comes to desserts," says Marcela Valladolid, chef, author and Food Network TV host. "It's a delicious flavor that I've always loved, so naturally I was excited to hear that it was moving beyond the dessert plate and onto the breakfast table. Families everywhere are going to love the newest member of the Cheerios family."
Suggested retail price is $3.99.