On the heels of the USDA's new MyPlate food guidelines – which remind Americans to make half their plate fruits and vegetables and at least half their grains whole grains -- Earthbound Farm, San Juan Bautista, Calif., introduces a line of healthy, organic and ultra-convenient meal options: the PowerMeal. This nutritious "lunch without the junk" combines fresh organic greens, seeds, fruits and clean-burning whole grains to provide plant-based protein, fiber, antioxidants and plenty of taste.
Varieties include: Blueberry Quinoa Protein Balance (organic baby spinach and quinoa with sunflower kernels, dried blueberries and balsamic vinaigrette), Cranberry Wheat Protein Boost (mixed baby greens, whole-grain bulgur wheat and wheat berries with garbanzo beans, dried cranberries and red wine vinaigrette) and Tomatillo Black Bean Protein Energy (organic baby lettuces and black bean and corn salad with five-seed, stone-ground corn strips and green tomatillo vinaigrette). All are 340-360 calories, contain 5-9g of protein and 6-7g of fiber.
More than 50 percent of Americans are aware of the term "meatless Mondays," and more than 27 percent say the term influences their decision to cut back on meat. Earthbound Farm's ready-to-eat PowerMeals provide flavorful, convenient organic options for busy consumers to enjoy a satisfying and healthy meal without meat, while boosting their intake of vitamin A, and fiber. According to the American Dietetic Association, the average American eats only 12-18g of fiber a day, well below the 20-35g recommended by the ADA, which also suggests that fiber intake come from a variety of plant foods.
Packaged in eco-friendly post-consumer recycled rPET clamshells, the PowerMeal salads contain individually wrapped ingredients in easy-to-open pouches that minimize preparation time and maximize freshness while enabling individuals to add the amount of dressings and toppings they prefer.
"In our busy world, meals that can deliver health, flavor and convenience are what consumers are longing for," says Judy Chen, chief marketing officer. "Consumers told us they want ready-to-eat salad meals that taste great, satisfy and deliver a nutrient-dense punch. These all-organic PowerMeals, which are full of plant-based proteins, are a great answer to that search."
Suggested retail price is $4.99 to $5.99.