Progresso, a brand of Minneapolis-based General Mills Inc., launches a line of ethnic-inspired soups, adds cholesterol-lowering benefits to some soups and introduces two "firsts": the first cream-based light soup in the ready-to-serve category, and Progresso's first chili soup as part of its High Fiber lineup.Progresso's new World Recipes line, which retail for $2.69, offers four great-tasting varieties influenced by Mexican cuisine, including Tortilla y Pollo (Chicken Tortilla); Albondigas (Meatball & Rice); Caldo de Pollo (Chicken & Vegetable); and Frijoles Negros y Jalapeno (Black Bean Jalapeno). Progresso adds the health claim "may help lower cholesterol," to five of its current Reduced Sodium soups -- Chicken Gumbo, Minestrone, Garden Vegetable, Beef & Vegetable, and Italian-Style Wedding plus one new variety Reduced Sodium Tomato Parmesan. These soups meet requirements for sodium and soluble fiber needed to carry the claim. Progresso Light adds the first cream-based soup, New England Clam Chowder, to its popular lineup. Progresso is America's top-selling ready-to-serve light soup and the only soup endorsed by Weight Watchers. Progresso Light New England Clam Chowder has a Points value of 1 per serving. All 13 Progresso Light soups have been enhanced. Depending on the variety, consumers will find larger pieces of chicken, more tender pieces of beef or a broader array of vegetables. Finally, Progresso extends its High Fiber line, launched last year, adding Three-Bean Chili with Beef -- Progresso's first chili soup -- to its four existing high fiber varieties. "We have worked hard to develop exciting new flavors and health enhancements to many of our soups to deliver the taste, quality and variety that consumers expect from Progresso," says Chad Johnson, Progresso marketing manager. "This is one of our biggest soup seasons in terms of the number of new varieties and enhancements we've ever introduced."
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