“Nutri-Kids Nutrition-2-go is a boost for kids’ nutrition. It is all about bringing healthy, convenient products to kids that not only taste great but supply added value nutrition at the same time,” says Stuart Lowther, president. The drink comes in two flavors, Chocolate Chug and S-Berry Blast (Strawberry). It is available 11-oz recyclable aluminum cans in either 4 packs or cases of 24.
Minneapolis-based
Crystal Farms, a subsidiary of
Michael Foods Inc., a diversified food processor and distributor headquartered in Minnetonka, Minn., introduces the Signature Selections cheese line. Available in shredded and chunk cheeses, Signature Selections creates unique cheese flavors and blends that fit with the growing consumer trend toward bolder and more interesting taste profiles. Signature Selections shreds include the flavors 3 Pepper (a blend of Cheddar with chipotle peppers combined with Monterey Jack with jalapeño and habanero peppers), Cheddar Blue and Sundried Tomato Basil. In 7-oz chunks, Signature Selections varieties include Chipotle Cheddar, Mild Roasted Red Pepper Monterey Jack and Marble Jack Blue.
“Through extensive taste trials and experimentation, we’ve developed a unique line of cheese flavors and blends that we believe consumers will enjoy,” says Julie Stellpflug, Crystal Farms’ director of quality.
Steve Ostrander, v.p of marketing for Crystal Farms, adds, “Unique flavors are becoming more mainstream within the cheese category. Signature Selections offers consumers the opportunity to experiment with a great variety of delicious tastes without paying a premium price.”
Stonyfield Farm, Londonderry, N.H., enters the energy drink market with an alternative to the caffeine-fueled energy drinks now crowding store shelves. New Shift provides a sustainable energy source with a combination of protein, vitamins, acai and ginseng, and doesn’t contain caffeine or guarana. That means Shift drinkers have none of the negative side effects—among them rapid heart rate, anxiety and gastrointestinal problems—associated with traditional energy drinks.
“As the father of three teenagers and as a soccer coach, I know that energy drinks promise a lot but only give you a temporary, artificial energy spike followed by a quick low,” says Gary Hirshberg, president and CE-Yo. “For teens and young adults who want to maintain a healthy and sustainable energy level, Shift is the only organic alternative. Drink it anytime of day and you’ll benefit from vitamins, protein and calcium, things your body needs for peak performance and recovery.”
The cultured dairy drink Shift is certified organic—made with milk and other ingredients from organic farms that pledge not to use antibiotics, hormones or toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers; and is 100% natural, with no starches, gelatin, preservatives, or artificial flavors or colors. With only 200 calories in each 10-oz serving, low-fat Shift has a third less sugar than regular yogurt smoothies. Flavors include Berry Boost, Power Punch and Strawberry Banana. Suggested retail price is $1.75.
“Gen Y-ers have grown up on yogurt, so they know to look for alternatives to nutritionally empty energy drinks,” adds Hirshberg. “With Shift, they have a drink that provides the health benefits they’re looking for.”
Kozy Shack, Hicksville, N.Y., introduces a line of refrigerated dairy desserts under the Personal Favorites banner. Composed of rich custard and layers of fruits, the three varieties are Bananas Foster, Black Forest and Cherries Jubilee. The desserts come in 3.5-oz clear plastic cups and are sold in packs of four for a suggested retail price of $3.39 to $3.99.
