Minneapolis-based General Mills is rolling out Yoplait Yo-Plus Yogurt, which is described as a way to help naturally regulate digestive health.

Minneapolis-based General Mills is rolling out Yoplait Yo-Plus Yogurt, which is described as a way to help naturally regulate digestive health. Made with the company’s proprietary trademarked Optibalance, which is a blend of special cultures and a natural fiber, Yo-Plus is a good source of calcium, vitamin A and vitamin D. The yogurt comes in four-packs of 4-oz cups in four flavors: Strawberry, Vanilla, Peach and Cherry. The specific strain of probiotic culture in Optibalance is Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 and the primary fiber is inulin. General Mills previously test marketed a shot-style drink containing Optibalance in the greater metropolitan areas of San Diego and Sacramento, Calif.

The Häagen-Dazs brand, which is marketed in the States by Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream Holdings Inc., Oakland, Calif., a part of Nestlé, is synonymous with fine ingredients and distinctive flavors.  Forever committed to creating ice creams made like no other, the company has pushed the limits in 2007, crafting an entirely new line of superpremium products that celebrates rare ingredients and unique flavor combinations from around the world:  the Häagen-Dazs Reserve Series.

“While searching the globe for flavor inspirations, we’ve encountered exceptional ingredients that we knew would make great ice cream, but haven’t been able to use because of their limited availability,” says Josh Gellert, brand manager. “This year, however, we are launching the Reserve Series as an exclusive line available in limited quantities in order to offer ice cream lovers these flavors. The Reserve Series represents the very best of the Häagen-Dazs brand in unique flavor combinations we are unable to produce in our traditional line.”

The four ice cream pint flavors are 1) Hawaiian Lehua Honey and Sweet Cream (This rich sweet cream ice cream is blended with Hawaiian Lehua honey. The Lehua blossom imparts a subtle floral note, which is complemented by the sweet cream); 2) Pomegranate Chip (This refreshing fruit ice cream balances sweet and tart Mediterranean pomegranates with luscious dark chocolate chips.); 3) Amazon Valley Chocolate (This distinctive and creamy chocolate ice cream is naturally lighter in color. Amazon Valley cocoa beans deliver an intense flavor with notes of roasted chestnuts and hazelnuts.); and 4) Toasted Coconut Sesame Brittle (Ginger-infused sesame brittle is folded into a luxurious ice cream with fresh-shaved coconut, lightly toasted and then steeped in rich cream and coconut milk.). There’s a sorbet pint: Brazilian Acai Berry. This tantalizing sorbet is crafted from the rare and complex acai berry. The deep red fruit delivers notes of blackberries and sweet blueberries. And, there’s one novelty pack: Pomegranate Dark Chocolate Bar. This distinctive ice cream bar pairs a dark chocolate coating with pomegranate ice cream. Both sweet and tart, it delivers a complex but clean finish.

Sun Valley Dairy, Sun Valley, Calif., is rolling out Voskos Greek Style 0% Fat Yogurt is six flavors: Blueberry, Fig, Honey, Strawberry, Raspberry and Vanilla.

Voskos Greek Style Yogurt is strained to naturally produce a creamy taste and thick, smooth texture. Straining also makes the yogurt low in carbs and calories, and high in protein. 

Mayfield Dairy Farms, Athens, Tenn., a Dean Foods company, Dallas, introduces Nurture by Mayfield, a 1% Lowfat milk and a 2% Reduced Fat milk containing probiotic cultures clinically proven to boost the body’s immune system. Mayfield pioneered the addition of probiotics to milk more than 20 years ago with NuTrish, the first milk in the United States to contain probiotic cultures known to aid digestion and ease lactose intolerance. In light of new research that demonstrates that the health benefits of probiotics extend far beyond digestion alone, Mayfield is replacing NuTrish with Nurture.   

“Twenty years ago when we first began selling NuTrish, scientific studies showed that probiotic cultures such as acidophilus and bifidum aided digestion,” says Scottie Mayfield, president of Mayfield Dairy Farms. “Now clinical research shows these live cultures actually boost the immune system. So by doing something most people do everyday-drink milk-consumers can actually strengthen their body’s natural defenses.”

Barber’s Dairy, Birmingham, Ala., another Dean’s dairy, is rolling out a similar product: Barber’s Plus ABC. The company promotes the product as: Builds strong teeth and bones; Prevents hypertension; Maintains a natural balance of enzymes; Boosts immunity; Lowers body weight and body fat in adults; Decreases food allergy symptoms; Lowers level of insulin resistance; and Improves blood lipid profiles.

Dairy Foods now offers Dairy Product Innovations, (www.dairyfoods.com/dpi) an e-newsletter focused on new dairy products and new products and services from dairy industry suppliers. Subscribers receive Dairy Product Innovations monthly with the occasional special installation or themed issue focusing on specific niches like artisan cheese or organic and natural foods. To subscribe, visit www.dairyfoods.com.

Noteworthy Introductions

LightFull Foods Inc., San Francisco, reintroduces LightFull Satiety Smoothie in a new 8.25-oz snack-friendly package and with an improved recipe. LightFull’s newly reformulated line now comes in five flavors: Chocolate Satisfaction, Strawberry Bliss, Peachy Cream, Café Latte and Mango Oasis. Each 90-calorie, all-natural smoothie has 5g of fiber and 5g of protein, which helps keep consumers full for two to three hours on average, says the company. The smoothies are sweetened with a blend of erythritol, lo han fruit flavor, a small amount of evaporated cane juice and in LightFull’s fruit flavors, real fruit purée.

Akron, N.Y.-based Perry’s Ice Cream celebrates Buffalo Zoo’s female Asian elephant “Buki” who is turning 50 years old. Made with premium peanut butter ice cream, golden caramel swirls and chocolate-covered peanuts, new Nutty Business is sure to satisfy even an elephant-sized craving for nuts! A portion of the proceeds from the sales of Nutty Business will go toward the “I (heart) Elephants” campaign to help raise money for the renovation of the Zoo’s Elephant House.

International

New from Elvir in France is Elle & Vire Omega 3 Beurre Léger Demi-Sel. It is a half-salted light butter with 41% fat that is claimed to be the first light butter with omega-3 fatty acids derived from a natural source. The butter also has guaranteed levels of vitamins A and E.

Nöm in Austria presents its Fasten Satt + Fit Erdbeer. It is a low-fat and low-calorie probiotic yogurt drink with a strawberry flavor. Tapping into the satiety trend, in which products are infused with specific ingredients to contribute to the feeling of fullness and satisfaction, this product features a special combination of fiber and protein. Fasten Satt + Fit comes in 190-ml plastic bottles and is sold in packs of two.

Merziger Fruchtgetränke Youce drink is a low-calorie orange pineapple soy protein drink formulated with artificial sweeteners and plant sterols. Launched in Germany, it is targeted to busy consumers who do not have the time for a healthy meal. The drink does not require refrigeration, which propels it even further as an on-the-go drink.

Contributed by Felicia McClain, analyst, Global New Products Database (GNPD) Consulting Services, a division of Mintel International, a global research company. For more information call 312/932-0400, or visit www.gnpd.com.