Consumables

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Mars Chocolate this week showcased some of its soon-to-be-launched confections and snacks at the National Confectioners Association's Sweets and Snacks Show.

Such items slated to hit retail in the coming months are:

• Dove Silky Smooth cookies and crème, which blends white chocolate with crunchy chocolate cookie bits. The product will be available in September for a suggested retail price of $1.09 for a 1.34-oz. single bar; $2.29 for a 3.07-oz. large bar and $3.49 for an 8-oz. bag of Dove Promises;

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Energy drink brand Red Bull is extending its line to include Red Bull Total Zero, a beverage that is free of calories, carbohydrates and sugar.

The company said the new product is a "natural extension of the product portfolio," which current includes Red Bull and Red Bull sugar-free energy drinks, and provides the same amount of energy as the original products. The company also noted that the decision to launch the product was prompted by the fact that more consumers are becoming more health conscious.

CHICAGO — Motherhood influences the way women shop, according to Mintel research.

The research firm found that being a mother influences shopping habits as an increased emphasis is put on the safety, value and nutrition of everyday purchases:

• More than half of moms who only have children younger than 6 years old (51%) said they question how safe things are for their children to eat, use and wear;

• 40% said think about the long-term impact products have on their children;

CAMDEN, N.J. — Campbell's is making its V8 V-Fusion line bubbly.

New V8 V-Fusion Sparkling juice drinks are carbonated beverages that tout 50 calories per serving and provide a combined serving of fruits and vegetables without any added sugar, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, the company said.

CHICAGO — YoCrunch has launched its latest yogurt that features a mix-in topping.

The company said its low-fat vanilla yogurt now is available with a Chips Ahoy! cookie pieces topping.

"The addition of Chips Ahoy! topping to the YoCrunch line of yogurts offers crunchy mix-ins in a portable yogurt package, and delivers on our promise of 'great yogurt. Real fun!,'" YoCrunch SVP marketing Ralph Tschantz said.

LOS ANGELES — Nestlé Crunch has launched Nestlé Crunch Girl Scout candy bars.

The limited-edition line, produced under license from Girl Scouts of the USA, is inspired by the three most popular flavors of Girl Scout cookies: Thin Mints, peanut butter crème and caramel and coconut flavors. The launch is in line with the organization's 100th anniversary

TREVOSE, Pa. — A new addition has joined Sorbee's line of Country Time lemonade-flavored candy.

New Country Time chew candy will be available in an assortment of flavors, including lemonade, pink lemonade, peach lemonade and raspberry lemonade. Sorbee said its latest product combines the great tasting flavors designed its product development team and the strength of the Country Time brand, which is owned by Kraft Foods.

ST. LOUIS — Budweiser is kicking off summer by dressing its bottles in the colors of the American flag for a limited time.

The new patriotic design is in conjunction with an initiative through which Budweiser will contribute a portion of all sales from from May 20 to July 7, up to $2.5 million, to the Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides post-secondary educational scholarships for families of U.S. military personnel killed or disabled while serving their country.