Consumables

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — It seems that some Americans look for such claims as "natural," "organic" and "grown in the USA" on food labels.

According to the annual Eco Pulse survey conducted by the Shelton Group — an advertising and research firm that focuses on marketing green products to U.S. shoppers — among 1,013 Americans that were asked what the best description to read on a food label:

• 25% of consumers said they preferred to see "100 percent natural" or "all natural;"

PITTSBURGH — American Beverage has reformulated its Little Hug Fruit Barrels beverage line for kids.

The drinks now tout just 10 calories and have been fortified with vitamins B and E. Additionally, Little Hug Fruit Barrels' packaging has been updated to feature bright colors and a new brand logo.

MINNEAPOLIS — Fiber One is adding a breakfast choice to its lineup of products.

New Fiber One 80 Calories cereal is a honey-flavored cereal that provides 10 g of fiber per serving, in addition to calcium, iron, B vitamins, folic acid and zinc, according to the company.

LA JOLLA, Calif. — Kashi has entered the pita chips game.

New Kashi TLC Pita Crisps in Sea Salt feature a combination of whole grains and cracked wheat berries with a sprinkling of natural sea salt, while Zesty Salsa Pita Crisps feature a savory blend of herbs, spices and veggies, including onions, tomato, peppers and cilantro.

Kashi TLC Pita Crisps are available in grocery stores nationwide beginning this month.

LA JOLLA, Calif. — Natural food company Bear Naked is giving consumers a boost with a new breakfast cereal.

Bear Naked Nut Cluster Crunch is a blend of hearty flakes and energy-dense, crunchy clusters made with toasted nuts, whole-grain oats and puffed wheat. The company said that the cereal, which is available in honey almond and maple nut varieties, was designed to give busy, active people the natural energy they need to make the most of their morning.

BOSTON — More and more success at retail is contingent upon delivering what the consumer wants, when she wants it, where she wants it and at the price she wants it.

According to a panel of consumer manufacturers and retail executives from Navarro Discount Pharmacies and Rite Aid, she wants fresh, health and wellness all neatly packaged with a value-priced bow. And she wants it in the drug channel.

BOSTON — Yabba-Dabba-Doo! Post's new Pebbles Treats snack bars come in Fruity and Cocoa flavors, and are packed in boxes of eight single-serve bars.

The new Pebbles snack bars tap into the $185-million rice treat category, according to SymphonyIRI Group data through the end of 2010 in food, drug and mass including Walmart, and also tie into the new gluten-free movement.

The new snack bars performed well in test markets, exceeding volume forecasts for fiscal 2011 by more than 20%, according to Post.

BOSTON — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores’ Meet the Market program on Saturday afforded the more than 250 retail buyers in attendance a bit of a preview of what new product ideas and launches will be showcased at the conference.