Consumables

BALTIMORE, Md. — True Citrus said that four of its products now are available in stores nationwide.

True Citrus said that its crystallized beverages, which come in on-the-go stick packets, now can be found in the powdered drink mix section of many retailers, including supermarkets, mass merchandisers, convenience stores and Walmart supercenters.

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Keebler has introduced a wholesome sweet treat.

New Keebler granola fudge bars feature oats, rice, honey and real Keebler fudge, and are a good source of fiber and whole grains, the brand said.

Keebler granola fudge bars are available at retailers nationwide in the granola bar aisle for a suggested retail price of $3.09.

NEW YORK — Planters is bringing back its peanut butter business, according to published reports.

The company, which recently gave its Mr. Peanut brand mascot the chance to speak — giving him the voice of Robert Downey, Jr. — will reintroduce creamy and crunch peanut butter varieties, according to a New York Times blog. To mark the return into the peanut butter category, Planters is introducing a mascot for the products who will be called Peanut Butter Doug, the Times said.

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill. — A popcorn seasoning brand has launched its all-natural, ready-to-eat popcorn in four kosher varieties.

Kernel Season's said each of its popcorn varieties are made with natural sunflower oil, real cheese and clarified butter, and are free of trans fat per serving, artificial colors or flavors. The company debuted the popcorn this past May at the annual Sweets & Snacks Expo.


The snack is back! Judging from the amount of growth within the 
nutritional bar category in the past year, snacking is definitely en vogue. 
Incremental annual sales totaled $117.5 million across food, drug and mass retailers, with the exception of Walmart, according to SymphonyIRI Group. Out of all over-the-counter growth categories for the 52 weeks ended April 17, nutritional bars as a category took in more dollars on top of what they had generated the year before than any other category, bar none. 



Sports drinks and energy beverages remain the driving forces behind the beverage category. Dollar volume across all three channels for both segments spiked nearly 15% for the 12-week period ended April 17, according to SymphonyIRI Group data.


NEW YORK — A new study recently estimated that 5.9 million children in the United States suffer from a food allergy.

The study, published in the July issue of Pediatrics, also found that children with a tree nut or peanut allergy tend to have the most severe reactions, with nearly 39% of children ages 18 years and younger surveyed saying they had a severe or life-threatening allergy. Additionally, more than 30% of children surveyed said they suffered from multiple food allergies.

The study was funded by the Food Allergy Initiative.

NORTHFIELD, Ill. — Kraft’s new entry in the water-
flavoring category, MiO Liquid Water Enhancer, is the first new product category the company has entered in 15 years. The zero-calorie line of concentrated liquid flavorings packaged in a sleek egg-shaped dropper bottle clearly is different than other water enhancers on the market. Promotion for the product focuses on “personalizing” flavors.