News Briefs

Little Bites is bringing all the fun flavors of fall to its latest limited-edition snack — apple cinnamon muffins.

Available through March, the muffins are made with real apple, cinnamon and no high fructose corn syrup or trans-fat, the company said.  

“For more than 20 years, we’ve continued to release flavor innovations that make snacking just as fun as it is delicious. That’s why we’re excited to reintroduce Little Bites apple cinnamon muffins this fall!” said Moira Flood, senior brand manager for Little Bites Snacks. “As the perfect addition to all of your favorite festivities this season, our limited-edition apple cinnamon muffins are guaranteed to help families make memories on-the-go.”

Packaged in pre-portioned pouches that clock in at 200 calories per serving, consumers can find Little Bites’ apple cinnamon muffins available for purchase at most retailers nationwide.

Haribo has a brand-new triple-layered gummy with a soft and sweet chew.

Berry Clouds, which come in cloud shapes that highlight their soft and fluffy texture, are available in a mixed assortment that includes blueberry, wildberry and strawberry flavors.

“We know that gummi fans are looking for texture and flavor excitement, so we created an unexpected treat that delivered on both,” said Rick LaBerge, chief commercial officer at Haribo of America. “The result is an innovative, whimsical take on gummi shapes that are sure to spark joy for Haribo fans of all ages, especially on National Candy Day.”

Consumers can find Haribo’s Berry Clouds available for purchase in small, medium and large peg bags at major retailers across the nation.

Califia Farms is adding a new dairy-free product to its portfolio — Heavy Whip.

The plant-based swap for heavy whipping cream is unflavored and unsweetened, and can be used exactly as dairy-heavy whipping cream when cooking, the Los Angeles-based company said.

Made from a coconut oil base, Califia Farms’ Heavy Whip comes in a 16.9-oz. carton that can be found in the refrigerated aisle of Whole Foods Markets and Sprouts Farmers Market among other retailers for a suggested retail price of $4.89.

General Mills is continuing its multi-year collaboration with Marvel by releasing two fruit-flavored snacks.

Inspired by its superhero characters, new launches consumers can be on the lookout for include:

• Marvel Avengers Character Fruit Snacks: Gummy treats made without artificial flavors, featured characters include Black Panther, Iron Man and Thor; and
• Black Panther Fruit Roll-Ups: Available in strawberry sensation and blue raspberry flavors, each features Black Panther tongue tattoos on each roll.

Consumers can find the Marvel Avengers Character Fruit Snacks and Black Panther Fruit Roll-Ups at retailers nationwide.

Just in time for the upcoming holiday season, Hostess Brands is putting a seasonal twist on four of its classic and iconic snacks.

New launches from the brand include Holiday HoHos, Holiday CupCakes, Mint Chocolate Flavored Twinkies and Hot Cocoa & Marshmallow Flavored Donettes.

“With the holiday season right around the corner, consumers are anticipating the return of special flavors that capture the joy, delight and traditions of the season,” said Christopher Balach, general manager of Hostess Brands. “From the classic chocolate sponge cake and refreshing mint flavor of our Mint Chocolate Flavored Twinkies to the rich and creamy hot chocolate flavor of our Hot Cocoa & Marshmallow Flavored Donettes, we think consumers will love our holiday snacks.”

Each of Hostess’ seasonal snacks will be available for a limited time in a multi-pack at grocery retailers nationwide.  

Pharmacy Quality Solutions is releasing the next-generation EQUIPP platform, which enables pharmacy-based patient care for nearly 95% of pharmacies across the country.

The redesigned EQUIPP facilitates pharmacies’ efforts to guide performance improvement.

The re-architected EQUIPP platform now provides a better user experience and makes it even easier for pharmacists to guide medication-related performance improvement. It also allows PQS to expand clinical service opportunities for pharmacies, the company said. 

“EQUIPP was rebuilt from the ground up to make it straightforward for our users to deliver quality performance,” said PQS chief operating officer Nancy Chung. “We listened to our partners and made the platform easier to navigate, so data could be accessed quickly and displayed in a way that can be clearly understood by our users."

New EQUIPP highlights include:

• New patient-centered view: users can see patients with multiple measures in one view;
• All patients are listed for each measure, not just outliers, so pharmacists can identify patients before they negatively impact performance;
• Easier ways to prioritize patient opportunities, filter and customize the dashboard;
• Streamlined intervention coordination: ability to print, document, and coordinate care; and
• Access EQUIPP your way via desktop, tablet, or phone.

“As a neutral intermediary who supports the evolution towards value-based care, we align payers and providers to enhance quality and improve outcomes for their shared patients,” said PQS CEO Todd Sega. “When we redesigned EQUIPP, we utilized a more flexible architecture that has allowed us to create more pay-for-performance and value-based programs to help our partners close gaps in patient care, deliver enhanced services, and prepare for the shifting role of pharmacies as healthcare destinations.”