December 19/Northfield, Ill./PRNewswire -- Busy consumers demand simplified and smart meal solutions, yet are more eager to try robust new flavor combinations, Kraft Foods has surmised, noting it is feeding this hunger for bold flavors, easy meal solutions and delicious better-for-you offerings with more than 70 new product innovations in the coming year.

"Americans are having more interactive experiences with food and want the opportunity to do some of the cooking themselves," comments Barry Calpino, vice president, Breakthrough Innovation, Kraft Foods.  "With global influence and the merging of different cultures, consumers are open to new flavor combinations.  Being able to customize the flavor and texture to enhance the end dish is important and Kraft Foods is delivering."  

Easy Meal Solutions
Making it easier for consumer to try new flavors, Kraft Foods is unveiling convenient meal solutions that combine contemporary and robust flavors including Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit, Kraft Fresh Take and Velveeta Cheesy Skillets Dinner Kit.  Complete with perfectly paired cooking sauces, like Zesty Fajita and Teriyaki Ginger, and salad dressings, such as Barbecue Ranch and Toasted Sesame, the Kraft Sizzling Salads line lets the consumer add chicken and vegetables for a dinner in less than 20 minutes.  In the refrigerated dairy section of stores in January, new Kraft Fresh Take takes the guesswork out of serving up inviting flavor combinations.  Made from a special blend of Kraft Natural Cheeses and breadcrumbs seasoned with unique spice blends like Rosemary & Roasted Garlic, Chili Lime & Panko, and Southwest Three Cheese, Kraft Fresh Take is perfect for chicken, pork or fish.

Also providing a more interactive and customizable cooking experience for consumers, the recently introduced Velveeta Cheesy Skillets Dinner Kits debut three new flavor combinations including Chicken Alfredo, Chili Cheese Mac and Tuna Melt in the new year.  And a sizzling new Oscar Mayer Butcher Thick Cut Bacon promises authentic, hand-trimmed bacon made with sea salt.  Available in two varieties -- Applewood Smoked and Hickory Smoked -- consumers will also notice the new premium Oscar Mayer Bacon packaging. 

New Beverages Offer Energy Benefits
The water enhancer MiO has unveiled new MiO Energy Liquid Water Enhancer in Black Cherry and Green Thunder flavors.  When one squirt -- about half a teaspoon -- of MiO Energy is mixed with eight ounces of water, the resulting delicious beverage also has 60mg of caffeine -- about the same as a six-ounce cup of coffee,  as well as B vitamins. Kraft has also introduced a new Crystal Light -- Energy Powdered Drink Mix in three varieties including Citrus, Grape and Peach Mango On The Go. 

Better-For-You Offerings
Knowing that consumers also want more better-for-you options, Kraft Foods is bringing a nutritious European favorite to the U.S. via the introduction of belVita Breakfast Biscuits.  A delicious crunchy biscuit baked with whole grains, this unique on-the-go breakfast delivers sustained energy for the morning.  Soon to be available nationwide in the refrigerated dairy case, Kraft MilkBite Milk and Granola Bars deliver the calcium of an 8oz. glass of milk in a delicious, soft bar texture.  Made with real milk, Kraft MilkBite bars come in five flavors.  Kraft Foods is expanding the popular Philadelphia Cooking Creme line with new better-for-you varieties including Reduced Fat Italian Cheese & Herb and Reduced Fat Savory Garlic.

Lunchables Lunch Combinations is expanding its better-for-you options in 2012 to feature more varieties available with fruit, including Turkey + Cheddar Flatbread Sandwich with applesauce, Ham + American Flatbread Sandwich with applesauce, and BBQ Chicken Dippers with pineapple tidbits in 100% pineapple juice. In addition, Kraft Foods reinvented SnackWell's category continues to grow: new SnackWell's Cinnamon Creme Drizzles Caramel Popcorn and Peanut Butter Flavored Pretzels are 130 calories and 110 calories per pack, respectively.  And Planters Natural Creamy Peanut Butter Spread is a delicious nutrient-dense energy source and plant-based protein.  There is even innovative news in confectionery, as sugar-free gum gets a boost with Stride Spark Kinetic Berry Sugar Free Gum.  A distinctly berry blend, with a touch of sour, this new sugar-free gum features B vitamins. 

Indulgent Inspirations
While consumers have long enjoyed the rich coffee experience of Gevalia, up until now this Swiss delicacy was only available through in-home delivery.  Starting this month, Gevalia Kaffe Coffee is now offering its top 10 varieties for sale in coffee supermarket aisles nationwide.  And when it comes to the rich taste of chocolate, there's a new treat hitting store shelves in January that consumers are sure to enjoy.  Philadelphia Indulgence Spreads feature real, luscious chocolate (Dark, Milk and White) with the rich creaminess of Philadelphia Cream Cheese.  And for those looking for a unique gift idea for the holidays and beyond, Toblerone Tobelle features classic Toblerone Milk Chocolate in extra thin triangle pieces.

 From the December 20, 2011, Prepared Foods' Daily News.