For individuals battling decreased appetite and energy, unintentional weight loss and fatigue while undergoing cancer treatment, Hormel Foods has introduced the HORMEL VITAL CUISINE™ line of packaged Ready to Eat meals, nutrition shakes and whey protein powders. Designed specifically to support the unique nutritional needs of cancer patients, the product portfolio is power-packed with nutrition, providing a much-needed balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

Developed with support from experts at the Cancer Nutrition Consortium (CNC), an organization comprised of nutritionists, dieticians, oncologists, and physicians from leading cancer research institutions, along with professional chefs, HORMEL VITAL CUISINE™ products are nutrient- and protein-rich, a huge benefit to patients who often battle a drastic loss of energy and muscle mass while going through cancer treatment. To ensure great taste, product developers also worked alongside some of the country's top chefs including chefs from the Culinary Institute of America.

The HORMEL VITAL CUISINE(tm) Ready to Eat product line is just the latest innovative addition to the already strong lineup, which includes Protein Nutrition Shakes and 100% Whey Protein Drink Mix.

"During product development, we brought together researchers in both the health and culinary fields to ensure a thorough understanding of a patient's needs during various phases of treatment," says Chet S. Rao, Ph.D., strategy and business manager for the specialty foods group at Hormel Foods. "This product line was thoughtfully crafted, since many product attributes such as flavor, texture, and ingredients are known to affect patients differently during their cancer journey, during which eating and drinking can be challenging."

"Most cancer patients are too tired to make a meal, or even shop for it. Yet the importance of good, consistent nutrition can't be overstated," says Dr. Bruce Moskowitz, physician and chairman of the CNC. "We saw an opportunity to address these issues. So in 2014, we embarked on this endeavor with Hormel Health Labs (HHL) to improve cancer patients' quality of life."

HORMEL VITAL CUISINE™ Ready to Eat Meals feature three high-protein varieties—chicken and dumpling, vegetarian stew, and beef and mushroom gravy. Because of the company's efforts to eliminate unnecessary ingredients that are known to affect consumers' taste and smell sensitivities, they are an ideal, convenient solution for people undergoing cancer treatment.

"While the main goal of these products is to provide balanced nutrition and supply calories to cancer patients, we knew it was critical that the products also offer great flavor and smooth textures," says Ronald DeSantis, certified master chef and director of culinary excellence and quality assurance for Yale Dining. "The HORMEL VITAL CUISINE™ Ready to Eat meals are hearty, nutrient dense and flavorful options that you can easily prepare for your loved ones, while also feeling confident that they're getting what they need."

The HORMEL VITAL CUISINE™ Ready to Eat product line is just the latest innovative addition to the already strong lineup, which includes Protein Nutrition Shakes and 100% Whey Protein Drink Mix. Now available for pre-order purchase at vitalcuisine.com, a portion of the proceeds from all product sales will benefit the CNC as it continues outreach and research to empower patients throughout their treatment.

About Hormel Foods

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minn., is a multinational manufacturer and marketer of consumer-branded food and meat products, many of which are among the best known and trusted in the food industry. Hormel Foods, which leverages its extensive expertise, innovation and high competencies in pork and turkey processing and marketing to bring branded, value-added products to the global marketplace, will celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2016. The company is a member of the Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index, S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, and was named one of "The 100 Best Corporate Citizens" by Corporate Responsibility Magazine for the seventh year in a row. Hormel Foods also received a perfect score on the 2016 Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index, was recognized on the 2015 Best for Vets Employers List by Military Times, and was named one of the 2015 40 Best Companies for Leaders by Chief Executive magazine. The company enjoys a strong reputation among consumers, retail grocers, foodservice and industrial customers for products highly regarded for quality, taste, nutrition, convenience and value.

For more information, visit http://www.hormelfoods.com and http://2014csr.hormelfoods.com/.

About Hormel Health Labs

Hormel Health Labs is a subsidiary of Hormel Foods Corporation and offers foods, beverages and specialty items to the healthcare market both to facilities and now to those at home. Hormel Health Labs provides high quality, easy-to-prepare foods, beverages and specialty products for individuals with swallowing difficulties, at risk for malnutrition or with other specific nutritional needs.