Prepared Foods showcases new soups and stews debuting in November 2019.

General Mills Convenience & Foodservice division, Minneapolis, introduced Pillsbury Freezer-to-Oven Muffin Tops for K-12 school foodservice programs.

“With no thawing or proofing required, foodservice staff simply place and bake the muffins before serving,” the company says. “The new muffins—available in Blueberry or Chocolate Chip varieties—are the latest offering from General Mills to help schools boost breakfast participation and fill their cafeteria with the aroma of fresh-baked goods.”

Last year, General Mills introduced whole grain, freezer-to-oven cinnamon rolls, which can be served as is or customized with various toppings and drizzles.

New Pillsbury Freezer-to-Oven Muffin Tops deliver 1-ounce equivalent grain content with no high-fructose corn syrup and no flavors or colors from artificial sources.

General Mills Convenience & Foodservice division serves the convenience, foodservice and bakery industries. The $1.97 billion division markets Big G cereals as well as products under the Yoplait, Nature Valley, Gold Medal, Pillsbury, Chex Mix, Bugles, Gardetto’s and Annie’s brands.

Foodservice distributor US Foods Holding Corp., Rosemont, Ill, introduced a range of new bakery foods as part of its Fall Scoop 2019 program. The broad new product launch fell under the title, “Global Discovery Made Easy” and showcases products with Latin American, Asian and Middle Eastern influences—as well as authentic regional US tastes.

To help restaurant operators stay competitive and meet this growing demand, US Foods said it collaborated with nationally recognized chefs, Chef Diana Dávila, Chef Thai Dang and Chef Sameh Wadi to advise on many of the globally inspired products.

The line’s Middle Eastern offerings include Devonshire Premium Cheesecake Topped with Honey and Almonds.

Says US Foods, “This decadent cheesecake offers Middle Eastern flavors and is made with mascarpone cheese, cream cheese, real honey and a cardamom-spiced graham cracker crust.”

US Foods’ new line also focuses on Southern cuisine and features a new Devonshire Croissant Beignet (pictured), a twist on the classic beignet made with croissant dough.

“Today’s diners are more adventurous, and they expect diverse, authentic food experiences,” concluded Stacey Kinkaid, US Foods vice president, product development and innovation. “Chef Dávila, Chef Dang and Chef Wadi shared incredibly helpful insights and feedback on Scoop products with Latin American, Middle Eastern and Asian influences, such as al pastor, beef shawarma and bulgogi beef. By focusing our efforts on items our operators would normally not have the time, resources or experience to create on their own, we have delivered turnkey solutions they can add to their menus with confidence.”

J&J Snack Foods, Pennsauken, N.J., used this year’s National Restaurant Association show to introduce Authentic Loop Churros under the California Churros brand.

“With new churro equipment imported from Spain, J&J Snack Foods is making churros that are more authentic to their true Spanish style than ever before,” the company said. “Indulging in this sweet pastry dough rolled in cinnamon sugar is reminiscent of sitting outside at a café in the streets of Europe. These hand-crafted, loop-shaped churros are new to the California Churro brand and take the churro back to its origins, capturing the style that the Spanish shepherds first developed.”

Officials say the churros “are light and fluffy on the inside with a crispy exterior, similar to the traditional California Churros,” from J&J Snack Foods. Moreover, the churros create the “instagrammable moments” when dipped in chocolate, glazed with icing, rolled in sprinkles, or served with ice cream. They are a simple addition to an upscale menu as a dessert, appetizer, or even coffee pairing.

J&J Snack Foods’ other bakery brands and businesses include Superpretzel Soft Pretzels, Tio Pepe’s and California Churros, The Funnel Cake Factory, Daddy Ray’s, Country Home Bakers and Hill & Valley.