Flavors galore in new meal, soup offerings

August 09, 2011

General Mills Corporate Communications

It’s no longer news that people are eating more meals in their homes. According to the marketing group NPD, the percentage of meals consumed in the home hit a high for the decade in 2010.

While researchers might correctly chalk it up to the economy, what drives consumers to certain products is taste, ease of preparation and cleanup. Cost doesn’t top the list.   With taste and affordability in mind, General Mills is rolling out new flavors in various brands, including Hamburger Helper and Macaroni Grill, the latter featuring a new frozen entrée.

There also is a shelf full of new Progresso soups, Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers in new flavors and economy sizes, and a Yoplait Frozen Chocolate Banana Smoothie.

Hamburger Helper fans seem to favor cheese flavors, so the brand has added Ultimate Cheeseburger Macaroni and Cheesy Beef Pasta to its lineup.

Extending the line also addresses consumer demand for more variety in their at-home meals.

Helper meals ensure dinner in less than half an hour. Adding ground beef, a canned vegetable and milk keeps the cost per family member at around a $1.50 per serving.

Macaroni Grill Classic Lasagna features no-boil noodles, sauce and seasoning. Just add meat and cheese.

Once again, this fits consumer demand: Nearly 3 in 10 Italian meals served in the home for dinner are lasagna.

Because the two-serving category has seen 19 percent growth compared with two years ago, according to AC Nielsen, Macaroni Grill also is presenting new Grilled Chicken Alfredo and Chicken Penne Primavera frozen entrees.

This pair broadens the pasta and vegetable entries in this restaurant-inspired line.

Progresso understands that soup lovers also want variety, and it’s offering plenty of that.

To start, Progresso is introducing Mediterranean inspired flavors in its Roasted Chicken Primavera and Chicken Orzo with Lemon varieties of ready-to-eat soup.

You’ll see some unique ingredients in these, including orzo, red bell peppers and basil.

The brand is also bringing Chicken Broth – Unsalted, and Tuscany Chicken Broth, to store shelves. People who enjoy cooking want customization, and the Tuscany variety fits the bill. It's inspired by the Tuscan cooking style that features thyme, rosemary and basil.

As if that’s not enough variety, the Progresso Rich Hearty line has introduced:

• Loaded Potato with Bacon
• Steak Burger and Country Vegetable
• Hearty Chicken Pot Pie
• Creamy Roasted Chicken Wild Rice

Green Giant has two new products in its Valley Fresh Steamer line. Pasta and Veg with Alfredo Sauce, and Broccoli with Mac and Cheese flavors give moms a boost as they try to get their kids to eat vegetables.

For those who mix pasta with their vegetables, the job is already done.

These are also a healthy side dish for the whole family, and come in an easy-to-steam microwave package.

Green Giant is also introducing something for larger families. Those would be value sizes of its Broccoli Three Cheese Sauce, Niblets Corn and Butter Sauce, and Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower Cheese Sauce.

Yoplait brings chocolate lovers a smoothie that can be a snack or a dessert.

When you add milk and blend, the Chocolate Banana Smoothie has 120 calories per serving, 50 percent of the Daily Value of calcium, and live yogurt cultures.

 

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