Del Monte Launches New 'No Sugar Added' Products for Better Health

08/01/07 It’s no secret that health and weight loss are among the top New Year’s resolutions for consumers. To help consumers achieve their goals and live healthier lives, Del Monte Foods announced another innovation with the launch of new Del Monte No Sugar Added peaches, pears and fruit cocktail. The new line of high-quality, great-tasting fruit provides all of the wholesome nutrition and great taste that you would expect from Del Monte – with 50% - 70% fewer calories and sugar versus fruit in heavy syrup.

Research continues to support the health benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. And while the United States Department of Agriculture and Health and Human Services recommends consuming two cups of fruit each day, studies indicate that most Americans eat less than half the recommended daily amount. In addition, diabetes rates are expected to rise, even double, in the next 25 years. New products, like Del Monte No Sugar Added, make it easier to eat more fruit as part of a balanced diet and are perfect for consumers who are looking to reduce their sugar intake.

“At Del Monte Foods, we are passionate about nourishing families and enriching lives every day. We understand that there is a critical need to get everyone in the family to eat more fruit as part of a healthy diet,” said Brian Ricci, Director of Marketing, Del Monte Fruit. “Picked and packed at the peak of flavor and freshness, Del Monte’s new No Sugar Added products are a delicious and convenient way to enjoy the goodness of fruit, without the added sugar.”

Del Monte No Sugar Added is available in both canned and plastic varieties that are sprouting up in major retailers starting this month. The product is sweetened with SPLENDA Brand Sweetener, so it has the great taste you’d expect from Del Monte and is perfect for consumers with diabetes. The new Del Monte No Sugar Added products will replace the Company’s Carb Clever products, launched in 2004.

New Year, New You…Living a More Fruitful Life

“Studies show that eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and play a role in weight management,” said Dean Ornish, M.D., Founder and Director of the non-profit Preventive Medicine Research Institute. “An optimal diet is low in both fat and refined carbohydrates, like sugar, and high in whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and soy products in their natural forms, which are naturally low in fat and high in unrefined carbohydrates.”

According to Dr. Ornish, fruits are naturally low calorie foods that are excellent sources of hundreds of protective substances including vitamins, minerals and fiber. New products that are lower in calories and sugar help meet the growing needs of Americans to lower their weight and manage their blood sugar levels.

Looking to live a more fruitful life? Try these simple tips to make Del Monte No Sugar Added fruits a part of a healthy lifestyle:

* A more fruitful Workout: It’s no secret that eating a well-balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting physically fit are a perfect combination to stay healthy year-round. Whether you have 15 minutes to take a walk or an hour at the gym, Del Monte No Sugar Added fruit provides a perfect pre- or post-workout snack.

* On-the-Go Nutrition: Long rides in the car to shuttle kids to sports practice, music lessons, and everything in between? Take a well-deserved snack break and enjoy a serving of fruit with Del Monte No Sugar Added; available in 8 oz. cans and 4 oz. plastic fruit cups. No guilt…just healthful fruit that will keep you moving.

* Savvy Snacking: Looking for ways to resist the 3:00 p.m. urge to hit the vending machine? Consider stashing a variety of Del Monte No Sugar Added plastic fruit cups in your desk drawer for a quick, healthy and delicious snack. Talk about savvy snacking…with 25 calories in each plastic cup, Del Monte No Sugar Added offers the perfect snack without the guilt.

Del Monte No Sugar Added fruit, located in the canned-fruit aisle, is available now. The product currently retails nationally at $0.99 (8.25 oz. metal can), $1.59 (14.5 oz. metal can) and $2.59 (4 pack of 3.75 oz. plastic Fruit Cups).