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Responding to consumer demands for simplified meal solutions, robust new flavor combinations and customized taste enhancements, Kraft Foods Inc. is launching more than 70 new targeted product innovations.

“Americans are having more interactive experiences with food and want the opportunity to do some of the cooking themselves,” said Barry Calpino, Kraft’s VP of breakthrough innovation. “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.”

Meal Solutions
Making it easier for today’s consumer to try new flavors, Kraft 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 cooking sauces like Zesty Fajita and Teriyaki Ginger, and salad dressings such as Barbecue Ranch and Toasted Sesame, the Kraft Sizzling Salads line lets consumers add their own chicken and vegetable choices for a delicious 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 well suited 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. The consumer adds ground beef, chicken or tuna to the skillet for a complete family meal.

Additionally, new Oscar Mayer Butcher Thick Cut Bacon that offers authentic, hand-trimmed bacon made with sea salt. It’s available in two varieties – Applewood Smoked and Hickory Smoked – and features new premium Oscar Mayer Bacon packaging.

Energy Beverages
2011’s new 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 8 ounces of water, the resulting delicious beverage also has 60 mg of caffeine (about the same as a 6-ounce cup of coffee), as well as B vitamins. Consumers also can enjoy a new offering from Crystal Light: Energy Powdered Drink Mix in three varieties including Citrus, Grape and Peach Mango On The Go.

Better-for-you Offerings
Kraft is bringing a nutritious European favorite to the United States with BelVita Breakfast Biscuits. A 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 8-ounce glass of milk in a delicious, soft-texture bar. Made with real milk, Kraft MilkBite bars come in five flavors.

Kraft is expanding its 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 percent pineapple juice.

In addition, Kraft’s reinvented SnackWell’s category continues to delight consumers with portioned indulgent snacks. New SnackWell’s Cinnamon Creme Drizzles Caramel Popcorn and Peanut Butter Flavored Pretzels are 130 calories and 110 calories per pack, respectively. And America's leading snack nut brand has introduced Planters Natural Creamy Peanut Butter Spread, a nutrient-dense energy source and plant-based protein.

Meanwhile, in confectionery, 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 to awaken the taste buds.

Indulgent Inspirations
While consumers have long enjoyed the rich coffee experience of Gevalia, up until now this Swedish 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.

Hitting store shelves in January, Philadelphia Indulgence Spreads feature real chocolate (dark, milk and white) with the rich creaminess of Philadelphia Cream Cheese, suitable for dipping and spreading with pretzels, fruit and more. For those looking for a unique gift idea for the holidays and beyond, Toblerone Tobelle features classic Toblerone Milk Chocolate in extra-thin triangular pieces.

Northfield, Ill.-based Kraft Foods Inc. markets biscuits, confectionery, beverages, cheese, grocery products and convenient meals in approximately 170 countries, under brands including Cadbury, Maxwell House, Milka, Nabisco, Oreo, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia, Tang and Trident.