Sabra June Blog Watch

Hummus Guide
Best Supermarket Hummus....View Article

Home Cooking Formula
Product Review: Sabra Supremely Spicy Hummus...View Article

Bob's Family Recipes
Semi Middle Eastern Breakfast...View Article

For the Love of Food
Less Stress Time to Cook...View Article

Blue Plate Special
Office Eating...View Article

Carrots 'n Cake
You Are What You Eat...View Article

N Her Shoes
Jer June Foodie Fridge...View Article

Baby and Bump
Wild Pregnancy Brain...View Article

Johnny's List of Weird Boston Events & More
June Events...View Article

Mommy Poppins
Healthy, Quick and Easy No Cook Family Dinner Ideas...View Article

Today's Diet and Nutrition

June 17, 2009

http://www.todaysdietandnutrition.com/editors_picks.shtml

Cuisine

NEW Snacking on the Go Do your busy days lead you to unhealthy vending machine offerings more than you like? For a new go-to snack that’s portable and portioned, try Sabra’s To Go! With Pretzel Crisps. A ready-to-eat snack option with your pick of either hummus or salsa, each portion comes with a side of crispy pretzel chips that are perfect for dipping and taste great. Available in classic, roasted red pepper, and roasted garlic hummus flavors and mild to zesty salsa, this snack is a no-trans fat, no-cholesterol treat you can take anywhere. (www.sabra.com) - JS

International Cooking with Sabra

Bethanny Frankel Talks about Sabra

USAGE REPORT: NATURALLY THIN SMT

Total Impressions
7,298,279

LOCAL MARKET CLEARANCE

Viewer Impressions
265,649
Number Of Airings
9

Associated Content

Product Review: Sabra Supremely Spicy Hummus
June 25, 2009
View Article

What exactly is hummus?

Hummus is a spread made from cooked, mashed chickpeas, mixed with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic. It is very popular throughout the Middle East and among health conscious Americans. Chickpeas are one of the earliest cultivated vegetables and are also known as garbanzo

beans, Indian peas, and several other names. They are an edible legume that is high in protein.

Sabra Supremely Spicy Hummus Nutrition Info

Serving Size: 2 Tbsp (1 oz.)
Calories: 80
Fat calories: 60
Total fat: 6 g
Saturated fat: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 150 mg
Total Carb: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 2g

Sabra Supremely Spicy Hummus Ingredients

Ingredients: Cooked chick peas (chick peas [garbanzos], water), tahini (ground sesame), soy bean and/or canola oil, garlic, salt, citric acid, hot red chili pepper, red bell pepper, natural flavors, potassium sorbate added to maintain freshness

How Does Sabra Supremely Spicy Hummus Taste?

This hummus is smooth, creamy, and rich in taste. It does have a very defined spicy kick to it. In the middle of the container are some roasted red peppers that offer even more spice. You can eat around the peppers if you want a milder taste, but mixing them in with the hummus make it extremely spicy and delicious.

Thoughts On Sabra Supremely Spicy Hummus

If you've never had hummus before this is not the one to start with. You might be better off starting with a roasted red pepper or garlic hummus that doesn't have much spice but still has great taste.

And how do you eat it? Spicy hummus can be used on crackers, with vegetable like celery, or just on its own. One great tip for this supremely spicy hummus is to put some on a tortilla, add black beans, add cheese and salsa. Roll it and eat a delicious little treat!

Another Reason To Buy Sabra Supremely Spicy Hummus

Besides the great taste, this is a product made in the U.S.A. It is made by Sabra Dipping Company in Astoria, N.Y. Buying it will not only help you eat healthier and have great tasting food, but will help support American jobs. While you eat your hummus you can revel in the fact that you are helping the American economy.

Refridgerated & Frozen Foods

Sabra Spinach & Artichoke hummus
June 15, 2009
View Article

Spread the news. Consumer interest in spinach and artichoke flavors led Sabra Dipping Company LLC, Astoria, N.Y., to add Spinach & Artichoke hummus to the company’s refrigerated dips and spreads line. The new retail 10-ounce spread is cholesterol free and contains no trans fats. It carries a suggested retail of $3.99 and is available nationwide in supermarkets, in-store deli departments and at convenience stores.

Advertising Age

November 17, 2008
Circulation: 56,650
Visitors per month: 627,491

Advertising Age Honors the Top Brands of the Year -- and the Brains Behind Them
Sabra: A Marketing 50 Case Study

Chances are when shopping for hummus at your local grocer, you know those red lids belong to the Sabra family of Mediterranean spreads. In the process, you're one of more than 80 million
consumer impressions the brand has made in 2008.


Rodrigo Troni, chief marketing officer of Sabra Dipping Co., credits much of the brand's rise -
- a 73% growth spurt in 2007, topping off at close to $70 million in sales -- to strong wordof-
mouth and a consumer pride in discovering new food trends.

"Consumers love being in the know and trying new things," says Mr. Troni, 42. "It's all about allowing the consumer to enjoy this behavior of discovery."

The brand loyalty shows. Sabra claims it holds 33% of a nearly $400 million refrigerated-spreads segment that Mr. Troni says is the fastest growing area of the $2 billion refrigerated-dips-and-spreads market.

With a new PepsiCo partnership, Strauss Group plans to grow Sabra's market penetration. "PepsiCo is very good at delivering consumer insights," Mr. Troni says. "They will help Sabra sharpen its segmentation.

We'll be able to articulate ... benefits much better than before."

Fancy Food & Culinary Products

November 2008
Circulation: 22,663

R&FF Retailer

December 8, 2009
Circulation: 20,500


Sabra Foods Appoints StrawberryFrog New Agency of Record

Astoria, NY December 8 2008 -- Sabra (www.sabra.com) the leading manufacturer of refrigerated Mediterranean dips and spreads, has announced that StrawberryFrog (www.StrawberryFrog.com) will be the company's new advertising agency of record.

"We're happy to appoint StrawberryFrog as our new advertising and communications agency. We selected StrawberryFrog as our partner for their exceptional insight, creative excellence and proven track record of delivering effective and innovative advertising," said Rodrigo Troni, Sabra's Chief Marketing Officer. "StrawberryFrog joins us at a very exciting time for the company, when we are making important product and marketing investments in a mass movement for new and tastier food experiences."

Sabra is a very special brand with tremendous momentum, I don't think I've come across anything like this in my career. Our mandate is to work in close cooperation with Sabra's management to turn this momentum into a Cultural Movement that invites consumers to be part of something bigger and more meaningful. We are thrilled to begin a relationship with Sabra in this new chapter of the brand's growth.

"This relationship between Sabra and StrawberryFrog is especially rewarding because Sabra has taught us about how America's food desires are radically evolving. Sabra's mass appeal is a phenomenon that is redefining the culture of food in the United States at a time of change," Troni continues, "StrawberryFrog joins us at a very exciting time for the company, when we are making important product and marketing investments in a mass movement for new and tastier food experiences."


About Sabra Dipping Company, LLC
Sabra Dipping Company, LLC. of Astoria, New York, makes a wide and outstandingly delicious range of refrigerated Mediterranean dips and spreads. Using fresh herbs and spices, authentic Mediterranean recipes and healthy vegetables, the dips and spreads are richer, smoother and tastier. All of the products are beautifully presented, certified kosher and vegetarian and available across the nation. With over +50% growth in the past 52 weeks, Sabra is leading its category according to recent IRI reports. Sabra's rapid growth and category leadership sparked interest from food industry leaders PepsiCo and the Strauss Group, which own equal shares of the company in a joint venture created earlier this year. Visit www.sabra.com.

Good Housekeeping

November 17, 2008
Visitors per month: 1,270,657
Circulation: 4,668,818
View the article

Taste Test: Classic Flavor Hummus Dip
Our volunteers tested 10 different samples of classic flavor hummus

By Samantha Seneviratne

The word means chickpea in Arabic, but to us, it’s a luscious Middle Eastern dip. Until the mid-1990s, hummus was unfamiliar to many Americans; now it’s a multimillion-dollar industry. No wonder — made nutty and tangy by its blend of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon, hummus is perfect as a snack or as part of a meal. Bonus: It’s low in saturated fat, full of fiber, and rich in protein. We found countless variations, from horseradish to chipotle. To keep it simple, we stuck to the classic flavor of five national brands. Our volunteers tried 10 different samples — while some left tasters complaining of “sour” flavors and “pasty” textures, the winners were so good, we couldn’t stop eating. Dig into these results.

First place: Two Sabra varieties, Chunky Hummus and Hummus & Tahini, tied for top billing (despite their names, these are Sabra’s “basic” versions). What split the vote was texture: Some tasters went for creamy, while others preferred chunky. Volunteers found both types “bright” and “flavorful,” with the natural tastes of chickpea and sesame shining through.

Honorable mention: Samplers also enjoyed Tribe All Natural Classic Hummus. They tagged this brand as earthy with “great tang” (which makes sense, since lemon is second on the list of ingredients). If you love a tahini-rich hummus with some zip, consider joining this Tribe.

Progressive Grocer

April 15, 2009
Circulation: 42,920
View the article

Sabra Preps ‘Mediterranean Month’ Promo

Sabra Dipping Co., manufacturer of a wide range of refrigerated Mediterranean dips and spreads, has designated May Mediterranean Month and is gearing up to inspire Americans with the tastes and experiences of the region during the month.

As part of the campaign, the Astoria, N.Y.-based company will roll out its national Sabra Village Tour, offering free hummus with fresh toppings to consumers in major markets across the United States. In addition to the sampling program, Sabra will offer special coupons, recipes and information on its Web site, Sabra.com, throughout May. The promotion comes on the heels of the company’s first advertising campaign.

“May brings warm weather, and as Americans open their windows and let in the fresh air, we want them to also to discover something new and take a journey to the Mediterranean without leaving home,” noted Sabra CMO Rodrigo Troni. “Not only is the Mediterranean way of eating healthy, but so is the lifestyle. Enjoy delicious, healthy, fresh foods with friends and family. There is much to learn from the Mediterranean way of living.”

The company will also team with nutritionists, educators and experts on the Mediterranean to provide information to retailers, media and the general public throughout May.

American Baby

January 2009

Even with the best of intentions, we all are susceptible to little triggers that cause us to overeat. My obstacle has always been eating too fast. I’ll come home from work and take the time to make myself a nutritious and delicious dinner. Five minutes later, my plate is clean, I haven’t enjoyed my hard work, and I still think I’m hungry because my stomach hasn’t had time to tell my brain that I’m full. It’s something that I’m working on by putting my fork down between bites, making sure that I chew my food completely (seriously—I’m surprised I’ve never choked because I’ve been known to swallow nearly whole bites of food), and even challenging myself to a time goal: “Ok, I can’t finish this chicken in less than 7 minutes.” I’m also guilty of moving onto the next bite before I’ve finished the one I’m chewing. Another trigger that causes people to overeat is “dining” in front of the TV or computer. When you do this, you tend to forget how much you’ve eaten so it’s harder to tell when you’re satisfied. What it all boils down to is that these habits lead you to not savor, taste, or enjoy your food. When you take the time to think about what you’re eating, whether it’s a slice of cheesecake or herb-roasted veggies, you’ll be more satisfied and more likely to stop eating when you’ve had enough. I know old habits die hard, believe me, so take it slow. A few times a week, prepare yourself a meal, sit down at the table—facing away from the TV—and think about what you’re eating.

Today we’re giving away three foods worthy of savoring: a case of Yoplait light yogurt ($48), a gift basket of Nature’s Path products ($250), and free-product coupons for Sabra Hummus ($110). Yoplait has recently expanded its Yoplait Light line to offer more delectable options like Pineapple Upside-Down Cake, for a healthful alternative to higher-calorie options. It’s one of the only yogurts with calcium and vitamin D in every cup—and it only has 110 calories!



Sabra hummus has zero grams trans fat and no cholesterol but it still offers a rich, smooth, unique flavor. You can taste the Mediterranean in every bite of varieties like Chipotle, Sundried Tomato, and Roasted Garlic.

GMA Smart Brief

March 4, 2009

Sabra spreading word with first national campaign

Sabra, the hummus brand partially owned by Frito-Lay, is introducing its first national campaign. The print, online and TV effort from StrawberryFrog will bring a twist to the concept of exploring other cultures through food.

The Seattle Times

March 13, 2009
Circulation: 198,741
Visitors per month: 1,993,608
View the article.

Sabra Dipping, of Astoria, N.Y., launches its first national advertising campaign for its hummus this month in Seattle, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. A spokeswoman said Seattle was selected because of its "progressive" food lovers and "heavily entrenched dippers" — women ages 35 to 64 who are into dips and spreads. And a tidbit within a tidbit: The TV spot features an actor whose character was murdered on "Desperate Housewives" earlier this week. — MA

My Super Mommies

March 16, 2009
View the article.

Diary of a SuperMommy: Blog



1-26-08 After posting a message about my super easy and healthy week long menu (1-22-09) I received some e-mails with a question like the one below. Here's the answer:

Q: Krys, can we have an idea of what sort of snacks you may be eating?

A: The fit snacks I can not live without:
pretzels & hummus
-raw veggies & hummus (my favorite brand www.sabra.com )
-boiled eggs
-ww crackers with turkey/cheese
-protein shakes (Vanilla Whey Science)
-Smoothies (@ home- Protein, stevia, strawberries & bananas)
-Apples and almond butter dip
-Trail Mix (home mix- 3 pt Almonds, 1 pt dried cranberries, 1 pt honey sesame sticks or ww honey bunnies)
- Fruit Salad (home mix- equal parts grapes, bananas, red and green apples)
-Turkey & Cheese Roll Up

R&FF Retailer

March 16, 2009
Circulation: 20,500

Dips & Salads:
Dips are up 1.5% as private label leads with a 26.4% share. Flavored spreads, led by Sabra, jump 16.2%.
Supermarket dollar sales of refrigerated dips rose 1.5% to $112.6 million in the 12 weeks ended Dec. 28, according to Information Resources, Inc. (IRI), the Chicago-based market research firm. Units were down by 5.2%, but package sizes got a little bigger — volume was off by only 4.2%.
Private label posted a 22.6% gain on a unit increase of 8.0%, indicating a strong hike in per-unit pricing. But those pack sizes were also somewhat larger, since volume was up by 12.9% — a little more than the unit increase. Price per unit averaged $2.54 for both private label and the category as a whole.

Hummus Still Golden
The refrigerated flavored spreads category — dominated by hummus — saw dollars rise by 16.2% to $57.8 million, as units grew by 8.8% and volume climbed by 12.5%. Only 28.0% of category dollar sales were accompanied by merchandising support, down slightly from last year. Vendors say price cuts haven’t been necessary to move product.
Category leader Sabra saw its dollars rise by 51.6% with units practically in lockstep, up by 50.1%. Double-digit dollar gains were also posted by Cedar’s Mediterranean, private label, Garden Fresh and T. Marzetti.
John McGuckin, exec vp of sales for Astoria, N.Y.-based Sabra – Go Mediterranean (718-932-9000), says base volume continues to drive his business. “It’s not promoted volume, or price reduction volume, so the category remains vital and profitable for the retailer,” he notes.
With Sabra now at 62% ACV (vs. 68% ACV for the hummus category as a whole), McGuckin says he sees room for growth. The product is positioned well in the health and wellness segment, he explains, adding that some of the new users are those who are switching from high-fat dips and spreads such as sour cream.
The category responds robustly to promotion, but there can be too much of a good thing, McGuckin notes. Sabra’s Super Bowl promotional tie-in with Stacy’s chips produced “incredible” lift, he says, and he encourages retailers to promote chips and hummus together. But he cautions that having extra space available via a secondary display or endcap is essential to avoid out-of-stocks and leaving money on the table as a result.
Dominick Frocione, vp of sales for Cedar’s Mediterranean Foods Inc. (978-372-8010), Ward Hill, Mass., says that “We have the luxury of being able to customize a strategy for each retailer and often think outside the box to get that first initial trial. We like to employ ideas like bonus cups (such as 12 ounces for the price of 8 ounces), BOGOs, or even ‘get a free Pita Chip with purchase of one of our hummus items,” he says.



Space Needed
Frocione points out that “The biggest challenge we all face is finding space to merchandise our products. In order to build a category you need to give it space to be discovered.”

Cross-merchandising can help people discover the category and build incremental sales. Rick Schaffer, vp, sales and marketing for Taunton, Mass.-headquartered hummus manufacturer Tribe Mediterranean Foods (1-800-8HUMMUS), says creating a party section or to-go section can also help retailers build impulse sales and grow volume.

Vendors report strong sales, with pockets of real price sensitivity. “It is almost like the price point means more to them (consumers) than what’s in the cup, whereas for so long, people were willing to trade up a little bit,” reports John McGeough, vp sales and marketing for Lantana, Fla.-based Neco Foods, LLC (561-582-6089), which recently acquired the Atlantis Foods brand. “It comes down to, ‘Do we have enough of price point, of traditional products, out there?’ That has sidetracked us a bit — we do all of that — but we pride ourselves on making things that are different.”

Observers say sampling is especially important in prepared salads, dips and spreads. Brenda Donahe, director of sales and marketing for Albert Lea, Minn.-based salad maker Mrs. Gerry’s Kitchen Inc. (800-642-9662), notes that promotions needn’t push just low-end products, but a mix of different tiers and price points to give shoppers more options. She adds that “Seafood salads can be sold in the seafood department, and it would be great to do our steakhouse potato salad with grilling items. Some of dips could be sold in the produce section, too.”

Randy Bartter, vp of marketing for Ventura Foods, LLC (714-257-3700), the Brea, Calif.-based manufacturer of the Dean’s brand of dips, agrees that stressed-out shoppers often need guidance. “Shoppers may need to be reminded to visit the dairy case after picking up their favorite crunchy snacks,” he says.

According to Bartter, on-package information is another way to generate purchases. Showcasing usage occasions and recipe ideas with refrigerated dairy dips is another way to increase sales, he notes.
Different package formats also can generate excitement. According to Schaffer, Tribe’s two-ounce pre-portioned hummus has found some interesting niches, through vending machines and schools. “We also found another use for warehouse clubs, where we put it in a package of sixteen,” he reports.
Beyond the point of sale, product development also works to keep things fresh, so to speak. Many manufacturers, despite the economic climate, report that they are working on new offerings.
For example, Sabra has recently added 17-ounce packages along with its original 10-ounce size, and introduced Sun Dried Tomato and Chipotle varieties. Cedar’s Mediterranean is adding a new Tzatziki line of dips made with authentic Greek strained yogurt. Recently, the company debuted new grain salads and an edamame salad.

Mrs. Gerry’s is revamping its packaging and introducing new salads this year, including a Cowboy Caviar with beans, corns and peppers. And Sea Gold Seafood Products (508-993-3060), New Bedford, Mass., is working on an ambrosia salad.

Room for Growth
There appears to be plenty of room for both private label and national brands. ”Our branded presence continues to grow rapidly, but I see that retailers are striving to build their own brand image by sourcing great tasting healthy items in upscale packaging,” reports Frocione.

Finally, in a deepening recession, pricing remains a strong driver. Sea Gold is planning up to eight promotions this year, says Mike Tazeraias, president and CEO. “When people see a deal, they jump right on it,” he says. And Neco’s McGeough adds that retailers are increasingly eager for promotions to help move products.

R&FF Retailer

March 8, 2009
Circulation: 20,500

Sabra Launches the First Multi-Media Campaign for Hummus

Astoria, NY (March 2, 2009) – Sabra Dipping Company, www.sabra.com, announced its first national multi-media advertising campaign will break during the first week of March in major US cities. The campaign, which is timely as many consumers shift their eating habits back to the home, inspires food lovers everywhere to take a dip into the Mediterranean without leaving home.
“We hope to spark a movement through this campaign inspiring consumers to experience the world through the sounds, cultures and foods of the world right in their own homes,” said Rodrigo Troni, CMO of Sabra Dipping Company. “Sabra is the top-selling hummus in America, ranking #1 among hummus in the refrigerated dips and spreads category for its smooth texture and delicious taste. Sabra’s dips and spreads revolve around the true taste of the Mediterranean and bringing consumers on a journey. We all want to enjoy healthy foods and special moments, and Sabra helps us get there.”
The campaign features Americans enjoying Mediterranean moments of relaxation before being brought back to reality. The creative acknowledges the clichés of traditional food advertising with a humorous approach while emphasizing the power of enjoying good food with friends and family.
"Modern food culture in America is all about discovering and sharing new tastes. It's all about the fact that Sabra is an authentic taste experience you can find in your grocer's deli section,” said Kevin McKeon, ECD of StrawberryFrog, the agency behind the new campaign.

FoodProcessing.com

April 2009
Circulation: 65,032
View the article.

Women take Heart
By Jennifer LeClaire

WellnessFoodsOnline.com

Heart disease kills several million women each year, but food processors are targeting it in the campaign to enhance women’s heart health.
Until recently, heart disease in women hadn’t received the same attention as it did in men. Today, with the knowledge that heart disease kills more women than does breast cancer, and that compared to men, heart disease in women can manifest earlier and with more subtle symptoms, women and heart-health is a topic that’s come out of the shadows. Armed with this awareness, ingredient makers and food processors are stepping up to the plate to help women substantially reduce the risk of cardiovascular challenges.
When it comes to heart health (as well as bone and skin health), key ingredients, according to Heather Biehl, senior scientist in the Health Ingredients and Technology group of Cincinnati-based Wild Flavors (www.wildflavors.com), are: calcium, soy isoflavones, Co-Q10, phytosterols, polyphenols, and vitamins D and K. “Products with these nutrient blends can be more specifically targeted to women using increased levels of ingredients – more so than children or men may need,” Biehl says.
Inflammation is a major component of cardiovascular disease. Because of this, ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties have gained attention of processors developing heart-healthy products. Many of the antioxidant superfruits, such as pomegranates, cranberries, red grapes and tart cherries, have shown strong anti-inflammatory properties, yet are versatile and easily employed ingredients. This makes them perfect for formulations aimed at decreasing the risk of heart disease.
Targeting women’s health needs in a direct manner has been especially rewarding for cereal makers Quaker Foods Inc. (www.quakeroats.com), Chicago, and Kellogg’s (www.kelloggs.com), Battle Creek, Mich. Kellogg’s “Smart Start Healthy Heart” cereals were marketed as the first ready-to-eat cereal to contain oat bran fiber for lower cholesterol. Quaker, one of the first companies to market to heart health, now has its “Take Heart” line of antioxidant and fiber-rich instant oatmeals. And what’s a heart-healthy breakfast without orange juice? Atlanta-based Coca-Cola’s Minute Maid Heart Wise is the first o.j. with plant sterols (see “Not Your Momma’s Orange Juice”). Mark Andon, Ph.d, director of nutrition for Quaker, says he sees targeting women with healthy foods as an industry-wide challenge for processors.
Calcium and Vitamin K
"Two of the biggest health issues facing women today are osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease,” says Leon Schurgers, PhD, of the Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Maastricht, Netherlands. According to Schurgers, vitamin K – specifically, Vitamin K2, also known as menaquinone-7 or MK-7 has a special place in the fight against cardiovascular disease in women. Without adequate vitamin K, calcium can build up in blood vessels and stiffen them, laying the foundation for heart disease.
“Only recently has the correlation between these two issues become understood,” Schurgers explains. “Studies show that women with osteopenia and osteoporosis have a much greater chance of developing heart disease. Called the ‘calcium paradox,’ bones become depleted of calcium while arteries and soft tissues become calcified.”
Vitamin K2 is necessary for the body to "glue" calcium into healthy bone matrix, shielding vessels from calcium. Most Americans are deficient in the K2 form of the vitamin. Interestingly, no correlation has been found for vitamin K1, the form found mostly in leafy green vegetables. PLThomas (www.plthomas.com), Morristown, N.J., markets a purified form of K2, MenaQ7, derived from fermented soy (natto). (See “Vitamin K Last but Not Least”).

Fiber’s Role
Formulating with soluble fibers (such as beta-glucan from oats or psyllium) has become a leading industry trend toward adding a heart-healthy claim. The concept readily extends to other blends tailored to products for women. One soluble fiber seeing increasing use is inulin, from chicory root and artichokes. Inulin is prized for its properties as a fat substitute, carbohydrate replacement, flavor modulator and shelf-life extender.
Minneapolis-based Cargill Inc. (www.cargill.com) created two beverage blend product concepts combining calcium with its Oliggo-Fiber inulin. “Women tend to not get enough fiber, calcium and omega 3 fatty acids in their diets, so foods with these ingredients can help address shortfalls,” notes Cathy Kapica, PhD, RD, vice president of global health and wellness for Ketchum Inc. (www.ketchum.com).
Beneo inulin and oligofructose system, by Orafti Active Food Ingredients (www.orafti.com), Malvern, Pa., is being used in a growing number of successful products targeting the ticker. Anne Franck, Ph.D., Orafti's executive vice president of science and technology, points to a new study on atherosclerosis suggesting the proven benefits delivered by inulin and oligofructose extend to heart health. “While further research is needed,” she adds, “these results support evidence from clinical trials that inulin and oligofructose can modulate cholesterol and triglycerides levels in the blood.”
NutriSystem Inc., Horsham, Pa., (www.nutrisystem.com) designed its NutriSystem Advanced Women’s Program with foods that include its proprietary OmegaSol ingredient system. OmegaSol combines 40mg of EPA and DHA omega-3s with heart healthy soluble fiber. The fiber also increases satiety while masking any negative taste of fish oil.

The Plants Have It
Botanicals, too, have a firm place in heart-healthy formulations. Wild Flavors provides naturally derived flavorants and nutraceutical ingredients for the food and beverage industry. WILD created its innovative NET Turmeric and NET Curcumin, nanoencapsulated extracts demonstrating advancements in light and heat stability. Not only does the nanotechnology increase the longevity of colors in formulations, the compounds have shown strong antioxidant effects. Curcumin, especially, is known as an anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic compound. Both ingredients also have shown anti-microbial properties.
Resveratrol, found in red fruits such as mulberries and grapes, is a natural phytochemical ideal for formulations aimed at women’s health. In addition to its anticarcinogen properties, it may help reduce cholesterol, regulate blood sugar and blood pressure. It also has been shown to counteract osteoporosis, the inflammatory process and viral proliferation. These processes all are related to heart disease and cancer.
Resveratrol has been used by processors in mainstream products for several years, for example, Kellogg Co. (www.kelloggcompany.com), Battle Creek. Mich., uses Fresno, Calif.-based San Joaquin Valley Concentrates’ (www.activin.com) ActiVin grapeseed extract in some of its Kashi line of cereals and snacks. ActiVin is a GRAS-affirmed, water-soluble powder that can be added to the liquid portion of a food or beverage, or as a powder for dry-blending. It’s stable to heat, especially processes used in baking.
Folate is another ingredient associated with women’s health to the extent its inclusion in flour and baked products became an industry standard. Not only does it help prevent neural tube defects in fetuses, increased consumption of folate may reduce the risk of breast cancer by 44 per cent, says a new study from Sweden. But folate also regulates calcium, making it a boon for heart health as well.
Nuts are a macroingredient processors find extremely versatile in formulating heart-healthy products. A recent study from the University of Toronto found that a diet that includes almonds not only lowers cholesterol levels, as proven in numerous almond and other nut studies, but also C-reactive protein levels key markers of inflammation and an independent risk factor for heart disease. In addition to its high antioxidant content, an ounce of almonds is an excellent source of vitamin E and magnesium, a good source of protein and fiber, as well as monounsaturated fat, potassium, calcium, phosphorous and iron – all of which contribute to a heart-healthy profile.
Phytosterols, also called plant sterols, are associated with lower LDL cholesterol (considered a primary factor in heart disease) without affecting HDL cholesterol levels. This is because fat-soluble plant sterol esters (“stanols”) compete with cholesterol for uptake. The FDA has approved the following food health claim for phytosterols: “Foods containing at least 0.65g per serving of plant sterol esters or 0.4g of plant sterols, eaten twice a day with meals for a daily intake of at least 1.3g of plant sterols or 0.8g of sterols as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.”

To qualify for FDA's health claim, foods and beverages must contain at least 800mg of sterols per serving. Unilever, Englewood Cliffs, NJ (www.unilever.com) addressed this issue with Promise Activ SuperShots yogurt each 3-oz shot delivering 2g of plant sterols. Cargill makes CoroWise – a free plant sterol that is easier to incorporate than its counterparts. Los Angeles based Corazonas Foods Inc in collaboration with Brandeis University, Waltham, Mass., makes Heart-Healthy Tortilla Chips in a number of flavors. The chip provides 400mg of sterols per serving.
Ingredients makers are witnessing an increased interest in phytosterols, polyphenols and probiotics for heart health. Probiotics, by helping increase friendly gut flora are believed to help manage cholesterol metabolism. Manufacturers have been including probiotics in yogurt and other dairy products for several years, but recently they successfully jumped to bars, cereals and chocolate confections. The Dannon Activia yogurt product line, by Groupe Danone (www.danone.com), Paris, is one particularly successful example, showing double-digit sales increases for two years. and billions of dollars in worldwide sales.
Polyphenols act as antioxidants to protect cells and body chemicals against free radicals damage. One of the reasons olive oil is heart healthy is because it contains polyphenols. Olive oil is part of the Mediterranean diet. “The Mediterranean Diet is perfect for women,” says Sara Baer-Sinnott, executive vice president of Oldways Preservation Trust (www.oldwayspt.org), the Boston food issues think tank. “It’s time-tested, and numerous studies confirm its healthfulness in terms of longevity and disease prevention.”
The Mediterranean Diet just celebrated its 15th year with Oldways creating its “Med Mark,” stamp for those manufacturing products that conform to the Mediterranean diet. Processors already branding with the mark include Sabra Corp.’s line of hummus dips and salads, Lucini Italia’s olive oil products, Liberty Richter Inc.’s International Collection brand of olive oils and dipping oils, and Davina olives.

Complex Approach
Complexes of multiple ingredients are popular too. LycoRed Ltd. (www.lycored.com), Orange, N.J., a global supplier of lycopene and other carotenoid antioxidant ingredients important to health, teamed with Tara Dairy Ltd. in developing “YOU” an innovative line of fortified dairy products targeting women 30-40 years old. YOU contains a unique vitamin and mineral formulation to help protect women's health, including heart health, via calcium, a full complement of B vitamins and iron, plus vitamins D and E.
Avoiding flavor clash of the functional ingredient blend comes via LycoRed’s microencapsulation technology. “Manufacturers can’t afford to risk negatively impacting taste or aroma when they fortify products with multiple nutraceuticals,” explains Udi Alroy, vice president of global marketing. “Our fortification capabilities allow us to combine ingredients without cross-interaction to create the neutral flavor profile demanded by functional foods.” Although YOU currently is not marketed in the U.S., the companies hope to penetrate the local market soon.
A recent survey commissioned by the IFIC showed that about half of consumers (53 percent) mention their heart and circulatory conditions as a top health concern. This puts processors in a position to cater to the needs of a burgeoning market easily served by a variety of functional ingredients ready-made to effectively serve the growing need.

Missy Maintains

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Tribe vs. Sabra Hummus!
Yesterday afternoon I ended up eating both snacks I had. I guess chewing gum did not make a huge difference in how much I ate. I had an apple and a Quaker True Delight Bar with some Peach Ginger Green Tea. I was not even hungry but knew I needed some fuel before the gym.

It was not quite ready yet when I got home so I decided to snack on some hummus! Pam from Tribe Hummus was kind enough to send me a coupon for a free container so I got Roasted Red Pepper to try!

I still had some Sabra Roasted Red Pepper left so I decided to compare the two!



The Tribe was much darker in color. It had tiny chunks of red peppers throughout the hummus.

The Sabra comes with a big pile of roasted red peppers on top of the hummus. I usually mix them right in as soon as I open the container. It seems to contain a lot more peppers than Tribe.



I decided to try the both flavors on cucumbers to compare the taste. First was Tribe.

At first I was not too thrilled with the flavor. It had a weird, artificial taste but seemed to get a little better after each scoop I took.
Next I tried Sabra.
I already knew I was in love with Sabra from the start but wanted to see how it compared. It had a much better flavor to me. It tasted more natural and was also much creamier in texture. The boy also agreed with me that Sabra was much better.
I compared the nutrition facts next.

Tribe:
Serving Size: 2 TBSP
Calories: 40
Total Fat: 2.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 125mg
Total Carbohydrates: 3g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 1g

Ingredients:
Chickpeas (chickpeas, water), Roasted Red Peppers, Canola Oil, Sesame Tahini, Sea Salt, Citric Acid, Spices, Natural Roasted Garlic Flavor

Sabra:
Serving Size: 2 TBSP
Calories: 70
Total Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 120mg
Total Carbohydrates: 3g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 1g

Ingredients:
Cooked Chick Peas (Chick Peas [Garbanzos] Water), Tahini (Ground Sesame), Soybean and or Canola Oil, Red Bell Pepper, Garlic, Salt, Citric Acid, Seasoning and Spices, Natural Flavors, Potassium Sorbate and Sodium Benzoate added to maintain freshness.

Tribe wins in the nutritional department since it has 30 less calories, 3.5 fewer grams of fat, and a shorter ingredient list. I would honestly still prefer Sabra since it tastes so much better and is much creamier! They are both wonderful brands and go great on sandwiches, chips, and veggies! I can never have too much hummus :)

Girlfriendology

April 12, 2009
View the article.

REVIEW: Sabra Hummus goes to book club! We didn’t go to the Mediterranean - just around the block!

Have you seen the latest Sabra Hummus commercials? In them, when sampling the smooth hummus, the couple is transported on a Mediterranean vacation. Well, our neighborhood girlfriend’s book club reviewed the Sabra (in addition to the book of the month) and took our own little trip to the Mediterranean!

Was it a best-seller or tragedy? Well, here are some of the comments from the book club girls: Yummy, smooth, tasty, better than other hummus. Judy said she likes tangier hummus - her favorite was the Toasted Pinenut Hummus. (I personally loved all the hummus and feel healthy for eating it!) The Babaganoosh was smoky, in a really good way. And, while we didn’t get to go to the Mediterranean, we did love the smoothness and full flavor of the Sabra Hummus.
I highly recommend Sabra Hummus for a healthy snack, a book club or party or just to have on hang in the refridgerator for a quick treat with carrots, crackers, pita chips or whatever!



And how was the book - very good, like the Hummus!

P.S. We tried to make a video of the tasting but 15 girlfriends in a room is a bit loud - as all the other neighbors on the street can confirm!

Girlfriendology, the online community for women based on girlfriend inspiration, appreciation and celebration.

Sarah Is Healthy

April 1, 2009
View the article.

Product Review: Sabra Hummus

My new FAVORITE fairy named Stephanie sent me FOUR flavors of Sabra to try! I don’t think she realizes just how much I LOVE Sabra!



Sun Dried Tomatoes



I was excited to try this flavor, because after reading Missy’s review of this flavor, it sounded delish! She is so right! It reminded me of pizza! So so good! Pretty rich too – I think I would definitely buy it again! It had a very pretty presentation. I do wish there was more of the spices & pile of tomatoes in the middle – more would kick it up a bit.

Chipotle



I really liked this flavor. It was spicy and delicious! So so good. I love all things Chipotle! I can’t get over how good this flavor is. Chris said it’s his favorite flavor too and he used to buy it all the time on his midnight runs to Harris Teeter.

Roasted Pine Nuts



This flavor is really top notch. You can’t go wrong with pinenuts and hummus! I looooove that the sabra comes topped with lots of spices and gunk of pinenuts and stuff in the middle. We love mixing that into the hummus. I love scooping pita bread into the pine nut hummus and picking up some pine nuts with each bite. Delish!

Classic



Smooth, creamy, classic. You can’t really go wrong with this flavor. For entertaining purposes we like to sprinkle with paprika before serving to add a pop of color. Best served warmed up with Stacy’s Pita Chips, or toasted whole wheat pita bread slices. I also like to drizzle of swirl of olive oil into the hummus. And sometimes if I happen to have garbanzo beans on hand, I will garnish with the garbanzos! Love me some hummus!!

I would LOVE to try some of the interesting Sabra hummus flavors that I haven’t located in my local grocery stores. Hopefully the Sabra hummus fairy will visit me again. These look incredible:
• Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
• Chunky Hummus
• Roasted Garlic Hummus
• Greek Olive Hummus – I don’t even like olives but this looks amazing!
• Supremely Spicy Hummus
• Jalapeño Hummus
• Cranberry & Fig Hummus – this looks REALLY interesting, I haven’t seen it anywhere!
• Caramelized Onion Hummus
• Peppadew Hummus

Examiner.com

April 17, 2009
View article here.

Fun and easy vegan cocktail party



It’s Friday and time to think about weekend merrymaking—vegan style, of course.
A cocktail party—just drinks and finger food—is simple and fun. No table to set or utensils to wash, and the food is easy to prepare. Make enough of it, and it can easily stand in for dinner.
Here in the northwest, the drinks are always microbrewery beer and local wines. As the weather warms up, it’s fun to make margaritas or daiquiris, too.
Here are some ideas for super easy and yummy foods to serve that will satisfy vegan and non-vegan friends.
• Artichoke dip in phyllo cups. To keep things simple, you can use premade phyllo cups, found in the freezer section of the store. For the filling, finely chop 8 ounces of water-packed artichoke hearts and blend in 8 ounces of vegan cream cheese (Follow Your Heart brand or Tofutti) and about ¼ cup of chopped scallions. Fill the cups and bake just to heat through—about 10 minutes at 350 degrees.
• Hummus and pita chips. Make your own hummus or try Sabra brand—the best premade hummus on the market.
• Guacamole and tortilla chips.
• Little Vegan Spring Rolls. I found mine at Grocery Outlet of all places.
• Curried “Cheese” Dip and crackers: Stir together 8 ounces of vegan cream cheese, 5 tbsp mango chutney, 4 chopped green onions, 1 ½ tsp curry powder. Easy!
• Toby’s Tofu Paté with vegetable crudités.
• Stuffed mushrooms. Finely chop the mushroom stems and sauté with chopped onion in olive oil. Add some seasoned breadcrumbs—enough to make everything hold together. Stuff the mushroom caps and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until the mushrooms are soft.
• Squares of vegan chocolate (chocolate is wonderful with red wine—a classic combination.)

Do you have favorite vegan party foods--either storebought or homemade? I'd love to hear about them!

The Enquierer

April 29, 2009
Circulation 193, 326

Sabra's chipotle hummus
SUE COOK-WHITE | CIN WEEKLY

WE TRIED: Sabra's new chipotle hummus ($3.99)

WHAT IT IS: This hummus has smoke-dried chipotle blended throughout. To add an extra kick, there's a dollop of a chipotle, pepper and oil mixture on top.

WHY WE TRIED IT: I eat hummus almost daily, and Sabra is one of my favorites. I had never tried a spicy hummus, so I was anxious to sample the chipotle flavor.

GUT REACTION: It's the same smooth, creamy texture as Sabra's classic hummus. Because I'm accustomed to garlic being the dominant flavor in most hummus I eat, the chipotle flavor is a little jarring at first.

SEVERAL BITES LATER: By the fifth or sixth bite I'm hooked. The spicy chipotle flavor is a great way to break out of my daily ho-hummus routine.

WHERE TO GET IT: Try Bigg's, 3872 Paxton Ave., Oakley, 513-619-5454 or www.biggs.com.

CiN

April 29, 2009

SUE COOK-WHITE | CIN WEEKLY

WE TRIED: Sabra's new chipotle hummus ($3.99)

WHAT IT IS: This hummus has smoke-dried chipotle blended throughout. To add an extra kick, there's a dollop of a chipotle, pepper and oil mixture on top.

WHY WE TRIED IT: I eat hummus almost daily, and Sabra is one of my favorites. I had never tried a spicy hummus, so I was anxious to sample the chipotle flavor.

GUT REACTION: It's the same smooth, creamy texture as Sabra's classic hummus. Because I'm accustomed to garlic being the dominant flavor in most hummus I eat, the chipotle flavor is a little jarring at first.

SEVERAL BITES LATER: By the fifth or sixth bite I'm hooked. The spicy chipotle flavor is a great way to break out of my daily ho-hummus routine.

WHERE TO GET IT: Try Bigg's, 3872 Paxton Ave., Oakley, 513-619-5454 or www.biggs.com.

FINAL VERDICT: Try this - it's delicious.

SHE KNOWS

May 5, 2009
View article here.

Save Time & Eat Well Sabra Hummus

With summer on the horizon, hummus is a rich, creamy and healthy way to feed your family and beat the heat. Sabra Hummus comes in 14 mouthwatering flavors, including Classic, Sun-Dried Tomato, Pine Nut, Greek Olive, and Roasted Garlic. Slather hummus on sandwiches or in pita bread and wraps, serve it as a protein- and fiber-rich dip, or warm it up and use as a sauce over grilled meats, poultry, seafood and veggies. Sabra Hummus is available in 7-ounce, 10-ounce, and 14-ounce tubs, and convenient “to go” packs at supermarkets and wholesale food retailers nationwide as well as select online food retailers. Visit Sabra.com for more information.
Price: Varies depending on size and retailer.

CBS 6 WTVR.COM

May 2009
View the article.

Bringing In New Business

A wave of layoffs has county leaders in Chesterfield looking for ways to boost the economy.
In recent weeks, three companies have announced more than 700 layoffs: 450 jobs lost at the Chesterfield Dupont Spruance Plant; 261 workers let go at Advanta Staff, Inc., 56 pink slips for workers at Kaiser Aluminum's Bellewood Plant.
Deputy County Administrator Pete Stith says his economic development team is working on reeling in new businesses. "We get 2 to 3 visits a day from companies who are looking at Chesterfield. There are a couple of companies we think we're going to land once the economy turns around...they've already made a commitment to the county..so we think we are still somewhat in the driver's seat," says Stith.
He says Sabra Dipping Company is expected to bring hundred of jobs. The new plant will make humus and vegetable dips.

Richmond Times Dispatch

May 21, 2009
View the article.

One of the Richmond area's newest manufacturing companies is starting to acquaint itself with the region.
Sabra Dipping Co., a food products company that is building a factory in Chesterfield County, brought about 30 employees from its U.S. sales, marketing and executive team to Richmond this week for a three-day meeting.
Based in Astoria, N.Y., Sabra makes kosher, vegetarian foods. The company announced in November that it would open a plant in the Ruffin Mill Industrial Park in Chesterfield County to make refrigerated dips and spreads, including hummus.
The employees visited the site, where work has started on the plant. The factory is expected to create 260 jobs when it opens by mid-2010.
"Our plans are moving forward," said Meiky Tollman, the company's general manager and executive vice president
Yesterday, the employees took the afternoon to do some community service, helping with cleanup and repairs at the A.P. Hill Community Center in Petersburg.
"We see our future as being part of the community," Tollman said. "We wanted to learn about the community, and to be of service, and to start out the relationship the right way."
Sabra is a joint venture between Strauss Group, Israel's second-largest food company, and Purchase, N.Y.-based beverage company PepsiCo., which owns snack maker Frito-Lay. -- John Reid Blackwell

Examiner.com

Enjoying a fresh hummus sandwich today, hummus great for kids lunch, too
June 4, 2009
View Article

I am having a wonderful lunch today and you could have the same lunch tomorrow if you stop by Costco, Target or visit the Middle Eastern section of your favorite grocery store today. At Costco, you can get a huge tub of Sabra Classic Hummus for about 7 dollars, if I remember right.

I am having a hummus sandwich. It is so incredibly filling and healthy (2 tablespoons- which is a lot! - is only 80 calories). My daughter, Adele, is enjoying a hummus lunch, too (pictured at right).

I also picked up a Sabra hummus/pretzel snack kit for my daughter's field trip next week (picture below). Oh...you can follow the company on Twitter. ID is sabrahummus. Yes, I am a follower.

MY HUMMUS SANDWICH

2 slices of high fiber, 100% whole wheat bread (I like Brownberry's Natural Flax and Fiber - it stays moister than most wheat bread and is 80 calories a slice).

1 - 2 T Sabra Hummus - many kinds available
Generous pile of lettuce - I used a Spring Mix
Slices of tomato, cucumber, a little red onion and red sweet pepper
1 Teaspoon of your favorite salsa (I had homemade Tomatillo Salsa on hand...yum!)
I am growing fresh basil, so I put in a shredded leaf - not necessary, just nice