Trader Joe's Dried Sweetened Hibiscus Flowers

New Trader Joe's Dried Fruit is available in the USA in a Dried Sweetened Hibiscus Flowers variety from Trader Joe's.It is said to feature the tangy sweetness of the petals that make it a treat right out of the bag.

This snack can also be used on a freshly tossed green salad, in recipes "and in a few simple steps they can be transformed into a jewel-like ruby-red beverage that will dazzle and, of course, refresh!"

Tic Tac Chill Flavored Mints

Tic Tac Chill Sugar Free Artificially Flavored Mints will be introduced in the USA in a new "large" size by Ferrero USA.

A "product of Italy", the mints contain "Xylitol, a natural sweetener with oral care properties" and will be available in Paradise Mint and Exotic Cherry flavors.

They will be sold in a shrink wrapped, 0.95 oz. (27g) "sleek, cool and modern" plastic dispenser that "opens with one hand." The dispenser has an "innovative dual opening (with) traditional flip-top (and) sliding door for easier access."

Himalania Goji Berries with Wasabi

Himalania Goji Berries are now available in a Wasabi Covered version. BrandStorm Inc. offers this "unique healthy snack" in a 4 oz. (113g) laminated pouch that is resealable and designed for rack display.

The "combination of dried goji berries and the hot crunch of the wasabi coating creates a distinctive sweet and spicy treat that is 100 percent natural, with no artificial color - a rare feat for wasabi."

Said to be loaded with nutrients, Himalania's "all-natural Goji berries contain no added sweeteners, no artificial ingredients and are rich in high-potency antioxidant vitamin C, beta carotene, B vitamins, amino acids, potassium, protein, and polysaccharides."

You will definitely be tickled! Goji!

PickleSickle Frozen Pickle Juice Treats

Manufactured by Picklesickle.com LLC, new PickleSickle Frozen Pickle Juice Treats, in a Regular variety, are sold in the USA in a 16-count package containing single-serve, plastic tubes.

They are claimed to be made from freshly squeezed pickles, to have no fat and to have less than 1 gram of sugar. Promoted with the "PickleSickle Bob" character (as seen in the picture accompanied), they are said to be a healthy alternative for kids and more nutritious than sugary sweets.

Rotong Green Pea Sticks

Cocoaland Industry Sdn. Bhd. has reportedly introduced Green Pea Sticks (stik kacang hijau) to the market in Vietnam. The sticks are claimed to be made with natural ingredients and to be free from fat.

They are marketed under the Rotong brand name in 125g canisters.

This is sure one 'green' snack!

MAXXED Energy Pop

Need some energy on the go?

The new MAXXED Energy Pop is sold in the USA in a can with a pull-off lid for freshness by Tri Sales Co., a division of Charms.

The MAXXED Lollipop is "a unique nutrient blend of the leading supplements that revitalize energy. Maxxed is infused with: taurine, ginseng, guarana, vitamins B6 & B12 and caffeine."

They are said to require no refrigeration, to be very portable and conveninet to use.

Win great food prizes this National Day

The Food Innovation Resource Centre is having a National day special!

Just be their top poster in the forum and you get to walk away with attractive food prizes.. check it out!

Nestle KitKat Kit Mail

You've got mail with this interesting product!

This is a new package of the chocolate wafer sandwich snack KitKat. The package design has a space for writing messages and sending this product as a gift by post.

The company states that this is the first product in Japan with this function. Consumers in Japan only need to stick stamps (with correct fare) on the box and post it via post boxes just as sending a greeting card. This product is suitable for many occasions including birthdays.

Wunderbar Intellimune Antioxidant Bar

Certainly not a wonder bra!

But equally amazing for its lifting properties..

The Intelligent Nutrients line of products, available in the USA from Minneapolis, MN-based Intelligent Nutrients, Inc., includes Wunderbar Intellimune Antioxidant Bar. Touted as an "omega-rich super-antioxidant and immune-boosting whole foods bar perfect for snacking and lunches," it "contains both the seed oil and meal complexes, uniting the seed oils and meals into a super-nutrient." Sold singly in a laminated wrapper, the 1.5 oz. (42.6g)

It contains the "Certified organic Antioxidant Intellimune(tm) Seed Oil Complex of black cumin, pumpkin, red grape, red raspberry and cranberry seed oils."

Sweetleaf Sweetener

Sweetleaf Sweetener(tm) is touted as the "purest, most natural formulation of stevia available. Introduced in the USA in a new formulation from Wisdom Natural Brands, the "kosher certified" product is said to be the only stevia-based sweetener that uses only pure water in its proprietary extraction process. It comes in packets that are sold in a 50-count box priced at $6.99.

According to its accompanying literature, All Natural SteviaPlus has absolutely nothing artificial in it! (and) is safe for diabetics." It is also "completely calorie-free, all-natural, and has a zero glycemic index."

Organic food not healthier, says British study

LONDON (AFP) - - Organic food supporters defended the benefits of naturally-grown produce on Friday, after a report suggested there are no significant health advantages from it.

In a study published in a US journal this week, researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) found there were no major differences between organic and conventionally-produced food.

"A small number of differences in nutrient content were found to exist between organically and conventionally-produced crops and livestock, said Dr. Alan Dangour, principal author of the study.

"But these are unlikely to be of any public health relevance."

And he added: "Our review indicates that there is currently no evidence to support the selection of organically over conventionally-produced foods on the basis of nutritional superiority."

Organic food, devoid of additives and produced without chemicals such as fertilisers and pesticides, has become an increasingly popular choice on supermarket shelves in recent years.

But it is typically more expensive than regular foodstuffs, and as such has already been hit by the global recession, making shoppers think twice about paying more for organically-grown vegetables and such like.

The study, commissioned by Britain's Food Standards Agency (FSA) and published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, threatens to deal a new blow to the organic food lobby.

But its supporters underlined other benefits of organic produce, notably for the environment.

"Organic farming is a holistic, integrated approach which conserves soils, encourages biodiversity, eliminates greenhouse gas-intensive nitrogen inputs, conserves genetic diversity, and brings more income to the grower," said Andrew Lee of the Sustainable Development Commission.

"And is very probably healthier to boot," he wrote in a letter to the Guardian newspaper.

Molly Connisbee of the Soil Association said that organic farms have on average 30 percent more species and 50 percent more wildlife like birds, butterflies and bees.

"Other environmental benefits are self-evident -- there's less dangerous waste on organic farms and almost no pesticide use. Artificial nitrogen fertiliser is banned in organic farming, so there's less runoff of nutrients that cause algae blooms in coastal waters," she said.

The British study was based on a review of all studies published over the last 50 years relating to nutritional content and health differences between the two kinds of produce.