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The economy has caused consumers to eat at home more frequently. Products that make food prep easier are more popular than ever with consumers.

A recent study from Mintel International revealed that U.S. retail sales of cooking sauces and marinades saw a 20% spike between 2005 and 2010. Sales of the products are expected to increase by another 19% by 2015.

Ethnic sauces, barbecue sauces and refrigerated/frozen sauces are among the most popular.

NEW YORK — Sweet'N Low and Olympic athlete Dominique Dawes have joined forces to address the growing diabetes epidemic in honor of National Diabetes Month.

NORTHFIELD, Ill. — Kraft reportedly is gearing up to roll out a caffeinated version of its liquid water enhancer brand MiO, according to published reports.

The regular-sized bottle of caffeine-fueled MiO is expected to tout 18 servings. When a half-teaspoon of MiO Energy is mixed with 8 oz. of water, it creates a beverage that contains 60-mg of caffeine — about the same as one 6-oz. cup of coffee. The product will be marketed to those ages 18 years and older and is set to launch next month, according to the Financial Times.

WASHINGTON — Tobacco companies received a favorable ruling Monday and as a consequence will not have to institute new graphics that depicted images like diseased smokers on their packaging next year.

MOUNT ARLINGTON, N.J. — Mars Retail Group is introducing M&M's gifts in time for the holidays.

The lineup for the 2011 holiday season includes such products as:

• Nine holiday-themed inflatable yard decorations developed by MRG and Gemmy Industries Corp., which carry a suggested retail price range from $29.99 to $79.99;

• Shakerz, also developed by MRG and Gemmy Industries Corp., are animated M&M's characters that shake and play holiday music carry a suggested retail price of $9.99;

NORWICH, N.Y. — Chobani is forging ahead with its strategic growth initiative by opening a second domestic manufacturing plant.

The company said it plans to invest over $100 million to build a state-of-the-art, high capacity production facility in Twin Falls, Idaho. The company said it expects its planned investment to garner more than $200 million in regional sales.

Chobani's current South Edmeston, N.Y.-based manufacturing plant, which will be expanded, will not be impacted by the decision to open a second facility, the company noted.

PLANO, Texas — Dr Pepper Snapple Group is targeting its new Dr Pepper TEN diet carbonated beverage to men. The company’s consumer research showed that men between the ages of 25 years and 34 years are not satisfied with the taste or the image of diet sodas, but they want to make healthier beverage choices.


Dr Pepper TEN is out to change that. The beverage is a full-flavored carbonated soft drink, but contains only ten calories. With its gunmetal gray color scheme, industrial rivets and bold font, the packaging reads “masculine.”


BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Bolthouse Farms has overhauled its salad dressing line to include less calories and fat, as well as two new flavors.

The company said its premium refrigerated salad dressings now contain at least 55% fewer calories and 75% less fat than the leading brand, making each serving of the dressings 45 calories or less.

In line with these changes, the company has added zesty french and salsa ranch salad dressings to its lineup.