New Products

PLANO, Texas — According to published reports, Dr Pepper is gearing up to launch a 10-calorie beverage targeted at male consumers.

The move by Dr Pepper for Dr Pepper Ten — a product that the company hopes will reach 25- to 34-year-old men — is similar to such competitors as Coca-Cola and Pepsi, which omitted "diet" from their respective Coke Zero and Pepsi Max products, perhaps betting that the word carries a negative connotation.

AMITYVILLE, N.Y. — Generic drug maker Hi-Tech Pharmacal has received Food and Drug Administration approval for its version of a drug used to treat neurological disorders, the company said Tuesday.

Hi-Tech announced the approval of gabapentin oral solution in the 250 mg/5 mL strength, a generic version of Pfizer’s Neurontin oral solution.

The drug is used to treat postherpetic neuralgia and epilepsy. Neurontin had sales of $15 million in 2010, according to IMS Health.

NEW YORK — In line with American Heart Month, Boehringer Ingelheim's Micardis has introduced a cardiovascular risk-reduction calculator, designed to assess patients' cardiovascular risk.

The calculator, which can be accessed at MicardisPro.com, is an interactive, useful tool for healthcare professionals to assist patients in reaching their cardiovascular risk-reduction goal, the company said.

Micardis (telmisartan) is a drug designed to treat hypertension.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Peeps are diving into chocolate for the Easter holiday.

New this Easter to the Peeps lineup are Peepsters and Peeps chocolate dipped chicks, providing Peeps fans their favorite marshmallow candies with a twist. Peepsters are bite-size, individually wrapped candies that are available in milk and dark chocolate, while Peeps chocolate dipped chicks give Peeps fans an updated taste on the classic candy by adding either a milk chocolate or dark chocolate covering at the bottom of each chick.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — As the holiday season comes to a close, Mars Chocolate North America already is unveiling its winter holiday offerings for 2011.

Mars said it is expanding its M&M's and Dove brands with seasonal candies that capture the holiday spirit, including new gifting displays for retailers.

New products include such items as M&M's stocking tin ornaments, which are filled with M&M’s milk chocolate candies, and Dove silky and smooth truffles, available in milk and dark chocolate.

LA JOLLA, Calif. — Kashi announced the latest new cereal addition to its line of all natural foods.

Kashi Golden Goodness combines Kashi's seven whole grain blend and sweet corn, which are baked into flakes and clusters that are sweetened with a touch of honey and molasses.

Kashi Golden Goodness cereal now is available in grocery stores nationwide for a suggested retail price of $3.99.

NORTHFIELD, Ill. — As part of its focus to drive growth among product categories, Kraft Foods said that the company is gearing up to introduce new liquid water enhancers.

Kraft Foods North America president, Tony Vernon, said that the company's MiO liquid water enhancers mark its largest beverage brand introduction in a decade. The idea is that with a few droplets, bland water can be transformed into a zero-calorie flavored beverage.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Take 10 Beverages on Monday launched Take 10 to Relax and Take 10 to Sleep, two relaxation shots joining a number of recent introductions that are the yin to an energy shot’s yang.