Finger Foods, Pizza and Snacks

Nestlé USA to Purge Fake Flavors, Cut Salt in Pizza, Snacks

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Nestlé USA announced on June 2 that it will remove artificial flavors and use less sodium in its frozen pizza and snack products without affecting the taste. Recipe changes will affect more than 250 products across six brands in the United States: DiGiorno, Tombstone, California Pizza Kitchen, Jack’s, Hot Pockets and Lean Pockets.

In a statement issued from Solon, Ohio, Nestlé said that by the end of this year it will have:

  • Removed artificial flavors from every product within these brands.
  • Reduced sodium by 10%, compared to 2013 levels, across the entire portfolio of the six pizza and snack brands. 
  • Incorporated guidance tools on packaging across these brands to help educate consumers on choosing appropriate portion sizes and the importance of eating vegetables and fruits as part of a balanced plate.

nestle--DiG-pizza-1“We know people want to feel good about the foods they eat, and they’re seeking foods made with fewer artificial ingredients and less sodium,” said John Carmichael, president of Nestlé USA’s Pizza & Snacking Division. “As one of the nation’s largest food companies, we are listening to consumers and delivering on their desire for convenient, great-tasting foods that have an improved nutritional profile.”

New Nestlé products launching this spring and summer will reflect these commitments, including California Pizza Kitchen Gluten-Free Crispy Thin Crust pizzas. Additionally, DiGiorno Pizzeria! Thin, Hot Pockets Snack Bites and Breakfast Bites, Tombstone Limited Edition Diablo and Bratwurst pizzas, and California Pizza Kitchen Hand-Tossed Style pizzas will reflect these commitments.

Nestle---DiG-pizza-2New products have been developed under several brands to help provide consumers with appropriately portioned meal and snacks options. For example, the new Hot Pockets Snack Bites and Breakfast Bites serve up bite-sized snacks with 230 calories or less per four-piece serving. The new DiGiorno Pizzeria! Thin offers the signature sauce and premium toppings the brand is known for on an airy thin crust. Both products are now available nationwide.

In addition, tools designed to educate customers about portion sizes and the importance of balancing their plate with fruits and vegetables will be available on the packaging for these products, as well as on more than 250 other pizza and snack products.

“Portion guidance is our way of making it easier for consumers to make informed choices that are right for them and their family,” said Cassie Hoover, RDN, nutrition, health and wellness manager at Nestlé USA’s Pizza & Snacking Division. “We’ll continue to look for ways to help people enjoy our pizza and snack options as part of a well-balanced, great-tasting and nutritious diet.”