Meredith Corporation and Bellisio Foods on September 12 announced that EatingWell frozen entrées are now available at more than 5,000 retail outlets throughout the United States. The newly launched line contains ingredients selected specifically for consumers seeking “better-for-you meal options.”
The initial eight-product portfolio includes Moroccan Inspired Beef, Cherry Port Pork, Indian Inspired Chicken, Vermont Cheddar Mac & Cheese, and Korean Inspired Beef. Each 283-gram meal features one cup of vegetables; 13 or more grams of protein; chicken, beef or pork raised without antibiotics; and whole grains. All recipes are free of artificial colors and flavors, preservatives, MSG and hydrogenated oils.
This is the first expansion into the retail food category by the Meredith Brand Licensing division of Meredith Corporation, a Des Moines, Iowa-headquartered media and marketing company that reaches over 102 million American women. It joined Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Bellisio Foods in collaborating with EatingWell experts on product development and ingredient selection, ensuring that all of the recipes meet the better-for-you parameters of the EatingWell brand including responsible ingredient sourcing.
Unique to the EatingWell line of frozen entrées is Fresh-Seal™ packaging. The cut-away carton provides a clear view of the enclosed meal, which is hand-placed on a black plate and vacuum-sealed in self-venting film to maintain freshness, reduce freezer burn and improve shelf life.
“We have great faith in the growth potential of the EatingWell brand to expand from its strong media footprint into food products and beyond,” said Elise Contarsy, vice president of Meredith Brand Licensing. “It delivers a trusted name and an accessible, healthy point of view.”
“We are excited to officially launch EatingWell frozen entrées and to fill a long-existing void in the marketplace for delicious, authentic and convenient frozen food products that fit consumers’ healthful lifestyles,” stated Jeff Tuttle, senior vice president of innovation at Bellisio Foods. “We strongly believe consumers will respond favorably to our meal choices, our ingredient selection and the EatingWell brand name, plus the degree of transparency we’re bringing to market, from packaging to ingredients.”
Published six time a year, award-winning EatingWell magazine is positioned as a leading English language source of science-based nutrition advice, offering articles about food, farms and cooking, and delicious, healthy recipes. The brand has diversified to multiple formats, including a website, social media platforms, content and brand licensing, custom publishing, and consumer cookbooks. Its core mission is to make healthy eating a joyful way of life.
About Bellisio Foods
Ranked as one of the USA’s largest and fastest growing frozen food companies, Bellisio Foods makes more than 400 products spanning a wide variety of frozen categories, including single- and multi-serve entrees, snacks, side dishes and specialty sauces. The company markets products under its Michelina’s and Eat! brands, as well as under licensed brands Boston Market, Chili’s, EatingWell, and Atkins. It also co-packs private label, retail and foodservice products.
