Del Monte Foods has expanded its Veggieful portfolio with the September 21 launch of five Veggieful Riced Veggies at Kroger, Ralphs, Jewel and other retail stores in the USA. The frozen offerings, priced at $3.99 each, feature riced veggie medleys mixed with vegetables, legumes, spices and herbs to serve up healthier versions of traditional riced side dishes.
Four Riced Cauliflower varieties are featured, one of which comes with broccoli and garlic herbs. Other recipes are Parmesan Herb, with diced butternut squash, parsley and a blend of spices; Southwest, with black beans, corn, red bell pepper and a blend of seasonings; and Teriyake, with pineapple, peas, carrots and a sweet and savory seasoning.
Plain, unseasoned Riced Broccoli rounds out the new range as the fifth SKU.
According to the 2021 State of the Plate: America’s Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Trends research from the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH), there has been a 16% decrease in vegetable consumption by Americans since 2004, and most consumers currently eat vegetables on just one occasion or less each day.
Walnut Creek, California-based Del Monte Foods, which has been in business for more than 130 years and regards itself as “the original plant-based food company,” is promoting its Veggieful line as “perfect for anyone in need of more veggies in their everyday diets and those who are simply looking for easy and better-for-you swaps.”
Consumers can simply pop in the product in a microwave oven or on the stovetop, and in just six minutes enjoy the result as a side, or as a complete meal by adding
protein.
Each 10-ounce bag of Veggieful Riced Veggies contains over three servings of vegetables, five to 10 grams of carbohydrates, and 50-80% fewer calories than prepared white rice. The products are gluten-free, vegetarian and do not contain artificial flavors, preservatives or GMO ingredients.
“We know consumers want healthier alternatives without compromising taste,” said Liam Farrell, Del Monte’s vice president of brand marketing. “Our deliciously pre-seasoned Veggieful Riced Veggies makes it easy for people to get well-balanced meals and enjoy eating their vegetables without the high sodium and artificial flavors.”
