Generral Mills steping up!

General Mills Introduces Lower-Carb Line-Up; Lower-Carb Versions of Consumer
Favorites Hit Shelves


MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--04/29/2004--Today General Mills announced that
at the 2004 Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Show, May 2-4, 2004, the company
will unveil a portfolio of products from throughout its family of brands
that address current needs of consumers seeking lower-carb options of their
favorite foods. The new introductions offer choices across a wide selection
of products.

The company also released results of a new Opinion Research
Corporation(a) survey revealing that 54 percent of consumers who are
monitoring their carbs would be interested in trying a lower-carb version of
their favorite foods. In choosing lower-carb foods, 79 percent of consumers
said taste is important, 57 percent said price is important, 56 percent said
shopping convenience is important, and 53 percent said convenient
preparation is important.

"Research shows that nearly 70 percent of consumers are monitoring their
carb intake," said Gayle Fuguitt, General Mills vice president of market
research. "Whether they are on a lower-carb diet or just watching the amount
of carbs they eat, we know they want lower-carb options that are convenient
and that taste good. We have reformulated some of consumers' favorite
General Mills products to fit a low-carb lifestyle, and added a few new
offerings - without sacrificing taste or value."

New From General Mills

The following products in General Mills' lower-carb line-up will be
offered at competitive prices and will be available nationally. (Full
releases and photos for these products available at www.generalmills.com in
the Media Center).

8th Continent Light Soymilk: With 50 percent fewer carbohydrates and 25
percent fewer calories than skim milk, 8th Continent Light Soymilk boasts
the health benefits of a low-fat, cholesterol-free, plant-based protein -
soy protein. Each serving provides vitamins D, A, B12 and riboflavin and is
an excellent source of calcium. Currently available in Chocolate and Vanilla
flavors, the product will be available in Original in June 2004.

Betty Crocker Carb Monitor Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: With just 16
grams of net carbs(b), the Carb Monitor product features the flavor
consumers expect from the brand's instant mashed potato but with 27 percent
fewer carbs.

Betty Crocker Carb Monitor baking mixes: The new baking mixes are 35 to
45 percent lower in net carbs, and 50 percent lower in sugar than regular
Betty Crocker baking mixes. Offered in Chocolate Chunk brownie mix, Walnut
brownie mix, Wild Blueberry muffin mix, and Chocolate Chip cookie mix.

Hamburger Helper Carb Monitor Cheeseburger Macaroni: This reduced-carb
alternative features 30 percent fewer net carbs per serving than regular
Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni, the line's most popular flavor for
five years running.

Momentum Bars: New from General Mills, each bar contains three grams of
net carbs, provides 15 essential vitamins and minerals, and is an excellent
source of calcium. The bars contain Splenda(R) and hit the spot for
carb-conscious consumers craving an indulgent snack. Available in June,
Momentum Bars will be offered in three flavors: Chocolate Peanut Butter,
Double Chocolate and Chocolate Caramel Nut.

Pillsbury Carb Monitor Frozen Dinner Rolls: The first reduced-carb dinner
roll, this low-fat and naturally cholesterol-free product contains 70
calories, seven grams of net carbs, and four grams of fiber per roll. The
Carb Monitor Frozen Dinner Roll is timesaving, going from freezer to table
in under 10 minutes.

Progresso Carb Monitor Soups: With five to seven grams of net carbs per
serving, the line features Chicken Vegetable, Beef Vegetable, Tuscan-Style
Meatball, Chicken Cheese Enchilada Style, and Roasted Turkey Vegetable
soups.

Total Protein: With 100 percent of the Daily Value of 11 vitamins and
minerals, eight grams of net carbs, and a hearty 13 grams of protein, the
lower-carb version of Total cereal offers a crunchy lower-carb breakfast
option.

Yoplait Ultra: Yoplait Ultra offers the same great taste, but with 70
percent less carbs and sugar than regular low fat yogurt. The 6-oz.
individual cup varieties include Strawberry Creme, Peach Creme, Blueberry
Creme and Raspberry Creme.

While Product Scan information published in the Atlanta
Journal-Constitution revealed that as many as 800 lower-carb products have
been introduced in the last six months, General Mills believes its entrance
into the low-carb market is a reflection of consumer interest in lower-carb
options. Research the company has conducted with consumers and retailers
indicates that low-carb consciousness is still building. And, the fact that
General Mills is a trusted brand name gives the company confidence that it
can establish itself as a key contributor to the marketplace. A recent
survey revealed that 76 percent of consumers who are monitoring their carbs
are more likely to purchase a lower-carb offering from a brand they
recognize over products from an unfamiliar company.

Taste is Key

General Mills stresses that its offering of lower-carb foods does not
mean the company has shifted direction or that it is cutting back on more
traditional foods. The new varieties are simply additions to the existing
product offerings, providing consumers more choices.

In considering which products to offer in lower-carb varieties, General
Mills evaluated its current line-up and selected products that would
maintain their taste if overall carbs were reduced, and that would offer
consumers options for every meal. The company also added new offerings to
fit the needs of consumers monitoring their carbohydrate intake.

"As a food manufacturer, we strive to offer consumers a variety of
choices that fit a variety of lifestyles," said John Haugen, Vice President
of New Enterprises. "But across the board one thing does not change - the
fact that we want every product we produce to be the best-tasting product we
can offer."

About General Mills

Located in Golden Valley, Minn., General Mills is a leading global
manufacturer and marketer of consumer foods products. Its global brand
portfolio includes Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El Paso and
more. It also has more than 100 U.S. consumer brands including Cheerios,
Wheaties and other Big G cereal brands; Yoplait and Colombo yogurts; Betty
Crocker desserts and dinner mixes; Betty Crocker and Nature Valley snacks;
Totino's frozen pizza and snacks; and Progresso ready-to-serve soups.
General Mills also is a leader in the bakeries and foodservice business as a
major supplier of baking and other food products to the foodservice and
commercial baking industries.

(a) Telephone survey conducted among a national probability sample of
1037 adults comprising 515 men and 522 women 18 years of age and older,
living in private households in the continental United States. Interviewing
for this CARAVAN(R) Survey was completed during the period April 8 - 10, and
12, 2004. The margin of error is plus or minus three percentage points. All
data collection efforts took place at Opinion Research Corporation's Central
Telephone Facility in Tucson, Arizona and/or Tampa, Florida.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The information contained in this press kit and in the
individual press releases about products mentioned in this press release is
accurate at the time of release and may change with any product updates.

Some of these products MIGHT be okay; others look like they are
still gonna be much too high in carbs for most of us (although
maybe a step in the right direction for people who are have not
actively embraced this WOE). And then, per usual, I want to see
the details. Are these made from decent ingredients, or do they
contain a huge list of additives? Are they legimately LC, or are
the numbers bogus/open to interpretation? I'll reserve judgment
until I see the labels.

Jean B.

jk wrote:

General Mills Introduces Lower-Carb Line-Up; Lower-Carb Versions of Consumer
Favorites Hit Shelves

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--04/29/2004--Today General Mills announced that
at the 2004 Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Show, May 2-4, 2004, the company
will unveil a portfolio of products from throughout its family of brands
that address current needs of consumers seeking lower-carb options of their
favorite foods. The new introductions offer choices across a wide selection
of products.

The company also released results of a new Opinion Research
Corporation(a) survey revealing that 54 percent of consumers who are
monitoring their carbs would be interested in trying a lower-carb version of
their favorite foods. In choosing lower-carb foods, 79 percent of consumers
said taste is important, 57 percent said price is important, 56 percent said
shopping convenience is important, and 53 percent said convenient
preparation is important.

"Research shows that nearly 70 percent of consumers are monitoring their
carb intake," said Gayle Fuguitt, General Mills vice president of market
research. "Whether they are on a lower-carb diet or just watching the amount
of carbs they eat, we know they want lower-carb options that are convenient
and that taste good. We have reformulated some of consumers' favorite
General Mills products to fit a low-carb lifestyle, and added a few new
offerings - without sacrificing taste or value."

New From General Mills

The following products in General Mills' lower-carb line-up will be
offered at competitive prices and will be available nationally. (Full
releases and photos for these products available at www.generalmills.com in
the Media Center).

8th Continent Light Soymilk: With 50 percent fewer carbohydrates and 25
percent fewer calories than skim milk, 8th Continent Light Soymilk boasts
the health benefits of a low-fat, cholesterol-free, plant-based protein -
soy protein. Each serving provides vitamins D, A, B12 and riboflavin and is
an excellent source of calcium. Currently available in Chocolate and Vanilla
flavors, the product will be available in Original in June 2004.

Betty Crocker Carb Monitor Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: With just 16
grams of net carbs(b), the Carb Monitor product features the flavor
consumers expect from the brand's instant mashed potato but with 27 percent
fewer carbs.

Betty Crocker Carb Monitor baking mixes: The new baking mixes are 35 to
45 percent lower in net carbs, and 50 percent lower in sugar than regular
Betty Crocker baking mixes. Offered in Chocolate Chunk brownie mix, Walnut
brownie mix, Wild Blueberry muffin mix, and Chocolate Chip cookie mix.

Hamburger Helper Carb Monitor Cheeseburger Macaroni: This reduced-carb
alternative features 30 percent fewer net carbs per serving than regular
Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni, the line's most popular flavor for
five years running.

Momentum Bars: New from General Mills, each bar contains three grams of
net carbs, provides 15 essential vitamins and minerals, and is an excellent
source of calcium. The bars contain Splenda(R) and hit the spot for
carb-conscious consumers craving an indulgent snack. Available in June,
Momentum Bars will be offered in three flavors: Chocolate Peanut Butter,
Double Chocolate and Chocolate Caramel Nut.

Pillsbury Carb Monitor Frozen Dinner Rolls: The first reduced-carb dinner
roll, this low-fat and naturally cholesterol-free product contains 70
calories, seven grams of net carbs, and four grams of fiber per roll. The
Carb Monitor Frozen Dinner Roll is timesaving, going from freezer to table
in under 10 minutes.

Progresso Carb Monitor Soups: With five to seven grams of net carbs per
serving, the line features Chicken Vegetable, Beef Vegetable, Tuscan-Style
Meatball, Chicken Cheese Enchilada Style, and Roasted Turkey Vegetable
soups.

Total Protein: With 100 percent of the Daily Value of 11 vitamins and
minerals, eight grams of net carbs, and a hearty 13 grams of protein, the
lower-carb version of Total cereal offers a crunchy lower-carb breakfast
option.

Yoplait Ultra: Yoplait Ultra offers the same great taste, but with 70
percent less carbs and sugar than regular low fat yogurt. The 6-oz.
individual cup varieties include Strawberry Creme, Peach Creme, Blueberry
Creme and Raspberry Creme.

While Product Scan information published in the Atlanta
Journal-Constitution revealed that as many as 800 lower-carb products have
been introduced in the last six months, General Mills believes its entrance
into the low-carb market is a reflection of consumer interest in lower-carb
options. Research the company has conducted with consumers and retailers
indicates that low-carb consciousness is still building. And, the fact that
General Mills is a trusted brand name gives the company confidence that it
can establish itself as a key contributor to the marketplace. A recent
survey revealed that 76 percent of consumers who are monitoring their carbs
are more likely to purchase a lower-carb offering from a brand they
recognize over products from an unfamiliar company.

Taste is Key

General Mills stresses that its offering of lower-carb foods does not
mean the company has shifted direction or that it is cutting back on more
traditional foods. The new varieties are simply additions to the existing
product offerings, providing consumers more choices.

In considering which products to offer in lower-carb varieties, General
Mills evaluated its current line-up and selected products that would
maintain their taste if overall carbs were reduced, and that would offer
consumers options for every meal. The company also added new offerings to
fit the needs of consumers monitoring their carbohydrate intake.

"As a food manufacturer, we strive to offer consumers a variety of
choices that fit a variety of lifestyles," said John Haugen, Vice President
of New Enterprises. "But across the board one thing does not change - the
fact that we want every product we produce to be the best-tasting product we
can offer."

About General Mills

Located in Golden Valley, Minn., General Mills is a leading global
manufacturer and marketer of consumer foods products. Its global brand
portfolio includes Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El Paso and
more. It also has more than 100 U.S. consumer brands including Cheerios,
Wheaties and other Big G cereal brands; Yoplait and Colombo yogurts; Betty
Crocker desserts and dinner mixes; Betty Crocker and Nature Valley snacks;
Totino's frozen pizza and snacks; and Progresso ready-to-serve soups.
General Mills also is a leader in the bakeries and foodservice business as a
major supplier of baking and other food products to the foodservice and
commercial baking industries.

(a) Telephone survey conducted among a national probability sample of
1037 adults comprising 515 men and 522 women 18 years of age and older,
living in private households in the continental United States. Interviewing
for this CARAVAN(R) Survey was completed during the period April 8 - 10, and
12, 2004. The margin of error is plus or minus three percentage points. All
data collection efforts took place at Opinion Research Corporation's Central
Telephone Facility in Tucson, Arizona and/or Tampa, Florida.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The information contained in this press kit and in the
individual press releases about products mentioned in this press release is
accurate at the time of release and may change with any product updates.

7 grams for a roll is a bit much, but if they're as good as the regular
frozen ones they make, it's worth the occasional splurge :-) I'm still
keeping it under 20, but there are days when I run a decent deficit (like
11g at the end of the day) so it could be a nice treat with dinner.

Richard
247/212/200 first goal

"Jean B." wrote in message ...
Some of these products MIGHT be okay; others look like they are
still gonna be much too high in carbs for most of us (although
maybe a step in the right direction for people who are have not
actively embraced this WOE). And then, per usual, I want to see
the details. Are these made from decent ingredients, or do they
contain a huge list of additives? Are they legimately LC, or are
the numbers bogus/open to interpretation? I'll reserve judgment
until I see the labels.

Jean B.

jk wrote:

General Mills Introduces Lower-Carb Line-Up; Lower-Carb Versions of
Consumer
Favorites Hit Shelves

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--04/29/2004--Today General Mills announced
that
at the 2004 Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Show, May 2-4, 2004, the
company
will unveil a portfolio of products from throughout its family of brands
that address current needs of consumers seeking lower-carb options of
their
favorite foods. The new introductions offer choices across a wide
selection
of products.

The company also released results of a new Opinion Research
Corporation(a) survey revealing that 54 percent of consumers who are
monitoring their carbs would be interested in trying a lower-carb
version of
their favorite foods. In choosing lower-carb foods, 79 percent of
consumers
said taste is important, 57 percent said price is important, 56 percent
said
shopping convenience is important, and 53 percent said convenient
preparation is important.

"Research shows that nearly 70 percent of consumers are monitoring
their
carb intake," said Gayle Fuguitt, General Mills vice president of market
research. "Whether they are on a lower-carb diet or just watching the
amount
of carbs they eat, we know they want lower-carb options that are
convenient
and that taste good. We have reformulated some of consumers' favorite
General Mills products to fit a low-carb lifestyle, and added a few new
offerings - without sacrificing taste or value."

New From General Mills

The following products in General Mills' lower-carb line-up will be
offered at competitive prices and will be available nationally. (Full
releases and photos for these products available at www.generalmills.com
in
the Media Center).

8th Continent Light Soymilk: With 50 percent fewer carbohydrates and
25
percent fewer calories than skim milk, 8th Continent Light Soymilk
boasts
the health benefits of a low-fat, cholesterol-free, plant-based
protein -
soy protein. Each serving provides vitamins D, A, B12 and riboflavin and
is
an excellent source of calcium. Currently available in Chocolate and
Vanilla
flavors, the product will be available in Original in June 2004.

Betty Crocker Carb Monitor Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: With just
16
grams of net carbs(b), the Carb Monitor product features the flavor
consumers expect from the brand's instant mashed potato but with 27
percent
fewer carbs.

Betty Crocker Carb Monitor baking mixes: The new baking mixes are 35
to
45 percent lower in net carbs, and 50 percent lower in sugar than
regular
Betty Crocker baking mixes. Offered in Chocolate Chunk brownie mix,
Walnut
brownie mix, Wild Blueberry muffin mix, and Chocolate Chip cookie mix.

Hamburger Helper Carb Monitor Cheeseburger Macaroni: This
reduced-carb
alternative features 30 percent fewer net carbs per serving than regular
Hamburger Helper Cheeseburger Macaroni, the line's most popular flavor
for
five years running.

Momentum Bars: New from General Mills, each bar contains three grams
of
net carbs, provides 15 essential vitamins and minerals, and is an
excellent
source of calcium. The bars contain Splenda(R) and hit the spot for
carb-conscious consumers craving an indulgent snack. Available in June,
Momentum Bars will be offered in three flavors: Chocolate Peanut Butter,
Double Chocolate and Chocolate Caramel Nut.

Pillsbury Carb Monitor Frozen Dinner Rolls: The first reduced-carb
dinner
roll, this low-fat and naturally cholesterol-free product contains 70
calories, seven grams of net carbs, and four grams of fiber per roll.
The
Carb Monitor Frozen Dinner Roll is timesaving, going from freezer to
table
in under 10 minutes.

Progresso Carb Monitor Soups: With five to seven grams of net carbs
per
serving, the line features Chicken Vegetable, Beef Vegetable,
Tuscan-Style
Meatball, Chicken Cheese Enchilada Style, and Roasted Turkey Vegetable
soups.

Total Protein: With 100 percent of the Daily Value of 11 vitamins and
minerals, eight grams of net carbs, and a hearty 13 grams of protein,
the
lower-carb version of Total cereal offers a crunchy lower-carb breakfast
option.

Yoplait Ultra: Yoplait Ultra offers the same great taste, but with 70
percent less carbs and sugar than regular low fat yogurt. The 6-oz.
individual cup varieties include Strawberry Creme, Peach Creme,
Blueberry
Creme and Raspberry Creme.

While Product Scan information published in the Atlanta
Journal-Constitution revealed that as many as 800 lower-carb products
have
been introduced in the last six months, General Mills believes its
entrance
into the low-carb market is a reflection of consumer interest in
lower-carb
options. Research the company has conducted with consumers and retailers
indicates that low-carb consciousness is still building. And, the fact
that
General Mills is a trusted brand name gives the company confidence that
it
can establish itself as a key contributor to the marketplace. A recent
survey revealed that 76 percent of consumers who are monitoring their
carbs
are more likely to purchase a lower-carb offering from a brand they
recognize over products from an unfamiliar company.

Taste is Key

General Mills stresses that its offering of lower-carb foods does not
mean the company has shifted direction or that it is cutting back on
more
traditional foods. The new varieties are simply additions to the
existing
product offerings, providing consumers more choices.

In considering which products to offer in lower-carb varieties,
General
Mills evaluated its current line-up and selected products that would
maintain their taste if overall carbs were reduced, and that would offer
consumers options for every meal. The company also added new offerings
to
fit the needs of consumers monitoring their carbohydrate intake.

"As a food manufacturer, we strive to offer consumers a variety of
choices that fit a variety of lifestyles," said John Haugen, Vice
President
of New Enterprises. "But across the board one thing does not change -
the
fact that we want every product we produce to be the best-tasting
product we
can offer."

About General Mills

Located in Golden Valley, Minn., General Mills is a leading global
manufacturer and marketer of consumer foods products. Its global brand
portfolio includes Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El Paso
and
more. It also has more than 100 U.S. consumer brands including Cheerios,
Wheaties and other Big G cereal brands; Yoplait and Colombo yogurts;
Betty
Crocker desserts and dinner mixes; Betty Crocker and Nature Valley
snacks;
Totino's frozen pizza and snacks; and Progresso ready-to-serve soups.
General Mills also is a leader in the bakeries and foodservice business
as a
major supplier of baking and other food products to the foodservice and
commercial baking industries.

(a) Telephone survey conducted among a national probability sample of
1037 adults comprising 515 men and 522 women 18 years of age and older,
living in private households in the continental United States.
Interviewing
for this CARAVAN(R) Survey was completed during the period April 8 - 10,
and
12, 2004. The margin of error is plus or minus three percentage points.
All
data collection efforts took place at Opinion Research Corporation's
Central
Telephone Facility in Tucson, Arizona and/or Tampa, Florida.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The information contained in this press kit and in the
individual press releases about products mentioned in this press release
is
accurate at the time of release and may change with any product updates.

i remember when this newsgroup started and we were being treated by
other "dieters" as full fledged idiots!

)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) ))))))))))))))))))
)))))))))))))

--
rosie

On Fri, 30 Apr 2004 09:39:48 -0500, rosie
wrote:

i remember when this newsgroup started and we were being treated by
other "dieters" as full fledged idiots!

)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) ))))))))))))))))))
)))))))))))))


Yeah, but there's no way that 70 percent of people are really reducing
carb intake. I don't see it anywhere I go. Maybe they're going from two
low fat muffins to one, but that's about it. And there's still a
tremendous amount of antagonism toward low carb, as "it can't be good to
eat all that saturated fat and no vegetables."

I think we're still treated like idiots, it's just that we might be
right.

--
Bob in CT
Remove ".x" to reply

I think they probably glommed on the numbers a bit, but I would probably
believe that 70 percent are starting to monitor sugar and caloric intake.
That seems more reasonable than saying "monitoring carbs" specifically.


"Bob in CT" wrote in message
news
On Fri, 30 Apr 2004 09:39:48 -0500, rosie
wrote:

i remember when this newsgroup started and we were being treated by
other "dieters" as full fledged idiots!

)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) ))))))))))))))))))
)))))))))))))


Yeah, but there's no way that 70 percent of people are really reducing
carb intake. I don't see it anywhere I go. Maybe they're going from two
low fat muffins to one, but that's about it. And there's still a
tremendous amount of antagonism toward low carb, as "it can't be good to
eat all that saturated fat and no vegetables."

I think we're still treated like idiots, it's just that we might be
right.

--
Bob in CT
Remove ".x" to reply

Bob in CT wrote:
:: On Fri, 30 Apr 2004 09:39:48 -0500, rosie
:: wrote:
::
::: i remember when this newsgroup started and we were being treated by
::: other "dieters" as full fledged idiots!
:::
::: )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) ))))))))))))))))))
::: )))))))))))))
:::
::
:: Yeah, but there's no way that 70 percent of people are really
:: reducing carb intake. I don't see it anywhere I go. Maybe they're
:: going from two low fat muffins to one, but that's about it.

Hey -- that's an improvement!


And
:: there's still a tremendous amount of antagonism toward low carb, as
:: "it can't be good to eat all that saturated fat and no vegetables."

True!

::
:: I think we're still treated like idiots, it's just that we might be
:: right.

Come now...I'm not treated like an idiot (I still look as if I can deliver a
beatdown), but I may be thought of as one.

Ignoramus17184 wrote:
:: low carb mashed potatoes, ROTFLMAO.

They are made with cauliflower that been mashed up...very tasty, imo. At
least the stuff that my mom made for me, that is...

In ,
Roger Zoul coded for transmition to space:
Ignoramus17184 wrote:
low carb mashed potatoes, ROTFLMAO.

They are made with cauliflower that been mashed up...very tasty,
imo.
At least the stuff that my mom made for me, that is...

What, General Mills is making mashed cauliflower?

--
revek
Inquiring gnomes want to mine!

revek wrote:

What, General Mills is making mashed cauliflower?

Since they advertise it as tasting as good as their regular instant
mashed potatoes, I don't give a darn *what* the low-carb verison is made of.

If instant mashed potatoes were representative of a high-carb diet, I'd
have been low-carbing decades ago. Blech!

--
As you accelerate your food, it takes exponentially more and more energy
to increase its velocity, until you hit a limit at C. This energy has
to come from somewhere; in this case, from the food's nutritional value.
Thus, the faster the food is, the worse it gets.
-- Mark Hughes, comprehending the taste of fast food