Childhood obesity rate targeted with new kids snacks launched at Natural Foods Expo West

SYDNEY, March 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Australian natural foods company, Freedom Foods Group, introduces Messy Monkeys, a new kids' snack brand that provides a convenient and affordable way to offer whole grains and trending ingredients, like quinoa and sorghum, in a format kids will love at a value price parents can afford. Research has shown that affordability is an obstacle to healthier eating with a study by researchers at Harvard University estimating that a healthful diet costs about $550 more per person per year than an unhealthy one.* In an effort to combat childhood obesity and make healthy eating more affordable to everyone, Freedom Foods is putting their money where their mouth is, lowering their current range of healthy breakfast allergen-free cereals to below $4 and the new Messy Monkeys line of baked whole grain snacks are priced at less than $1 per lunch box pack. Freedom Foods hopes its low price point will help support parents manage their concerns around childhood obesity, when coupled with encouraging healthy diets, increased physical activity and less screen time for their children.

Moms and dads often feel guilty for giving kids conveniently packaged snacks that are genetically modified, contain high levels of fat or offer little nutritional benefits. Natural food options are often limited to expensive offerings or selections their children dislike due to the product not tasting good. Messy Monkeys Baked Whole Grain Snacks are non-GMO and come in three flavors kids will love including Pizza, Cheese and Apple while containing the hidden goodness of nutrient-rich sorghum and the ancient grain benefits of quinoa. Each serving contains 14 percent protein, seven percent fiber, only one gram of sugar and less than 100 mg of sodium. In addition, to address the increasing rates of allergies in children, the products are peanut and gluten-free, meaning they are school snack-friendly and an easy option for parents whose children are faced with these allergies.

"Childhood obesity has tripled in the last 30 years in America. Studies show that nearly one in five school-aged children and young people are affected.** We know that cost is a major barrier to making healthy dietary changes, so we made it our mission to not only lower the price of our current healthy cereal range, but to launch a wholesome snacking line that was accessible to everyone," says Dr. Sonja Kukuljan, Group General Manager of Nutrition at Freedom Foods Group. "The launch of Messy Monkeys is our way to help parents navigate the world of healthy natural foods for kids with affordable and great tasting nutrition, as part of a healthy diet rich in plant foods and full of fun activities."

Availability
Messy Monkeys will launch at Naturals Products Expo West in Anaheim in March 2018. Consumers will also see Freedom Foods' allergy-friendly cereals at a lower price point beginning April 2018. The entire Messy Monkeys line of products launches on Amazon.com and at natural foods grocers beginning June, 2018. The line will retail at $5.99. For more information on Freedom Foods and Messy Monkeys, visit www.freedomfoodsus.com.

*According to research from Harvard School of Public Health published in the British Medical Journal on 12/5/13.
**According to 2015-2016 data from the CDC.

About Freedom Foods
Freedom Foods Group is a leading global health food company that has a mission of 'Making Food Better'. Our mission is to make great tasting, high quality, healthy foods and beverages. This mission encompasses every aspect of the food supply chain from: Paddock with key dairy and grains contracted for growing, to milling at our Freedom Foods milling operation in Darlington Point, to manufacture at any of our 6 state of the art operations in NSW & Victoria and our partnerships with manufactures in North America. Our business focuses on value added Cereal and Snacking, Plant based beverages and Dairy products. We believe that healthy eating is a choice that people struggle with every day and our people are passionate to deliver on the need for a wider and more trusted range of healthier foods that everyone can enjoy.

For more information about Freedom Foods and their products, please visit: www.freedomfoodsus.com

SOURCE Freedom Foods

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http://www.freedomfoodsus.com