In The Raw™ Brand Expands with Monk Fruit In The Raw™

BROOKLYN, N.Y., Oct. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The In The Raw™ family of all-natural sweeteners expands with the launch of  Monk Fruit In The Raw™, a zero-calorie, all natural sugar substitute with a natural taste, that can be used beautifully in any recipe that calls for sugar. Monk Fruit In The Raw is ideal for individuals looking to cut added sugars and is also recommended to those with diabetes seeking sugar substitutes.   Monk Fruit In The Raw will begin a national distribution roll-out in October, 2012 and is currently available for purchase at InTheRaw.com.

Monk Fruit In The Raw is made from monk fruit, a vine-ripened fruit native to Asia. An easy to use, superior tasting product in the zero-calorie sweetener arena, Monk Fruit In The Raw is different from other monk fruit-based sweeteners because unlike other products, Monk Fruit In The Raw does not contain added table sugar, sugar alcohols or molasses.

"Monk Fruit In The Raw is a delicious and exciting addition to our line of wholesome, all-natural sweeteners," said Steven Eisenstadt, CEO of Cumberland Packing Corp., makers of In The Raw™ brand products.  "Monk Fruit in The Raw is amazingly versatile and easy to use in cooking and baking.  We think it will greatly appeal to people who want to cut calories naturally, without compromising on taste."

Monk Fruit In The Raw can be used to sweeten favorite beverages, from coffee and tea to cocktails. It also blends deliciously well in yogurt and smoothies and can be used on cereal or oatmeal. Monk Fruit In The Raw will be available in convenient single-serve packets with a suggested retail price of $3.49 per 40 count box.

"Monk Fruit In The Raw has the closest taste to sugar of any sugar-free, calorie-free sweetener and allows you to taste other ingredients in recipes clearly," said Dana Jacobi, award winning, best-selling cookbook author who develops recipes for In The Raw brand products. "The ease of use and great taste makes it compatible with most ingredients in drinks, cold dishes and cooking and baking recipes."

Jacobi created twelve new recipes using Monk Fruit In The Raw to demonstrate the sweetener's versatility and great taste, which can be found online. Recipes include appetizers: Capanota Crostini, Stuffed Red Pepper Rolls and Ginger Chili Dipping Sauce, a perfect accompaniment to dumplings, grilled shrimp or chicken. Drink recipes such as: Sweet Lemon Tea, Watermelon Agua Fresca, Thai Iced Tea and a Tropical Milk Shake. Cocktails created by Jacobi include Ginger Zombie and Southern Heat. Rounding out the list are decadent and delicious desserts, with an Italian Trifle, Red Berry Sauce and Swirled Red Berry Pudding.

Cumberland's In The Raw™ products, which include Sugar In The Raw®, Stevia In The Raw® and organic Agave In The Raw®, are commanding a presence in the market, answering the growing demand for natural, better for you ingredients. The strategy for the brand is to continue to build the In The Raw family of products, to provide healthy options for consumers looking for better ways to eat right and to enjoy the sweet life – naturally.

About Monk Fruit In The Raw™   
Monk Fruit In The Raw™ is an all-natural zero calorie sweetener made from monk fruit, a vine-ripened fruit native to Asia. Monk Fruit In The Raw can be used to sweeten favorite beverages and baked goods and blends well in yogurt and smoothies. Cumberland's In The Raw™ selection of 100% natural premium sweeteners enable consumers to add sweetness and versatility, naturally.  Find out more about In The Raw™ brand products at www.intheraw.com and visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/intheraw where you can try the new Au Natural app. Follow us on twitter at @InTheRawBrand.

Media Contact:   
Kristen Kurtz  
Kellen Communications   
T: 917.561.2406  
E: [email protected]   

SOURCE In The Raw