Lance® Sandwich Crackers Joins National Salt Reduction Initiative (NSRI)

America's favorite brand of sandwich crackers agrees to reduce sodium in sandwich crackers by 2012

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Lance® Sandwich Crackers has joined the National Salt Reduction Initiative (NSRI) in its effort to reduce the amount of sodium consumed by Americans. Currently 28 of the nation's leading food manufacturers have joined NSRI.

Lance® Sandwich Crackers has agreed to lower the amount of sodium in 13 of its sandwich cracker varieties to meet the NSRI guidelines by 2012. America's favorite sandwich cracker has a long history of making consumer desired nutritional changes including the removal of trans fats and high fructose corn syrup, creating a line of whole grain sandwich crackers as well as offering reduced fat and 100 calorie versions of its most popular sandwich crackers including ToastChee® and Toasty®.

NSRI is a nationwide effort among 72 local and state health departments and health organizations to work with the food industry to cut the salt in packaged and restaurant foods by 25% over five years — an achievement that would reduce the nation's salt intake by 20% and prevent tens of thousands of deaths each year due to conditions caused by high blood pressure.

"We are thrilled to have another flagship brand in the Snyder's-Lance family join the NSRI's efforts to make lower sodium, healthier snacks," said Carl Lee, President and Chief Operating Officer of Snyder's-Lance. "As the makers of America's favorite brand of sandwich crackers and pretzels, Snyder's-Lance looks forward to continuing to provide great tasting, premium quality salty snacks while working with the NSRI toward reducing sodium in our salty snack offerings."

In December 2010, Lance, Inc. and Snyder's of Hanover, Inc. finalized the merger of the two companies creating a leading snack food manufacturer. Prior to this, Snyder's of Hanover had joined NSRI in November 2010. At that time, the nation's leading pretzel manufacturer already met the NSRI target for pretzels and agreed to cut the salt in its unflavored chips. This latest announcement adds Lance sandwich crackers to the 2012 sodium target reduction.

About Lance® Sandwich Crackers

For nearly 100 years Lance sandwich crackers have been satisfying the cravings of millions of hungry individuals and families. Every Lance sandwich cracker is baked fresh with real peanut butter or cheese, and no preservatives, 0 grams trans fat or high-fructose corn syrup.  For more information about Lance sandwich crackers or to locate a retailer, visit www.LanceSnacks.com or http://www.facebook.com/LanceSnacks.

About Snyder's-Lance, Inc.

Snyder's-Lance, Inc., headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, manufactures, markets and distributes snack foods throughout the United States and internationally. The company's products include pretzels, sandwich crackers, potato chips, cookies, tortilla chips, restaurant style crackers, nuts and other snacks. Snyder's-Lance has manufacturing facilities in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Indiana, Georgia, Arizona, Massachusetts, Texas, Florida, Ohio, and Ontario, Canada. Products are sold under the Snyder's of Hanover, Lance, Krunchers!, Cape Cod, Jays, Grande, Tom's, Archway, O-Ke-Doke, and Stella D'oro brand names along with a number of private label and third party brands. Products are distributed widely through grocery and mass merchandisers, convenience stores, club stores, food service outlets and other channels.

SOURCE Lance® Sandwich Crackers