Near East Brings Globally Inspired Flavors To The Deli Aisle With New Near East Multigrain Chips

PLANO, Texas, April 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- With a rich history of preparing and serving home-cooked, Mediterranean-inspired dishes like rice pilaf, couscous and other grain-based fare, the Near East brand now brings these authentic flavors to a delicious and versatile new snack: Near East Multigrain Chips. Made using a delightful blend of ingredients like corn, couscous, quinoa, and lentils, these uniquely shaped chips are subtly seasoned and perfect for pairing with your favorite deli dips. 

Near East Multigrain Chips contain no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives and provide a great option for consumers looking to sophisticate their snack palate with authentic Mediterranean flavors and grains. Now available at grocery stores nationwide, Near East Multigrain Chips feature two varieties:

• Near East Cheese & Herb Flavored Multigrain Chips boast just the right mix of feta, cheddar, herbs, quinoa and lentils for rich flavor, balanced with a blend of corn and couscous for a crispy and satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with yogurt-based dips, veggie dips and salsas.
• Near East Garlic & Olive Oil Flavored Multigrain Chips combine corn, couscous, quinoa and lentils with a unique blend of garlic and olive oil flavors, making them a fun and delicious snack to enjoy with authentic Mediterranean flair.

"The Near East brand has been making couscous, rice pilaf and pasta products that have been pantry staples in kitchens across the country for decades," said Dave Skena, vice president of marketing, Frito-Lay.  "We are proud to bring those authentic Mediterranean flavors and textures to what we know best – snacks – with Near East Multigrain Chips."

The Near East brand launched in 1962, when George and Hannah Kalajian served home-cooked, Mediterranean-inspired meals at their lunch counter in Worcester, Mass. Starting with classic dishes like rice pilaf and couscous, the Near East brand has grown to embrace a wide variety of exceptional foods and flavors, all with a regional flair.

Near East Multigrain Chips, offered by PepsiCo's Frito-Lay division, are available in the deli section of grocery stores nationwide in 7-oz. bags for a suggested retail price of $3.99.  For more information, visit www.neareast.com/products/multigrain_chips.  

About Near East

Founded in 1962, the Near East family of products includes more than 30 different flavors and varieties of rice pilafs, couscous, and other grain dishes.  Near East products offer a variety of great tastes and authentic flavors from around the world with easy and convenient preparation.  Near East uses only the best ingredients.  Most Near East products are certified Kosher.  Near East products are available nationally in supermarkets and specialty food stores. 

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo is a global food and beverage leader with net revenues of more than $65 billion and a product portfolio that includes 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in annual retail sales.  Our main businesses – Quaker, Tropicana, Gatorade, Frito-Lay and Pepsi-Cola – make hundreds of enjoyable foods and beverages that are loved throughout the world.  PepsiCo's people are united by our unique commitment to sustainable growth by investing in a healthier future for people and our planet, which we believe also means a more successful future for PepsiCo.  We call this commitment Performance with Purpose: PepsiCo's promise to provide a wide range of foods and beverages from treats to healthy eats; to find innovative ways to minimize our impact on the environment by conserving energy and water and reducing packaging volume; to provide a great workplace for our associates; and to respect, support and invest in the local communities where we operate.  For more information, please visit www.pepsico.com.

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SOURCE Frito-Lay North America