Sweeten Your Life With NEW! NESTLE Cherry RAISINETS

GLENDALE, Calif., March 15 /PRNewswire/ -- NESTLE® RAISINETS® announces the newest addition to the beloved RAISINETS family, NEW! NESTLE® Cherry RAISINETS®. With the introduction of Cranberry RAISINETS® last year, cherries are the second new fruit to be introduced to the brand portfolio in more than 80 years. This delicious treat follows the lead of its chocolate-covered predecessors, with premium whole dried fruit covered in 100 percent NESTLE chocolate, making them an indulgence that is a cherry on top of anyone's day!

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100315/LA70096)

Cherry RAISINETS are the ultimate treat for snackers of all ages. Premium, whole dried cherries are sourced from one of the premier cherry growing regions in Michigan. These Montmorency Tart Cherries are drenched in rich NESTLE® Dark Chocolate, creating a mouthwatering combination that is both sweet and creamy while also juicy and tangy. For anyone looking for something different, Cherry RAISINETS provides a win-win option with 1/2 a serving of real fruit in every 1/4 cup and 30 percent less fat than the leading chocolate brands.

A Smart Choice

According to experts from the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT), good-for-you foods are one of the Top Five Trends in 2010.* With natural, whole dried cherries that are bursting with flavor and a natural source of antioxidants and 30 percent less fat than the leading chocolate brands, NESTLE Cherry RAISINETS are a better-for-you treat in line with this trend. Coupled with dark chocolate, another source of antioxidants, Cherry RAISINETS truly give snackers something new to be excited about.

"Deprivation is a diet disaster because people tend to binge on tempting foods when their diets are too restrictive," said Laurie MacDonald, R.D., Nestle USA. "Trying to make smart eating choices to maintain a healthy weight is a great approach, but many people make the mistake of depriving themselves of some of the foods they love. This is a recipe for diet disaster because most people eventually give in to their cravings. A better approach is to allow for foods that you enjoy in moderation. Cherry RAISINETS are an ideal better-for-you treat: you can enjoy the indulgent flavor with less guilt."

A SWEETstakes You Can't Resist

Sweetening the launch of Cherry RAISINETS, the newest series of webisodes, featuring the sassy, fun loving crew of Raisinets, begins March 23rd. In these new adventures, the group embarks on a cross country road trip in search of a new member to add to the RAISINETS family. Starting April 1st, viewers will be able to enter for a chance to win a daily "road trip" prize, such as a GPS system, iPods and more. All who enter the daily sweepstakes will also be entered into the grand prize drawing for a chance to win the RAISINETS Ultimate Road Trip for the winner and up to three friends.

No purchase necessary to enter.  Open to legal residents of the 50 US & DC, 18 or older.  Sweepstakes ends 11:59p.m. ET 6/30/10. Subject to entry periods, prize details and full rules at Raisinets.com/roadtripsweeps or Youtube.com/raisinets. Void where prohibited.

Cherry RAISINETS hit shelves beginning this month in a convenient 4.0 ounce resealable Stand Up Bag (SRP $3.29). The go-to choice for any occasion, enjoy them at home during your favorite movie or add them to trail mix for a satisfying afternoon treat. For even more creative ways to enjoy Cherry RAISINETS, visit www.meals.com to download delicious dessert recipes that use this great new product as an ingredient.

"We're pleased with the overwhelmingly positive response to Cranberry RAISINETS and are looking forward to hearing consumer responses to Cherry RAISINETS," said Tricia Bowles, spokesperson, Nestle Confections & Snacks. "They are a great choice for anyone looking for a better-for-you treat and part of our ongoing commitment to provide delicious better-for-you options."

For more information and to watch the fruitful, fun-loving webisodes, be sure to visit www.raisinets.com. And don't forget to check back after April 1st for more information on the RAISINETS Ultimate Road Trip sweepstakes.

About Nestle USA

Named one of "The World's Most Admired Food Companies" in Fortune magazine for thirteen consecutive years, Nestle provides quality brands and products that bring flavor to life every day.  From nutritious meals with Lean Cuisine® to baking traditions with Nestle® Toll House®, Nestle USA makes delicious, convenient, and nutritious food and beverage products that enrich the very experience of life itself.  That's what "Nestle. Good Food, Good Life" is all about.  Well-known Nestle brands include: Nestle® Toll House®, Nestle® Nesquik®, Nestle® Coffee-mate®, Stouffer's®, Lean Cuisine®, HOT POCKETS® and LEAN POCKETS® brand sandwiches, Nescafe®, Nescafe® Taster's Choice®, NESTLE® Juicy Juice®, Buitoni®, DREYER'S/EDY'S®, Nestle® Crunch®, Nestle® Butterfinger®, Wonka®, DIGIORNO®, TOMBSTONE® and CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN® frozen pizza.. Nestle USA, with 2009 sales of $10.4 billion, is part of Nestle S.A. in Vevey, Switzerland — the world's largest food company with a commitment to Nutrition, Health & Wellness — with 2009 sales of $99 billion.  For product news and information, visit http://www.nestleusa.com/Nestleusa.com or NestleNewsroom.com.

NESTLE® & RAISINETS® are registered trademarks of Societe des Produits Nestle S.A., Vevey, Switzerland.

*The trend spotting was conducted by the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade, Inc., owner of the Fancy Food Show. The 35th Winter Fancy Food Show was Jan. 17 - 19th at Moscone Center in San Francisco.

SOURCE Nestle USA