SOLON, OHIO — Nestle USA has announced plans to remove artificial flavors and reduce sodium in its frozen pizza and snack products by the end of the year. The changes will affect more than 250 products across six brands, which include DiGiorno, Tombstone, California Pizza Kitchen, Jack’s, Hot Pockets and Lean Pockets.
By the end of 2015, the products will contain no artificial flavors and will have 10% less sodium compared with 2013 levels. Nestle also will incorporate guidance tools on packaging across the brands to help educate consumers on portion control and a balanced diet.
The announcement underscores Nestle’s ongoing commitment to improving the nutritional and ingredient profile of its products. In February, the company said it would remove artificial colors and flavors from all of its chocolate candy products, including Nestle Crunch, Butterfinger and Baby Ruth, by the end of the year.
“We know people want to feel good about the foods they eat, and they’re seeking foods made with fewer artificial ingredients and less sodium,” said John Carmichael, president of the Nestle Pizza & Snacking Division, Nestle USA. “As one of the nation’s largest food companies, Nestle is listening to consumers and delivering on their desire for convenient, great-tasting foods that have an improved nutritional profile.”
New products launching this spring and summer from Nestle include California Pizza Kitchen Gluten-Free Crispy Thin Crust pizzas, DiGiorno Pizzeria! Thin, Hot Pockets Snack Bites and Breakfast Bites, Tombstone Limited Edition Diablo and Bratwurst pizzas and California Pizza Kitchen Hand-Tossed Style pizzas. All of the forthcoming innovations reflect Nestle’s commitments, and several of the products were developed to provide consumers with portioned meal and snack options.
“Portion guidance is our way of making it easier for consumers to make informed choices that are right for them and their family,” said Cassie Hoover, RDN, nutrition, health and wellness manager, Nestle Pizza & Snacking Division, Nestle USA. “We’ll continue to look for ways to help people enjoy our pizza and snack options as part of a well-balanced, great-tasting and nutritious diet.”
