NORTHFIELD, ILL. — Kraft Foods Inc. said it plans to launch more than 70 new products in 2012, ranging from easy meal solutions to new beverages with energy benefits.

“Americans are having more interactive experiences with food and want the opportunity to do some of the cooking themselves,” said Barry Calpino, vice-president of breakthrough innovation at Kraft. “With global influence and the merging of different cultures, consumers are open to new flavor combinations. Being able to customize the flavor and texture to enhance the end dish is important, and Kraft Foods is delivering.”

Kraft said it is expanding its meal solutions offerings with several news products in 2012, including Kraft Sizzling Salads Dinner Kit, Kraft Fresh Take and Velveeta Cheesy Skillets Dinner Kit. The Kraft Fresh Take is made from a blend of Kraft natural cheeses and breadcrumbs seasoned with spice blends such as rosemary and roasted garlic, chili lime and panko, and southwest three cheese. The new product will be available in January, Kraft said.

In the beverage aisle, Kraft said it will add MiO Energy Liquid Water Enhancer in black cherry and Green Thunder flavors, as well as Crystal Light – Energy Powdered Drink Mix in three varieties: citrus, grape and Peach Mango on the Go.

Better-for-you offerings also will play a large role in Kraft’s new product introductions in 2012. The company said it will introduce belVita Breakfast Biscuits in the United States. The crunchy biscuit baked with whole grains has been a popular product in Europe, according to Kraft. Also on the health front, Kraft said it plans to launch Kraft MilkBite Milk and Granola Bars, and it is expanding the Philadelphia Cooking Crème line with two varieties: Reduced Fat Italian Cheese and Herb, and Reduced Fat Savory Garlic. Kraft’s Lunchable Lunch Combinations line will expand with more varieties featuring fruit, including Turkey + Cheddar Flatbread Sandwich with applesauce, Ham + American Flatbread Sandwich with applesauce, and BBQ Chicken Dippers with pineapple tidbits in 100% pineapple juice.

Finally, several products will capitalize on the indulgent trend. Kraft recently launched Gevalia Kaffee Coffee, and in January it plans to introduce Philadelphia Indulgence Spreads, which combine chocolate (dark, milk and white) with the rich creaminess of Philadelphia Cream Cheese.