Sara Lee: adds nutrition labels to breads in the U.S.

Downers Grove / IL. (slc) Sara Lee North American Fresh Bakery is launching new labels to help consumers make better food choices. The easy-to-read call-out graphics with key nutrition information, Nutritional Spotlight, will appear on all of its bread, bun and bagel products beginning now with their Soft + Smooth bread line. This new labeling provides consumers with essential nutrition facts to make fast, informed decisions about the Sara Lee bread, bun and bagel products.

The Nutritional Spotlight banner complements the Nutrition Facts Label currently required on all food products providing consumers a quick snapshot of important dietary nutrients. The new Nutritional Labeling is part of Sara Lee´s continued effort to educate America on the health benefits of their fresh bakery products and alleviate confusion in the bread aisle – the company said in a press release.

«We know individuals want convenient, nutritious choices when shopping at their grocery stores», said Tim Zimmer, vice president, Sara Lee North American Fresh Bakery, in the statement. «The Nutritional Spotlight helps individuals quickly identify Sara Lee products that contain the nutrients most important to them and their families». The Nutritional Spotlight highlights:

• calories, total fat, sodium and sugars per serving on all products;
• percentage of daily recommended folic acid per serving on all Sara Lee white bread, bun and bagel products;
• percentage of daily recommended fiber per serving on all Sara Lee wheat and whole wheat bread, bun and bagel products;
• grams of whole grain recommended per serving on all Sara Lee white, wheat and whole wheat bread and bun products.

Sara Lee also offers consumers information about the new labeling initiative on the company´s branded site «The joy of eating», including a feature to help individuals select the products that best meet their nutritional needs. For example, a growing family is able to search for a loaf of bread that contains whole grain or folic acid; for others looking to maintain their weight, they have the ability to compare calories across varieties.

About: Sara Lee North American Fresh Bakery is the No. 1 fresh packaged bakery brand in the United States with an innovative portfolio of fresh breads, buns, bagels, rolls and English muffins designed to meet a wide variety of preferences and sensibilities – without sacrificing taste. Products included in the Sara Lee Fresh Bakery portfolio are Soft + Smooth Wheat and Made with Whole Grain White Bread, Soft + Smooth Wheat and White Hotdog and Hamburger Buns, Hearty + Delicious Bread, 45 Calorie and Delightful Bread, Classic wheat and white breads, breakfast breads, bagels and English muffins. Sara Lee has seen success with its bread line, particularly the Soft + Smooth Made with Whole Grain White Bread, which since its launch in 2005 has become the best-selling loaf in the U.S..