Joan Lunden to Judge Entries In UNCLE BEN'S(R) 'Whole Grains Made Easy'
Recipe Contest
VERNON, Calif., April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- UNCLE BEN'S(R) today announced
the "Whole Grains Made Easy" recipe contest, in which consumers are invited
to develop nutritious whole grain recipes that incorporate one of UNCLE
BEN'S(R) Whole Grain Brown Rice varieties. Television personality and
cookbook author, Joan Lunden, will serve as a judge for the contest, which
is inspired by recent UNCLE BEN'S(R) survey findings that the absence of
delicious, easy to prepare recipes is one of the greatest barriers to whole
grain consumption.
"I am thrilled to collaborate with UNCLE BEN'S(R) to help raise
awareness of the essential role that whole grains play in a healthy diet,"
says Joan Lunden. "As a mother of seven, with a demanding career, I'm
always in search of family meal ideas that are nutritious, taste great and
are easy to prepare."
The "Whole Grains Made Easy" contest judges are looking for healthy,
delicious and well-balanced recipes that include lean meats, fresh
vegetables and at least one package of an UNCLE BEN'S(R) whole grains
product. Recipes may be submitted on the UNCLE BEN'S(R) Web site at
http://www.unclebens.com, beginning today and will be accepted until June
16, 2006. Lunden and a team of nutritionists and chefs at UNCLE BEN'S(R)
will evaluate entries on their creativity, convenience and nutritional
value. The grand prize winner will be announced by July 31, 2006 and will
receive an all-expense paid weekend for two at a culinary school in New
York and a year's supply of UNCLE BEN'S(R) Whole Grain Brown Rice.
"Consumers have told us that they would eat more whole grains if they
had easy, delicious and simple recipes incorporating them," said Bryan
Crowley, Vice President of Marketing for UNCLE BEN'S(R). "We hope this
contest will eliminate these obstacles, raising awareness about how easily
whole grains can become part of one's diet and just how delicious they can
be."
Whole grains are an important source of antioxidants, fiber, folate and
other B vitamins, and may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type
II diabetes and weight gain when used as part of a diet low in saturated
fat and cholesterol.
UNCLE BEN'S(R) Whole Grains Portfolio
New UNCLE BEN'S(R) READY RICE(R) Chicken Whole Grain Brown is the first
nationally available flavored brown rice that is ready to eat in just 90
seconds, delivering natural flavor in every grain without seasoning
packets. The 8.8 oz. microwaveable pouch retails for $1.69. New UNCLE
BEN'S(R) Fast & Natural(TM) Whole Grain Instant Brown Rice is 100 percent
natural whole grain brown rice that is pre-cooked for convenience, with a
better taste and texture than current instant offerings. It is sealed in a
14 oz. airtight pouch for freshness and retails for $1.99.
Other UNCLE BEN'S(R) whole grain offerings include READY RICE(R) Whole
Grain Brown and Natural Whole Grain Brown Rice. UNCLE BEN'S(R) Whole Grain
Brown Rice products contain zero grams of Trans fat and are natural sources
of fiber. A one-cup serving of any of these products provides two of the
three servings of whole grains recommended daily by the USDA Dietary
Guidelines.
About Masterfoods USA
Masterfoods USA, the United States food, snack and pet care division of
Mars, Incorporated, is one of the world's leading food manufacturers. With
more than $5 billion in annual sales, the combined food, snack and pet care
segments are a symbol of excellence for quality brands. Headquartered in
Hackettstown, NJ, Masterfoods USA employs more than 7,000 associates in the
United States, with 15 manufacturing facilities nationwide. The company
owns some of the world's favorite brands including M&M'S(R) Brand,
SNICKERS(R) Brand, UNCLE BEN'S(R) Brand, PEDIGREE(R) Brand Food For Dogs
and WHISKAS(R) Brand Food For Cats.
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