NEW & IMPROVED: SNYDER'S STICKS...DOLLING IT OUT...MAKING SECENTS

Compiled by DARLA MERCADO

1) SNYDER'S STICKS

HANOVER, Pa. -- Snyder's of Hanover, in cooperation with the Whole Grains Council's new "Whole Grain Stamp," has introduced 12 Multi Grain Pretzel Sticks. This new snack contains 8 ounces of whole grain per serving and has been stamped as a "Good Source" of whole grain by the Whole Grains Council. Each bag of pretzels brings together a medley of rye, whole wheat, buckwheat and oats, plus sesame and poppy seeds for seasoning. Also, the 12 Multi Grain Pretzel Sticks have no trans fats. A 9-ounce bag retails for $2.29.

2) DOLING IT OUT

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- The Dole Nutrition Institute is promoting a new campaign to educate consumers on "Superfoods." These nutrient-packed foods, which include watermelon, red bell peppers and spinach, encourage healthy hearts, strong immune systems and sharp brains. Dole intends for the Superfoods guide to be easy for the customer to follow compared to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's new food pyramids: Logo placement on select Dole produce lets consumers know when they are purchasing a Superfood. In addition to brochures and posters at supermarkets and schools, Dole will also produce a Superfoods cookbook that will be included in 275,000 copies of Prevention magazine this fall.

3) MAKING SCENTS

WINNETKA, Ill. -- Earth Friendly Products has added new scents to its line of soap products with lemongrass and lavender for ECOS laundry detergent and apricot-scented Dishmate liquid soap. Using lemongrass, soy and coconut to create these cleansers, Earth Friendly Products appeal to consumers who are concerned with the health of the environment as well as those who are seeking a competitively priced product. ECOS laundry detergent comes in 53- and 128-ounce sizes, and retails for $4.99 to $7.99. Dishmate liquid soap sells for $2.49 to $4.29 for a 25-fluid-ounce bottle.

4) MEN'S WEAR

MELVILLE, N.Y. -- Zia Natural Skincare, part of the Hain Celestial Group, has created an extensive line of men's facial products using all-natural ingredients. The company has also introduced Ultimate Day Renewal, an anti-aging serum. A comprehensive system of skin care, Zia for Men uses aloe vera, sea algae and chamomile extracts in the new products. The line consists of HydraClean Face Wash, ActiClean Face Scrub, HydraShield Shave Cream, ActiShield Shave Gel, and DualAction Face Lotion. Ultimate Day Renewal uses sandalwood and geranium extracts along with the main ingredient, acetyl hexapeptide-3, a combination that can reduce the appearance of lines. One ounce of Ultimate Day Renewal sells for $35.95.

5) PICKY, PICKY

WALTHAM, Mass. -- Recycline is offering Preserve Flavored Toothpicks, a new addition to its line of natural oral care products. The toothpicks, available in Cinnamint and Mint Tea Tree flavors, are made of certified harvested white birch and use essential oils as a natural antibacterial agent. To enhance the flavor experience, these toothpicks are also designed in a manner that allows them to hold the flavor for extended periods of time. The product is earth-friendly right down to its packaging: The plastic canister is made of 100% recycled plastics and is completely recyclable. Each canister contains 35 toothpicks and retails for $1.39.

6) SMOOTH BABY

SANTA ANA, Calif. -- Baby Bouquet is offering a line of skin care products for infants and children. The line includes shampoo, lotion, diaper balm and a variety of other skin care products made of lavender, sweet orange and vanilla extracts. Each is said to have a calming and therapeutic effect on children, while avocado and shea butter make for effective natural moisturizers. Unlike traditional baby products, Baby Bouquet does not use mineral oil, numbing agents, detergents or artificial fragrances. Also, the company does not test its products on animals. Prices range from $6 for a bar of glycerin soap to $18 for a bottle of cradle cap oil.

7) ALL'S WELL

LOS ANGELES -- Dogswell, a manufacturer of all-natural pet treats, has added a new flavor to its line of dog treats. Pet owners now can choose between the original chicken breast treats or the new beef liver snacks. The new flavor will be available for four types of these healthy pet products: Happy Hips, Happy Heart, Vitality and Mellow Mut. Ingredients such as sage and clover, in addition to supplements like glucosamine and vitamin E, promote good health for dogs without the worry of weight gain. Also, Dogswell will bring its products to felines: The Catswell line is due to launch this month. Happy Hips, Happy Heart, Vitality and Mellow Mut are sold in 6- and 16-ounce sizes and retail for $4.95 and $11.95, respectively.

8) FREE PIES

RICHMOND, Maine -- Naturally ME here has unveiled Natural Feast pumpkin and apple cranberry frozen pies in time for holiday feasts. The pies and pie shells are certified Kosher Parve and are safe for the millions of people who cannot consume gluten, lactose or refined sugar. These products also meet the dietary standards of vegans and vegetarians. This healthy alternative to the traditional fruit pie uses fruit juice to naturally sweeten the confections and wheat-free dough for the crust. The apple cranberry, apple, and blueberry pies retail for $11.99; chocolate mousse and pumpkin pies are selling for $12.50; and the pie shells are priced at $4.99.