Cascadian Farm Introduces Organic Cereal That Goes Where Organic Cereal Has Never Gone Before: It Tastes Great!

Lifestyle Editors & Food Writers

NOTE TO MEDIA: Multimedia assets available

SEDRO-WOOLLEY, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 24, 2002

As more and more Americans turn to organic foods out of personal health and/or environmental concerns, most would agree that when it comes to taste, the majority of organic cereals just don't measure up. But those days are over with the introduction of Cascadian Farm's new line of four delicious organic cereals: Honey Nut O's, Wheat Crunch Flakes, Oats & Honey Granola, and Multi Grain Squares.

"Mainstream consumers are unwilling to sacrifice taste for other benefits. With our new line of organic cereals, natural foods enthusiasts and mainstream consumers alike can enjoy the best of both worlds...healthy organic cereals that taste great," says Tim Bennett, marketing manager of new business for Cascadian Farm, a 30 year-old leader in the organic industry.

"Most current organic cereal offerings simply don't deliver on taste," says Bennett. "Our new organic cereals not only taste delicious, but they offer all the health benefits associated with foods made with whole grains," he adds. According to the Food and Drug Administration, diets rich in whole grain foods and other plant foods -- and low in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol -- may reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers.

-- Cascadian Farm Honey Nut O's contain whole grain oats flavored with the
sweet taste of real honey and almonds and will appeal to everyone in the
family. Without milk, one three-quarter cup of Honey Nut O's contains only 110
calories, 1.5 grams of fat, no cholesterol, 8 grams of sugar and 3 grams of
protein.

-- Cascadian Farm Wheat Crunch Flakes is a tasty combination of whole grain
wheat and rice with just the right touch of molasses. Without milk, one
three-quarter cup of Wheat Crunch Flakes contains 105 calories, 0.5 grams of
fat, no cholesterol, 6 grams of sugar and 2 grams of protein.

-- Oats & Honey Granola is a delicious blend of honey-coated whole oats and
crisp rice. Without milk, one three-quarter cup of Oats & Honey Granola
contains only 230 calories, 6 grams of fat, no cholesterol, 12 grams of sugar
and 5 grams of protein.

-- Multi Grain Squares combines whole grain wheat, corn, rice and a hint of
sugar. Without milk, one three-quarter cup of Multi Grain Squares contains only
110 calories, 0.5 grams of fat, no cholesterol, 4 grams of sugar and 2 grams of
protein.

Cascadian Farm's new line of organic cereals will be available in grocery stores and natural food stores by mid-June. Suggested retail prices will range between $3.69 and $3.99 per box depending on the variety.

All Cascadian Farm products are produced without the use of synthetic pesticides or synthetic chemicals. By providing consumers the ability to choose organic products, Cascadian Farm remains committed to a safer, healthier world.

Cascadian Farm, founded in 1972 by Gene Kahn, and Muir Glen are a part of Small Planet Foods, a business unit of General Mills, Inc. Small Planet Foods produces more than 150 organic food items that span eight organic food categories: frozen vegetables, frozen fruit, frozen meals and entrees, fruit spreads and cereal marketed under the Cascadian Farm brand; and canned tomatoes, pasta sauces and salsas marketed under the Muir Glen brand. Small Planet Foods' products are sold nationwide in natural food stores and select supermarkets. For more product or recipe information, please visit the Small Planet Foods website at www.smallplanetfoods.com.

Cascadian Farm...Taste You Can Believe In

Note: A Photo is available at URL: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/photo.cgi?pw.062402/bb4