Cheeseburger Fans Rejoice: September 18 is National Cheeseburger Day and Foster Farms Debuts Great Bites™ Mini Chicken Cheeseburgers

New, Bite-sized Chicken Cheeseburgers Arrive in the Freezer Aisle Just in Time for National Chicken Month and National Cheeseburger Day

News provided by

Foster Farms

Sep 17, 2010, 09:00 ET

LIVINGSTON, Calif., Sept. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Americans are serious about their burgers, and their chicken. So much so that there is a national holiday devoted to the cheeseburger while the entire month of September celebrates chicken. Cheeseburger and chicken fans can now enjoy the best of both worlds with new Foster Farms Great Bites™ mini chicken cheeseburgers. These bite-sized, full flavor snacks or mini-meals are available in the freezer aisle of grocery stores nationwide this week in time for National Cheeseburger Day on Saturday, September 18. Ready in just two minutes, protein-filled Great Bites pack crave-worthy flavor, appeal to both kids and grownups alike and are ideal for after school snacking, game day munching, or as mini-meals to refuel on the go.

Great Bites bridge several current food trends: Americans increasingly depend on chicken as a naturally lean, wholesome protein source (1), and consumers continue to seek out restaurant-inspired snack foods (2). Foster Farms Great Bites provide hungry families an accessible, full-flavored snack or mini meal item without the hassle of going out. Even more, now that one-third of the population tends to eat several mini-meals throughout the day rather than three "square" meals per day (2), Great Bites paired with a salad or veggies makes for a satisfying lunch, dinner or late night meal.

"Overwhelmingly, consumers told us that they were in search of healthier afternoon snack options that had substance to them," said Jennifer Corsiglia-Keim, Marketing Manager for Foster Farms. "With Great Bites, we ended up creating a filling snack or mini-meal that appeals to just about everyone. The wholesome protein fuels energy and helps curb what we call the '3 o'cluck slump.' Moms tell us that their kids love Great Bites because they're fun to eat and taste good, and, moms like them as a quick on-the-go snack for themselves, or something savory to enjoy on their downtime."

Best served while hot from the microwave, Great Bites feature flame broiled chicken and come in two varieties: All-American Cheeseburger with tangy BBQ sauce, real smoky bacon and cheddar cheese; and the Santa Fe Cheeseburger with real creamy pepper jack cheese and chipotle sauce. With just 90 - 100 calories per burger and five grams of protein, Great Bites are a satisfying snack to curb even the biggest burger craving. Available in packages of six and 12 burgers, Great Bites retail for $3.99 - $7.99 per package.

Great Bites are now widely available at Safeway Stores, and throughout the West Coast at SaveMart, Lucky, Albertson's, Stater Bros., Ralph's and select independent grocers. Visit www.fosterfarms.com/greatbites for more details, or follow Great Bites on Facebook at http://bit.ly/bBr0pK.

About Foster Farms

Since 1939, West Coast families have depended on Foster Farms for premium quality chicken and turkey products. Family-owned and operated, the company continues its legacy of excellence and commitment to quality established by its founders, Max and Verda Foster. Foster Farms specializes in fresh, all natural chicken and turkey products free of preservatives, additives or injected sodium enhancers. Based in California's Central Valley, with ranches also in the Pacific Northwest, the company's fresh chicken and turkey are produced in or near each region served. Foster Farms also produces delicious pre-marinated, ready-to-cook and fully cooked products that meet the quality and convenience needs of today's home cooks, retailers, warehouse clubs and foodservice customers. The company's commitment to excellence, honesty, quality, service and people is a source of great pride, and, a longtime family tradition.

(1) The Poultry Site - www.thepoultrysite.com/focus/contents/GP/table1Amweicasweek3.jpg

(2) Palm Beach Post - http://www.palmbeachpost.com/money/malled-restaurants-offering-small-sized-items-with-big-728206.html

SOURCE Foster Farms