AUSTIN, Texas (Jan. 10, 2011) —Whole Foods Market introduces eight nutritious frozen vegetable blends, developed specifically under its Health Starts Here program guidelines, to offer shoppers more affordable, convenient ways to support a healthy lifestyle.

Launched under the company's 365 Everyday Value brand, the new line offers a host of vibrant flavor combinations that are free of added sodium, artificial preservatives, additives, or sweeteners.   Each sixteen-ounce package also features a Health Starts Here recipe for even more ways to enjoy these choices.

“With these ready-to-go bags, you don't need to plan for prep time—they’re already primed for a quick and healthy side or entrée every day of the week,” said Chad Sarno, global Health Starts Here program coordinator for Whole Foods Market. “Flash freezing vegetables preserves their fresh taste, which means our shoppers can enjoy that just-picked taste year-round.”

These new frozen vegetables are available at Whole Foods Market stores nationwide at the suggested price of $1.99:

  • Garden Blend:

      a rich medley of carrots, broccoli and sugar snap peas provide an excellent source of vitamins C and A

  • Four Seasons Blend:

    sugar snap peas, yellow squash, carrots and corn deliver a colorful dose of vitamin A

  • Harvest Blend:

    green peas, carrots, kale and corn offer an excellent source of vitamin A and a good source of fiber

  • Soup and Stew Blend:

    a mix of spinach, asparagus, mushrooms and red potatoes pack a nutrient punch

  • Beans and Greens Blend:

      kidney beans, Great Northern beans and kale join forces for a delicious source of iron and fiber

  • Blue Curled Kale:

    leafy green packed with a wealth of nutrients like immune-boosting carotenoid and powerful phytochemicals

  • Collard Greens:

      bursting with vital nutrients, these greens offer sturdy full-flavored leaves with a pleasing cabbage-like taste

  • Leafy Greens:

    collards, kale and mustard greens offer an excellent source of vitamin A

“These blends make creating delicious, nutrient-rich meals like soups, stews and chili, brown rice pilaf, quinoa with tofu or pasta a snap,” added Sarno. “They’re also affordable and convenient since you don’t have to worry about any spoilage.”

Health Starts Here is an approach to healthy eating rooted in four principles: whole foods, plant-strong™*, nutrient dense and healthy fats.  For more information visit: wholefoodsmarket.com/healthstartshere.

*Plant-strong™ is a trademark of Engine 2 For Life, LLC and used, under license, by Whole Foods Market, IP, LP, and/or its affiliates.