Avoid Winter Colds and Stay Healthy With Steamy, Family Favorite Soups from Fantastic World Foods

New Ethnic Vegetarian Soups from Fantastic World Foods Contain Ingredients That Can Help Boost Immunity and Provide Quick Winter Warm Ups

January 10, 2007 (NAPA, Calif.) — Sneezing, wheezing, scratchy throat and a runny nose – the symptoms of a nasty winter cold are all too familiar. Consumers spend almost 11 billion dollars on doctor’s visits and cold remedies each year, according to one University of Michigan study. Yet, growing evidence shows that grandma might have had it right all along: soups, like the cure-all chicken noodle, can offer much of the same relief consumers are seeking from decongestants and other over-the-counter remedies. Why? Ingredients found in many soups not only help keep the body warm and cozy during winter months, they also pack immunity-boosting properties. And a new line of soups from Fantastic World Foods is chock full of great-tasting ingredients proven to take on the most horrible cold.

According to research from the University of Nebraska, chicken soup reduces congestion and inflammation by limiting the movement of infection in the body. Garlic, onions, shiitake mushrooms and vegetables like carrots and broccoli that are high in beta-carotene and vitamin C, have also been found in multiple studies to stimulate the immune system and reduce the duration and severity of colds (International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research). Lisa Stollman, MA, RD and president of the New York-based Preventative Nutrition Clinic suggests spicy foods like those made with ginger and cayenne pepper to decongest and boost immunity. The steamy temperature of soups plays a part, increasing circulation and helping to flush toxins out of the body.

Fantastic World Foods’ new line of 16 chef-developed, vegetarian instant soup cups offers a range of complex flavors and ingredients set to take on a cold. These range from Spicy Thai and Buckaroo Bean Chili to the familiar Vegetarian Chicken Noodle, Classic French Onion and Split Pea – all mouth-watering ways to sooth away the winter cold symptoms and accompanying aches and pains. The all-natural soups not only taste great but have many of the ingredients shown to kick start the body’s defense system and increase overall immunity. No spoon full of sugar is necessary to make this “medicine” go down – you’ll only need the spoon.

“Our new soups offer a quick and easy way for consumers to stay warm this winter,” said Erin Fray, brand ambassador for Fantastic World Foods. “With varieties ranging from ethnic creations infused with spices to more traditional comforting flavors, there are 16 wholesome and nutritious ways to nourish an aching body ,” said Fray.

Here’s more information on specific soups in the Fantastic World Foods line that will help consumers feel better this winter:

Vegetarian Chicken Noodle
Grandma would be proud to call this thick and flavorful vegetarian chicken broth her own. It’s loaded with tagliatelle noodles and fresh New England garden veggies, including celery, carrots and onions. This soup is just what the doctor -- and granny --ordered to sooth away winter sniffles and sneezes.

Spicy Thai
Let the flavors of Thailand warm you from the inside out with this spicy broth, thick with Asian noodles and delicate pieces of carrot, red bell pepper and onion. The soup is beautifully accented with lemongrass, lime, ginger and peanuts.

Buckaroo Bean Chili
This tomato-spiked puree of pinto beans, stirred with diced bell peppers and onion, is an excellent source of cold-fighting Vitamin C. Buckaroo’s garlic and cayenne pepper can also help relieve sinus pain and congestion.

Classic French Onion
This signature soup is thick with onions, Emmental cheese and other veggies in a flavorful beefy broth, artfully completed with crispy French bread croutons to leave you warm and satisfied on the even grayest winter day.

Hot and Sour
Sure to help you breathe easy, this beautifully crafted hot and sour broth with Ramen noodles and stirred tofu is will drive the chills away this winter.

Split Pea
This hearty and familiar favorite is accented with bacon flavor and a dash of garlic. Carrots and onions to crank up the body’s defense system and pack a healthful punch to keep colds at bay or soothe what ails you.

Fantastic World Foods’ New Soup Line also includes the following delicious varieties:

Creamy Potato Leek, Tuscan Tomato and Shells, Southwest Tortilla Bean, Mamma’s Minestrone, Baja Black Bean, Summer Vegetable Rice , Great Lakes Cheddar Broccoli, Green Onion Miso with Tofu, Three Onion Noodle and Sesame Miso.

Every Fantastic World Foods package includes a checklist of Fantastic Assurances showcasing that each product is all natural or organic. In addition, the checklist includes detailed information about whether specific products are vegan, kosher, gluten or yeast free, low in fat or a good source of fiber, iron or other specific vitamins.

These soups are available at a suggested retail price of $2.19. Fantastic World Foods products are available nationwide in natural foods and grocery stores. For a list of retailers or to purchase products online, visit www.fantasticfoods.com.

The bar has once again been set high by one of the originators of the natural and organic food movement. Part of the Homegrown Naturals family of brands, which also includes Annie’s Homegrown, Consorzio and Annie’s Naturals, Fantastic World Foods is one of the nation’s leading natural food companies, offering more than 40 delicious and innovative all-natural vegetarian products.

CONTACT: Brianna Gallett at 651/228-9141 or brianna@kohnstamm.com for more information, samples or photography .