Charlotte, North Carolina-based Dole has introduced its new Sheet Pan Meal Starter Kits in select markets across the eastern and southeastern U.S. The kits represent the industry’s first new fresh vegetable product line catering to the growing sheet pan meal trend.
Available in Homestyle Roasted Herb, French Onion and Lemon Parmesan flavor varieties, the Dole Sheet Pan Meal Starter Kits combine ready-to-roast vegetables with a paired seasoning, which can be used for both the vegetables and a favorite added protein such as chicken, seafood or tofu. When mixed and cooked on a conventional sheet pan, the ingredients combine to create a restaurant-quality meal in minutes for a family of four, with only one dish to clean-up.
“Dole strives to always be at the forefront of food and culinary trends that can drive product innovation and exploration in the kitchen,” said Shannon Yamada, Dole Food Co. senior director of product innovation. “Our Sheet Pan Meal Starter Kits are the culmination of considerable research and trend analysis and allow us to deliver on exactly what consumers are looking for – great-tasting, convenient, one-pan healthy meal solutions. In addition to farm fresh Dole vegetables, consumers may add their favorite protein along with the delicious seasoning to easily create a personalized one-pan masterpiece for the family.”
According to Pinterest trend data, searches for “sheet pan dinners” have more than doubled over the last 12 months. According to Yamada, Dole leveraged its category leadership in salad kits to develop popular flavors that are validated through market research to deliver a flavorful meal experience.
“Our new line adds three unique products that disrupt the refrigerated vegetable aisle,” Yamada said. “Dole Sheet Pan Meal Starter Kits provide a fresh, flavorful solution for busy consumers who want to make healthy eating simple and enjoyable.”
The line evolved through extensive product development in Dole’s research and testing environment. Through this process, specific ingredients, spices and flavors were tested by culinary experts, including Melanie Marcus, Dole’s in-house registered dietitian nutrition and health communications manager.
“The foundation of our Sheet Pan Meal Kits is a robust seasoning flavor that can spark creativity in the kitchen and allow for customization, based on the amount of seasoning you choose to use,” Marcus said. “In addition to lean proteins like chicken, turkey and different varieties of seafood, this seasoning works equally well with tofu and legumes for a fully plant-based meal that tastes great.”
The Dole Sheet Pan Meal Starter Kit line is launching with three flavor varieties and Dole’s product innovation team is working on additional future flavors.
- Homestyle Roasted Herb Sheet Pan Meal Starter Kit – whole baby carrots, mini red potatoes, green beans and rosemary thyme seasoning.
- French Onion Sheet Pan Meal Starter Kit – whole baby carrots, mini red potatoes, green beans and onion, garlic and parsley seasoning.
- Lemon Parmesan Sheet Pan Meal Starter Kit – whole baby carrots, mini red potatoes, broccoli florets and garlic parmesan and lemon pepper parmesan cheese seasoning.
The three new products join 60 other Dole salad kits, salad mixes and slaws, including the chopped and premium salad kit lines and 15 ready-to-eat bowl salads, for a total of 78 product offerings.
For more information, visit dole.com.
