American Italian Pasta Company Extends Line of Healthier Pastas With Heartland(R) Perfe...( Provides a 'Good' Source...),Health

Provides a 'Good' Source of Whole Grains and Fiber

KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Combining the great taste of traditional pasta with the added benefits of whole grains and fiber, American Italian Pasta Company (OTC: AITP), the largest producer of dry pasta in North America, has expanded its better-for-you pasta offerings with the introduction of Heartland(R) Perfect Balance pasta.

Heartland Perfect Balance is an innovative better-for-you pasta that looks, tastes and has the same texture as traditional pasta while seamlessly blending the nutritional benefits of whole wheat. Available in angel hair, spaghetti, rotini, elbows and penne shapes, Heartland Perfect Balance is a "good" source of whole grains and fiber, providing a healthier option without sacrificing taste.

"People are increasingly looking for meal options that offer added nutrition to serve their families, but many are unwilling to sacrifice taste for more healthful options," said Drew Lericos, vice president of marketing at American Italian Pasta Company, makers of Heartland Pasta. "Heartland Perfect Balance delivers the nutrition families need and the taste that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy."

Heartland Perfect Balance is the newest addition to Heartland's popular national line of better-for-you pastas. Heartland's better-for-you pastas include:

- Heartland Whole Grain - Specifically developed to appeal to both

children and adults, Heartland Whole Grain offers a more subtle flavor

than traditional whole wheat pastas, while fulfilling 100% of the USDA's

daily recommendation for whole grain consumption.

- Heartland Whole Wheat - An excellent source of fiber made with all

natural ingredients and 100% whole grain durum wheat, Heartland Whole

Wheat provides the health benefits whole wheat pasta lovers look for and

the heartier taste and texture they enjoy.

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