WESTLAKE VILLAGE, California - October 07, 2010

According to the results of a new national survey fielded by Impulse Research on behalf of Dole, more than 25 percent of women want healthier options when it comes to snacks that taste good and satisfy their sweet tooth. Additionally, the survey found that when women proactively sought healthier snacks, 41 percent would choose a snack under 100 calories, 36 percent a low-fat snack and 33 percent “whole grain anything.”

The study, which aimed to uncover snacking habits of U.S. women, also revealed that nearly 60 percent of women do the right thing by reaching for fruit or dried fruit when choosing a healthier snack. After fruit, 43 percent prefer yogurt and 31 percent reach for something with whole grains. However, nearly two out of five women, or 39 percent, still revert to grabbing candy when they feel like having something sweet.

“It’s not surprising that so many women snack on candy bars when they crave something sweet,” said Director of Nutrition Paulette Lambert, RD, CDE, of California Health & Longevity Institute. “One of the problems is that candy only temporarily satisfies you and over stimulates the taste buds, making you eventually want to eat more. Natural fruit does not have that same effect. When seeking healthier snack options, it’s better to go with a snack, like fruit, that’s sweet enough to satisfy yet not over stimulate.”

Recently, Dole introduced new DOLE® Real Fruit Bites to directly respond to women seeking healthier snacks that satisfy their sweet tooth. DOLE® Real Fruit Bites combines fruit, yogurt and whole grain oats – the top three healthier ingredients desired by women according to the survey – into one delicious bite. Each bite-size piece is made from real dried fruit chunks, coated with yogurt and sprinkled with toasted whole grain oats. Real Fruit Bites are a tasty, on-the-go snack, and each single serving pouch has only 80 calories and no trans fat.

“DOLE Real Fruit Bites are satisfying but not over stimulating, perfect for when you need that sweet taste but are still watching your waist line,” continued Lambert. “At 80 calories it’s a portion-controlled and healthier treat. And because it is made with real fruit, it’s a good source of vitamin C.”

DOLE Real Fruit Bites are available in three delicious flavors including apple, pineapple and mango. The Suggested Retail Price is $3.99 for a package of six pouches (prices may vary depending on geographic location and retail outlet).

DOLE Real Fruit Bites are available now in the dried fruit section of local grocery retailers.

About The Survey

The survey was conducted online with a random sample of 1,006 women, ages 25+ -- all members of the Impulse Research proprietary online panel. The Impulse Research proprietary online panel has been carefully selected to closely match U.S. population demographics, and the respondents are representative of American women ages 25+. The research was conducted in September 2010.

About Dole Food Company, Inc.

Dole, with 2009 net revenues of $6.8 billion, is the world’s largest producer and marketer of high-quality fresh fruit and fresh vegetables, and is the leading producer of organic bananas. Dole markets a growing line of packaged and frozen fruit and is a produce industry leader in nutrition education and research.

About Impulse Research

Since 1982, Impulse Research has been an award-winning full-service communications and marketing research firm with significant experience and expertise in all public opinion research methodologies, receiving the Public Relations Society of America’s Silver Anvil and the American Marketing Association's Effie Award for research supporting and evaluating public relations and marketing campaigns.