General Mills knows consumers want to eat whole grains, but the preparation can be intimidating and the taste is often times lackluster. That’s why the Minneapolis company has extended its Suddenly Salad boxed pasta line to now include grain salads.

Officials describe new Suddenly Grain Salad mixes are a “wholesome blend of grains such as brown rice, wild rice, wheat berries and quinoa, paired with flavorful herbs and spices in a boil-in-bag format for convenient prep.”

A box includes dried fruit, vegetables and/or nut mix-ins, along with a flavored dressing packet—all to create a blend of bold flavors and textures. There are three new varieties that may be served cold or warm: Harvest, Tuscan and Southwest Grain. Containing at least 27g of whole grains per serving, Suddenly Grain Salad mixes also are a good source of fiber.

"A grain salad that you can eat cold is a novel concept," says Jeremiah Palmer, marketing manager, side dishes. "We know Americans love pasta salad, and they are trying to get more whole grains into their diet. This product is the perfect blend of these two desires and we're ecstatic to introduce it into the market in this 'all in one' convenient format."

"We identified whole grains and flavorful herbs consumers were familiar with, and on trend with what they are ordering when eating out or shopping," Palmer adds. "Eighty-one percent of consumers are trying to consume more whole grains and many are adding it to the top of the grocery list of what they want to buy more of.1"

The Harvest Grains mix includes Brown, Wild and Red Rice, Quinoa, Cranberries and Almonds with Blush Wine Vinaigrette and comes in a 6.7oz package. Tuscan Grains mix includes Brown Rice, Wheat Berries, Quinoa, Almonds and Red Peppers with Tomato Parmesan Herb Dressing and comes in a 5.9oz package. Southwest Grains mix has Brown Rice, Quinoa, Black Beans, Corn and Red Peppers with Chipotle Vinaigrette and is available in a 5.5oz package.

Suddenly Grain Salad mixes are available at major grocery retailers in the rice and grains or pasta aisle and online. With a suggested retail price of $2.69 per package, each 5.5-6.7oz package makes four servings.

1 FMI Annual Survey "Shopping for Health"