General Mills has unveiled a raft of new product development globally which it said aligns with "growing consumer interest in wellness".

New products addressing the desire for wellness include ones free from gluten and that have a simpler ingredient profile. The firm said innovation and renovation of its product portfolio was a key area of focus, when it announced its full year results at the beginning of the month.

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"General Mills has been growing for more than a century, constantly innovating and investing to meet changing consumer needs. As we enter fiscal 2016, we are keenly aware of our consumers changing food preferences. This presents a tremendous opportunity to create growth for General Mills," said Ken Powell, General Mills chairman and CEO. "We remain deeply committed to following our consumers and adapting our portfolio to their tastes and interests."

The firm has added seven products to its already existing "wellness" category, after rolling out a number of products in this category during fiscal 2015. Products already launched include Yoplait with 25% reduced sugar, and gluten-free Cheerios.Here are the latest additions.

  • Nature Valley Toasted Oats Muesli (US): Each quarter-cup serving has less than 5 grams of sugar and is available in Original, Blueberry, Field Berry and Coconut Almond varieties.
  • Yoplait Plenti (US): Combines Greek yoghurt with whole grain oats, flax and pumpkin seeds and contains 12 grams of protein in each cup. Yoplait Plenti is available in eight flavours.
  • Annie's Organic Soups (US): are debuting in the soup aisle for the first time and feature five flavours.
  • Food Should Taste Good Real Good Bars (US): Gluten free bars that contain no GMOs, artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.
  • Nature Valley Simple Nut Bars (US): Made "simply" with whole nuts, seeds, honey, tapioca syrup and sea salt and are gluten-free.
  • Cheerios Plus (Canada): Cheerios with crunchy granola clusters mixed with protein or flax seed and available in Cinnamon Coconut and Honey Almond.
  • Yoplait O'Fruit (China): A drinkable yoghurt with big fruit pieces. It is one of three different lines of Yoplait launching this summer in China, which also includes Perle de lait, a thick and creamy French style yoghurt, and Panier de fruits, a fruit-on-the-bottom yoghurt.

The company has also looked to further reach the growing segment of consumers looking for convenient mealtime solutions.

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"Many millennials enjoy cooking and are interested bringing ethnic, international flavours to meal time. They cook from scratch less often than previous generations and look to convenient short cuts that not only satisfy their desire to cook, but also allow them to put dinner on the table in 20 to 30 minutes," said Jeanine Bassett, vice president of global consumer insights at General Mills.

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The firm has launched the following new products:

  • Progresso Cooking Stock (US): Progresso's new line of "premium" cooking stocks are made by simmering real bones, vegetables and herbs to create a meaty, homemade flavour, said General Mills.
  • Green Giant Fire Roasted Vegetables (US): A first for Green Giant, this product will be available in four flavours: Fire Roasted Zucchini, Carrots and Onions; Fire Roasted Corn, Peppers & Onions; Fire Roasted Root Vegetables with Red Onions; and Fire Roasted Tri-Color Peppers.
  • Old El Paso Mini Taco Boats (US) : Mini tacos in a boat shape makes tacos easier to serve and hold.
  • Latina Fresh Gluten Free Pasta (Australia): Made with no artificial colours or flavours, the Latina Fresh gluten free line includes Fettuccini, Lasagna sheets, Beef Ravioli and Ricotta & Spinach Agnolotti.

General Mills has also added to its indulgence category. Here are the newest products.

  • Cinnabon Mini Pull-Aparts (US): Pillsbury introduces Cinnabon's cinnamon rolls in bite-sized pieces. Each pack features 12 mini rolls and cinnamon and cream frosting.
  • Haagen-Dazs Stick Bars (France): Haagen-Dazs introduces a new line of ice cream stick bars in five flavours: Macadamia Nut Brittle, Salted Caramel, Pralines & Cream, Vanilla Caramel Almond, and Chocolate Choc Almond.
  • FiberOne Cheesecake Bars (US): The new bars are 150 calories and made with layers of graham cracker crust, cheesecake topped with strawberry and salted caramel.
  • Betty Crocker Mug Cake (Brazil): Betty Crocker introduces a no-bake mug cake, a baking mix that can be prepared in a coffee mug and heated in the microwave for 90 seconds. Available in four varieties: Brigadeiro, Beijinho, Pacoca and Orange.