NESTLE® CRUNCH® OFFERS SWEET ALTERNATIVE FOR DIABETICS DURING NATIONAL DIABETES MONTH IN NOVEMBER

New candy bar introduced for Americans with dietary restrictions

GLENDALE, Calif., October 18, 2004 - Catering to the more than 18 million Americans who suffer from diabetes[1], as well as those monitoring their carbohydrate intake, NESTLÉ® CRUNCH®introduces Sugar Free NESTLÉ® CRUNCH® Carb Select™, a new sugar-free candy bar with 3.5 impact carbs* per serving.

Sugar Free NESTLÉ® CRUNCH® Carb Select™ joins Sugar Free NESTLÉ® TURTLES® and Sugar Free NESTLÉ® NIPS® as NESTLÉ® USA’Äôs growing collection of sugar free confections aimed at those living with diabetes, an epidemic that grows by 1.3 million people aged 20 or over per year.[2]
’ÄúEven though Americans are more health-conscious than ever, some by choice and some by necessity, everyone still loves chocolate,’Äù said Tricia Bowles, manager, Public Relations, NESTLÉ® Confections & Snacks. ’ÄúWe want people to be able to enjoy the ’Äòcrunchy’Äô taste they’Äôve come to love in NESTLÉ® Crunch® with less to worry about.’Äù**

NESTLÉ® USA has been a long time supporter of trying to prevent and cure diabetes, as well as improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. In its communications, Nestlˆ© promotes a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet with regular exercise, while allowing for Nestlˆ©’Äôs sugar free indulgent treats.

Sugar Free NESTLÉ® CRUNCH® Carb Select™ also offers a sweet alternative for the 80 million Americans who currently monitor their carbohydrate intake[3] as there are fewer than 4 impact carbs per serving.* The other carbs come from sugar alcohols (not related to alcoholic beverages) that replace some of the sweetness of sugar but with fewer sugar calories--good news for those who are watching their blood sugar levels. Additional sweetness is provided by sucralose.

Sugar Free NESTLÉ® CRUNCH® Carb Select™ is available in single size bars (1.1 oz. with 3.5 grams of impact carbs) and bagged miniatures (3.25 oz. with 4 grams of impact carbs per serving). It is available nationwide at a variety of retailers: to locate a retailer nearest you, please call NESTLÉ® CRUNCH® toll-free at 1-800-295-0051 and provide your zip code to the operator. Visit www.nestlecrunch.com for more information.* Impact carbs is a term developed in reference to ’Äúlow carb’Äù diets. This term was created with the understanding that not all carbohydrates behave the same way in the body. Some carbohydrates, such as sugar, cause a noted effect on blood sugar while other carbs, such as fiber and sugar alcohols, have a reduced effect. Impact carbs are calculated by subtracting fiber and sugar alcohol from total carbohydrates ’Äì leaving the carbs that have a greater impact on blood sugar. ** Other nutrient values, besides carbohydrates, should be reviewed to determine how to fit this sugar-free confection into an individual dietary plan.Named one of ’ÄúAmerica’Äôs Most Admired Food Companies’Äù in Fortune magazine for the seventh consecutive year, Nestlˆ© USA provides quality brands and products that bring flavor to life every day. From nutritious meals with Stouffer's® Lean Cuisine®, to baking traditions with NESTLÉ® Toll House®, to advancing life for pets with Purina®, Nestlˆ© USA makes delicious, convenient, and nutritious food and beverage products that enrich the very experience of life itself. That’Äôs what ’ÄúNESTLÉ®. Good Food, Good Life’Äù is all about. NESTLÉ® USA, with 2003 sales of $12 billion, includes Nestlˆ© Brands Company, NESTLÉ® Prepared Foods Company, and Nestlˆ© Purina PetCare Company. NESTLÉ® USA is part of NESTLÉ® S.A. in Vevey, Switzerland’Äîthe world’Äôs largest food company with sales of $65.5 billion. For product news and information, visit or .
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[1] Source: 2002 Gallop Study of Dieting & the Market for Diet Products & Services
[2] Source: 1999-2001 National Health Interview Survey
[3] Source: 2002 Gallop Study of Dieting & the Market for Diet Products & Services


Tracy M. Smith
Manning Selvage & Lee
6500 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1900
Los Angeles, CA 90048
T: 323-866-6030
E: tracy.smith@mslpr.com