NBCU, Walgreens team to introduce exclusive new line of consumables

"The Biggest Loser" meal bars and shakes hit Walgreens stores nationwide in May

NBCUniversal Television Consumer Products and Walgreens are teaming to introduce an exclusive line of "The Biggest Loser" branded meal alternative bars and shakes. The products will be offered in all of the more than 7,600 Walgreens stores nationwide beginning in May.

Made with high quality natural ingredients, the ready-to-drink shakes and meal bars are designed to provide an excellent source of nutrition for people on the go. The products have been developed with the guidance and oversight of "The Biggest Loser's" nutrition expert, Dr. Michael Dansinger, to achieve the highest nutritional standards. "The Biggest Loser" shakes and bars are licensed through NBCUniversal Television Consumer products and Reveille LLC, the company behind "The Biggest Loser."

The ready-to-drink meal shakes come in two flavors: milk chocolate and creamy vanilla. Specially designed to help satisfy hunger, each single serving shake contains 10 grams of protein. They are an excellent source of fiber, vitamin D, vitamin C, calcium and contain 22 additional vitamins and minerals. They are also low in sodium and contain no preservatives, artificial flavors or added colors.

The meal bars come in four flavors, including banana nut bread, chocolatey coconut, cinnamon apple turnover and peanut butter chocolate chip. The bars each contain 10 grams of protein and a half serving of fruit - with ingredients including dates, raisins and soy. They are also an excellent source of vitamin D and contain no preservatives, artificial flavors or added colors.

Boomerang Brands serves as the brand management company bringing the "The Biggest Loser" products to market for Walgreens, and JTMG is the agency of record for NBC programming. Both companies played an integral part from the initial concept through market realization and will continue to be involved with ongoing marketing initiatives and growth.

"We created these outstanding 'Biggest Loser' protein shakes and bars specifically for people who want to harness the power of natural foods and ingredients to maintain a healthy body weight, stay strong, and live life to the fullest," said Dansinger. "We know that people will find them to be a satisfying and practical way to help them meet their health goals."

"Dr. Dansinger's involvement in the creation of this new line was critical," said Kim Niemi, senior vice president of NBCUniversal Television Consumer Products Group. "We worked very closely with Dr. Dansinger, Boomerang Brands and Walgreens to achieve an on-the-go meal alternative product line with high nutritional standards without compromising on taste. The result is a delicious line of shakes and bars that can help people adopt a healthier lifestyle."

"We offer a broad selection of food and snacks for our health-conscious customers and these products provide a convenient 'good-for-you' option at a competitive price," said Bryan Pugh, Walgreens vice president of merchandising. "The addition of this line also complements the many health and wellness programs and initiatives we're bringing to our stores to help consumers stay well."

"The Biggest Loser" products were first unveiled on April 6 in New York City at a launch event for the "Walk with Walgreens" program. The event was hosted in part by "The Biggest Loser" host, Alison Sweeney, who is a national spokesperson for "Walk with Walgreens."