Think “Inside the Bag” for Healthy Meals in Minutes

New Ziploc® Brand Zip ’n Steam™ Microwave Steam Cooking Bags Pair Steaming with Microwave Convenience

RACINE, Wis.– Time-crunched people looking to make quick, healthy meals at home will take every shortcut possible to get food on the table. So, it’s no surprise that 62 percent of Americans say the microwave is the most important time-saving tool in the kitchen1. But while most people may think of a microwave just for heating or thawing, the Ziploc® Brand is changing the way people use their favorite kitchen appliance with an innovative new product that allows everyday cooks to create delicious and healthy steam cooked meals at the touch of a button.

The first food preparation product from the Ziploc® Brand, new Ziploc® Brand Zip ’n Steam™ Microwave Steam Cooking Bags steam cook fresh or frozen vegetables, seafood, poultry and more in the microwave. Steaming food is one of the healthiest cooking techniques since it locks in flavors and retains nutrients without the need for cooking oils that add extra fat and calories. With the addition of microwave convenience, Ziploc® Brand Zip ’n Steam™ Bags take steaming one step further by cooking food quickly every time, keeping nutrients in the bag and helping vegetables retain their flavor.

“All too often, convenience trumps health when it comes to answering the dreaded question of ‘what’s for dinner?’” says Robin Miller, nutritionist, cookbook author and host of “Quick Fix Meals with Robin Miller” on the Food Network. “Ziploc® Brand Zip ’n Steam™ Bags are a great everyday shortcut that fits perfectly with my goal of helping people get healthy weeknight dinners on the table when they have only minutes to spare.”

The Secret to Successful Steaming is “In the Bag”

Ziploc® Brand Zip ’n Steam™ Bags feature an innovative design with patented steam vents that allow the bag to maintain optimal steaming pressure so food cooks at a higher temperature and retains more moisture. In addition, the bags lay flat in the microwave so food cooks thoroughly and evenly without needing to be stirred halfway through the cooking process.

“Making life easier for individuals and families is the purpose behind every Ziploc® Brand product we’ve introduced,” says Kelly Semrau, vice president of Global Public Affairs and Communication for SC Johnson. “We realized we could apply our food storage expertise to food preparation with a product that helps people conveniently steam cook healthy meals fast. By using a handy time-saving tool, the microwave, new Ziploc® Brand Zip ’n Steam™ Bags make it possible to enjoy delicious meals in minutes.”

What’s in the Bag? You Decide.

Unlike pre-made fresh or frozen entrées and vegetables, Ziploc® Brand Zip ’n Steam™ Bags leave control over ingredients, number of servings and creativity completely in the hands of everyday home cooks without all of the sodium and preservatives found in many prepared foods.

• Personalized “Steamed” Success – Ziploc® Brand Zip ’n Steam™ Bags are great not only for steamed vegetable sides, but for main entrées and entire meals as well. Home cooks can personalize dishes with favorite fresh or frozen vegetables, seafood, poultry and seasonings, such as garlic and fresh or dried herbs. And with cooking time guidelines for various foods right on the bag, success is as easy as the push of a button even for amateur cooks.

• A Fruit-filled Ending – The bags also work wonders with fresh or frozen fruit, which can be combined with spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to create tantalizing warm fruit desserts.

• Steaming Solo or for More – Whether it’s a meal for one or a meal for more, Ziploc® Brand Zip ’n Steam™ Bags have quantities covered. The bags are available in two sizes: medium (2-3 servings) and large (3-5 servings).

• Creative Inspiration in Pack and Online – Still can’t decide what to make? Tasty recipes are included inside every package of Ziploc® Brand Zip ’n Steam™ Bags or at www.ziploc.com/steamerbags

Home-Made, Made Ahead

With a little planning and creativity, Ziploc® Brand Zip ’n Steam™ Bags offer the same convenience of pre-made fresh or frozen foods. Cooks can prepare ingredients for entrées, side dishes or desserts in their Ziploc® Brand Zip ’n Steam™ Bags ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze meals for up to two weeks prior to steaming. The bags can go straight from the freezer into the microwave.

Simple Cleanup is “In the Bag”

While everyone enjoys eating, most dread cleaning up afterwards. Ziploc® Brand Zip ’n Steam™ Bags’ leak-proof performance means no messes from the very start. And the bags minimize cleanup so it’s possible to prepare and enjoy meals without having to wash numerous pots and pans. Steam cooking favorite foods is so quick and easy, people will find the answer to their next healthy home-made meal really is in the bag.

Where to Find Ziploc® Brand Zip ‘n Steam™ Bags

After July 13, Ziploc® Brand Zip ‘n Steam™ Bags can be found at mass-retail stores and grocery stores nationwide in the same aisle where Ziploc® Brand bags and Ziploc® Brand containers are found.

In the meantime, consumers can visit www.ziploc.com/steamerbags to order a shipment of 30 medium bags (2-3 servings per bag) and 14 large bags (3-5 servings per bag) for $15.99 (plus tax) as part of a limited time offer. Shipping and handling are free, and all applicable taxes apply.

1Food Technology, “What, When and Where America Eats,” Jan. 2006