Hillshire Brands has added a Lemon Pound Cake to its Sara Lee brand, as well as making the label's signature Butter Pound Cake more moist.

The US food group said the new lemon and butter varieties will be available at grocery stores nationwide in the US.

"Based on our research, consumers prefer the updated, moister Butter Pound Cake," said Kanika White, senior brand manager at Sara Lee desserts. The new lemon cake will carry a suggested retail price of US$3.99.

Earlier this month, Hillshire Brands forecast flat sales for its new fiscal year and operating segment to be "flat to down", after the group booked a drop in full-year operating profits.