What’s new on shelf: On trend Bao Bun meal kits, American cookies for the UAE and a new food-waste-and-gluten-disruptor

New toppings

The GFB: Gluten Free Bar has introduced new toppings to its gluten-free protein bars, including coconut flakes and chopped nuts.

The new crunchier protein bars will be available in all five original varieties, including Peanut Butter, Coconut Cashew Crunch, Cranberry Toasted Almond, Dark Chocolate Coconut, and Chocolate Peanut Butter.

Every GFB protein bar is certified gluten-free, Non GMO, vegan, dairy and soy-free and contains 10g-12g of protein per.

In new packaging that features bolder colors, enhanced nutritional graphics and a cutout window – the bars are available at natural and conventional grocery stores across Canada, with a larger North American rollout planned for the first quarter of 2019.

Bringing back an icon

Bimbo Bakeries USA, makers of Arnold, Brownberry and Oroweat Bread, has announced the relaunch of its iconic Sandwich Thins Rolls. Originally launched in 2008, the new formula is based on consumer feedback, focusing on enhancing the taste while balancing the nutritional qualities.

Three new varieties – each packed with whole grains and made with olive oil and sea salt – are available across the US, including Multigrain, 100% Whole Wheat and Honey Wheat.

The brand is also introducing a Flax & Fiber variety in the northeast region of the country.

Arnold, Brownberry and Oroweat Sandwich Thins Rolls are available at major retailers across the US at the RRP of $3.99.

All in one

pladis has launched a new addition to its McVitie’s Cake range – Club Orange Cake Crunchies.

The new variant merges the popular flavor of Club Orange with a cake, topped with chocolate flavored cream and biscuit pieces, all enrobed in smooth milk chocolate.

Available across UK grocery and convenience channels in a 5 pack for the RRP of £1.65 ($2.14).

A first for UAE

Eurocake Dubai – a brand of bakery snacking company Dofreeze – has launched the Middle East’s first-ever American-style Soft and Chewy Cookie range.

The products are targeted at the health-conscious snack crowd, with only 130 calories per cookie.

Available through UAE supermarkets and groceries via Eurocake’s primary distributors, Transmed and Dubai Refreshments Company (Pepsi Distributor).

The company will also be offering a product sampling of the new Eurocake cookies to customers throughout the launch month of September.

Street eats

Lay’s Canada has launched StrEATS of the World flavored potato chips.

Inspired by street food vendors from Italy, Mexico and Canada, Lay’s StrEATS of the World potato chips are available in the following three limited-time flavors, including Grilled Cheese (Canada), Pizza (Italy) and Taco (Mexico).

The limited edition Lay’s StrEATS of the World potato chips are available in retailers across Canada until October 6, 2018.

It’s bonkers!

BonkBreaker has released its Premium Protein Bars that use a cutting-edge blend of pasture-raised collagen protein and grass fed whey for an all-natural, low calorie, low carb offering.

Premium Protein Bars are under 200 calories with low net carbs, made with all-natural ingredients, prebiotic fiber for digestive health, and no artificial sugars or sugar alcohols.

A blend of collagen and whey combine to provide all nine amino acids for a vital source of complete protein.

Available in three flavors – Double Fudge Brownie, Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Chip and Cookies & Cream – each bar contains 15g of protein.

All BonkBreaker bars use ingredients that are GMO free, paleo friendly and gluten-free.

New varieties

Simple ingredient snack brand, Boulder Canyon Authentic Foods, has expanded its line of Rice Bran Oil Kettle Cooked Potato Chips with two new flavors.

Buffalo Ranch and Sweet Chipotle join the existing rice bran oil varieties, Roasted Jalapeno and Pink Himalayan Salt.

Boulder Canyon kettle-cooks its chips in 100% rice bran oil to offer consumers a snack balanced with polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. The oil is extracted from the outer layer of brown rice and imparts a milder finish.

Available in grocery, natural food, club and mass merchandise retailers across the US with a RRP of $3.49 per 5.25oz package.

Going oriental in UK

School of Wok, the flagship cookery school and Asian cooking brand, has launched the UK’s first Bao Bun Kit range in over 300 Tesco stores nationwide.

The on-trend meal kits, which come in Black Pepper and Barbecue variants, aims to breathe fresh excitement into the oriental food category.

Each kit, which serves two and makes 4-6 buns, comes with flour mix, pickling salts, dry rub and glaze, along with step-by-step instructions on how to create a bao at home. Consumers just need to add the fresh ingredients to create authentic filled baos in just 30 minutes.

The School of Wok Bao Bun Kit range has a RRP of £3.49 ($4.53).

Founded by TV chef and author Jeremy Pang, School of Wok has carved out a niche position in London as the centre for all things related to Asian and Oriental cuisine and culture, teaching over 8,000 students a year.

It launched into retail in the homeware sector in 2016 with a wok range; School of Wok by Dexam, available in retailers including Harrods, Lakeland, Fenwick, Bentalls and Steamer Trading.

Shaking up British bread

Vegbred, made with fresh sweet potato, has just launched in the UK, aiming to increase nationwide distribution.

Made with 100% natural ingredients, the bread uses only plant-based flours, offering a lower carb and high protein alternative kitchen staple.

Naturally gluten free and high in protein, Vegbred hits all next-gen ‘smart-eating’ consumer need tastes – suitable for people with gluten restrictions and those following a wholefood plant-based diet.

It also reduces food waste and uses green energy by using surplus sweet potato peel and an Anaerobic Digester to fuel its production.

Vegbred is made in Britain using ethically sourced ingredients and a sustainable supply chain.

Available across the UK from the Vegbred website for £5.50 ($7.14).

Pocky gets posh

Pocky stick biscuits are already a big favorite with Japanese kids, but maker Ezaki Glico Co. wants to extend its appeal across the generations, and has introduced a new ‘high-end version’ of the snack.

It is also aimed at raising the brand image in overseas markets.

Pocky Premiere Classe – which means ‘first class’ in French – comes in Chocolat and Matcha (powdered green tea) flavors, with each set containing 24 sticks and priced at 600 yen ($5.40).

Available exclusively in duty-free shopping argea in Osaka’s Narita Airport’s Terminal 1.

Pocky is sold in about 30 countries and regions across the globe.