What’s on shelf: PepsiCo gets rock ‘n rolling, the world’s first hot cereal made from cauliflower and Snickerdoodles are given a protein punch
Go grain free and help a child
Texan nutrition company FitJoy has launched the first-ever grain free pretzels, made with cassava and chickpea flours, which are gut-friendly alternatives to traditional grain flours.
FitJoy Grain Free Pretzels are plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free, corn-free, soy-free and non-GMO.
The classic twists are tossed in pink Himalayan sea salt. Each serving (approximately 30 pretzels) contains 130 calories, 3g fat, 1g fiber, 0g added sugar and 2g of protein.
"We know more and more people are trying to limit the amount of grain they consume, whether for digestive reasons, health issues or because they’re on a diet,” said Scott Sturgill, head of Innovation and Product Development at FitJoy.
“We wanted our customers to have fun and tasty options that would align with their diet choices. We’re very excited to offer grain-free pretzels – an industry first – something that will be very new for people."
The new Grain Free Pretzels join FitJoy’s portfolio of products, which includes four flavors of protein bars available in full size and mini. All FitJoy bars are free of gluten, GMOs, maltitol and artificial flavors and sweeteners.
FitJoy Grain Free Pretzels are available in select retail stores across the US, as well as online and on Amazon.
A portion of proceeds from every FitJoy purchase helps feed underprivileged children through partner organizations across the US.
Protein punch
Lenny & Larry’s new The Complete Crunchy Cookies are bite-sized protein powerballs that are certified Vegan, Non-GMO and Kosher.
These functional cookies are vegan and soy-free, and packed with fiber and a generous addition of protein powder, gluten and chicory root.
Available in three flavors – including Chocolate Chip, Cinnamon Sugar, Double Chocolate – a 1.25oz serving contains around 160-170 calories, 8g-9g fat, 19g-20g carbs, 4g fiber, 9g sugar and 6g protein.
The Complete Crunchy Cookies are sold in the US via Amazon, Vitamin Shoppe and 7-Elevens nationwide, and can also be shipped to Canada, for a RRP of $1.25 per 1.25oz single-serve pouch or $4.99 per 4.25oz multi-serve bag.
Rocking chips
Lay’s has released three limited-time flavors paired with specific music genres – Pop, Hip-Hop and Rock – in its Turn Up The Flavor campaign.
According to the snack giant, the ‘tangy and vibrant’ flavors of Wavy Electric Lime & Sea Salt are ‘energetic and upbeat’ like pop music.
Flamin’ Hot Dill Pickle Remix is spicy and fresh, and its cool factor compliments that of hip-hop music.
And finally, Kettle Cooked Classic Beer Cheese is sure to be a fan favorite, inspired by classic rock.
The three new flavors hit store shelves at retailers around the US at the beginning of March for a limited time.
The PepsiCo-owned brand teamed up with music artist Bebe Rexha to create an original song ‘Right Here, Right Now’ remixed in the three genres, which fans are meant to listen to while eating the chips for a multi-sensory experience.
“Like flavor, music has the power to elicit strong emotions such as joy, passion and nostalgia,” said Katie Ceclan, senior director of marketing at Lay’s.
“Those emotions can be heightened even further when you pair the right flavor and music together.
“As a brand that loves to delight our fans, we are excited to bring them two things they love — the uniquely delicious flavors of Lay’s and the incredible sound of Bebe Rexha. Our limited-time flavors paired with exclusive, new songs from Bebe each create a customized sensorial experience for our fans to taste, listen and enjoy.”
Grab and go
Burton’s Biscuit Company has rolled out individually wrapped Wagon Wheel packs to target the convenience channel.
The product is available in cases of four branded counter display units comprising 24x37g individually wrapped Wagon Wheels ‘ideal for positioning at till points or on hot-drinks counters to drive impulse sales’, said the company.
Each single pack has a RRP of 49p.
“With Wagon Wheels single packs, we are tapping into the food-to-go mission and enabling retailers to drive sales from impulse purchases of a well-loved biscuit brand,” said Isabel Lydall, category and insights controller at Burton’s Biscuit Company.
“With so many products vying for space, stand out on shelf generated by recognizable brands such as Wagon Wheels has become important to driving impulse purchases.”
Oh so healthy
Purely Elizabeth, created and led by holistic nutritionist, Elizabeth Stein, has introduced 10 new nutrient-rich offerings to its extensive line of granola, oats, grains and bars.
Purely Elizabeth Ancient Grain Granola Bars brings the taste and texture of Purely Elizabeth’s award-winning Probiotic Granola flavors into the convenience of an on-the-go bar.
The company uses the same scientifically proven probiotic strain, as well as ancient grains like chia, hemp and quinoa.
The bars are lightly sweetened with coconut sugar and baked with raw virgin coconut oil, available in multi-packs that feature four flavors, including Original, Blueberry Hemp, Chocolate Sea Salt Probiotic and Vanilla Almond Butter Probiotic.
Certified Gluten-Free, Non-GMO Project Verified and vegan, the bars have a RRP of $5.49 for a 4-pack.
Purely Elizabeth Cauli Hot Cereal is the first grain-free hot cereal made with a freeze-dried diced cauliflower base.
According to the company, cauliflower mimics the look and mouth feel of traditional oats and is ideal for consumers on Paleo and Keto diets, as well as those going grain-free. They also contain coconut, chia and flax seeds.
The new single-serve cereals can be cooked by simply adding hot water into the cup or prepared as overnight oats.
Certified Gluten-Free, Non-GMO and made with organic ingredients offering 8g of protein, the Cauli Cereals are available in two variants – Strawberry Hazelnut and Cinnamon Almond – for a RRP of $2.99.
Make some noise
Noisy Nuts was developed as an artisan peanut kit with flavored seasonings that pair with craft beers.
According to the company, the flavorings help to elevate beer characteristics, note and flavor palates within the beers, while the ‘open yourself’ sachets offer a fun noisy tactile experience.
Noisy Nuts has been designed to offer the choice in how to season the peanuts. Consumers can use the whole pack for a strong flavor or season-as-you-go.
Noisy Nuts are available in the five variants:
- Chilli and Lime, which pairs with IPA
- Meaty Beef, which pairs with stout
- Bacon Jalapeno, which pair with porter
- Pickled Onion, which pairs with lager
- Thai Sweet Chilli, which pairs with pale ale
The snack producer has recently partnered Greenyard Fresh UK, which will assist in supporting innovative NPD launches, packaging development, introduction to multinational supermarkets, as well as packing and distribution support.
“We’ve had a fantastic first launch year within the buoyant craft beer market and we are now able and ready to take the brand to the next level,” said Noel Allen, Noisy Snacks founder.
Paleo snacks
Caveman Foods has added Collagen and Grain Free Granola Bars to is existing line up of Dark Chocolate Nutrition and Protein Bars.
Caveman Collagen Bars are made with simple, real foods like nuts, egg white protein and grass-fed beef collagen, with no sugar alcohols, artificial ingredients, dairy or soy.
The bars have 11g of protein, including 5g of grass-fed beef collagen, and are an excellent source of fiber at 5g-6g per bar.
Available in two flavors – Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Walnut.
Caveman Grain-Free Granola bars contain 5g of protein, healthy fats and less carbs than a slice of toast.
Available in three variants, including Coconut Cashew, Cinnamon Raisin and Blueberry Almond.
“We are committed to making healthy eating easier,” said Caveman’s CEO Jeff Hansberry.
“Oftentimes, healthy foods don't taste great, so we sometimes make bad choices, especially when it comes to snacking. We are committed to making clean and healthy Paleo snacks that are craveably delicious.”
Snickerdoodle
Munk Pack has launched a new flavor to its signature Protein Cookie line.
The Snickerdoodle Protein Cookies contain 18g of plant-based protein and 6g of fiber per cookie and are soft baked and chewy with a distinctive cinnamon flavour.
“With the launch of the Snickerdoodle Protein Cookie, we’re thrilled to offer a new flavor option to fuel our consumers daily lives and help them stay healthy on-the-go,” said Michelle Glienke, co-founder of Munk Pack.
“Munk Pack was an innovator in the category by releasing the first Protein Cookie line that was both vegan and gluten free.”
Snickerdoodle joins Munk Pack’s Protein Cookie portfolio, which includes Double Dark Chocolate, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Coconut White Chip Macadamia, and Oatmeal Raisin Spice. All of the cookies are certified Gluten-Free, Vegan, Non-GMO and Kosher and include no soy, dairy, cholesterol, trans fats and sugar alcohols.
The Munk Pack Protein Cookies retail at Target, as well as online and Amazon, in 4-packs for $6.99.
Pop on shelf
Nature’s Bakery has unveiled a new brand identity and modern packaging design to better showcase its on-the-go soft-baked snack bars.
The packaging feature bold colors, craft cues and appetizing product imagery, making it easier for busy consumers to find on busy supermarket shelves.
Nature's Bakery soft-baked snacks are made with whole grains and real fruit and are Non-GMO Project Verified, plant-based, soy and dairy free, and includes certified vegan and gluten-free varieties.
- Whole Wheat Fig Bars: Raspberry, Blueberry, Original Fig, Apple Cinnamon, Strawberry, Peach Apricot, Lemon
- Gluten Free Fig Bars: Raspberry, Blueberry, Original Fig, Pomegranate
- Organic Honey & Oat Bars: Blueberry, Strawberry, Apple Cinnamon
- Double Chocolate Brownies Bars
The producer is also introducing a new product line to make breakfast on-the-go as hearty and nutritious as it is convenient.
The new Oatmeal Crumble Bars are made with breakfast-inspired ingredients, including fruit jam, dates and crunchy oat crumble, containing 3g of fiber and 14g of whole grains.
- Oatmeal Crumble Bars: Strawberry, Apple, Cherry
The brand is sold throughout North America in a broad range of channels from Whole Foods Market to Target and has also recently launched a direct-to-consumer website.
Nature’s Bakery snack bars are sold as single packs (1.3-2.0oz each for a RRP of $.79) or in multi-packs (6ct, up to a RRP of $3.99).
"We believe that better-for-you snacks should taste good and make you feel good – we call this our wholesome win-win," said Dave Marson, co-founder of Nature's Bakery.
"We know consumers love our Fig Bars, and with our new design we have a unique opportunity to introduce more families to our full portfolio of snacks, baked with the nourishing ingredients and delicious recipes we have always been known for."
