Product showcase 2020: Kellogg’s and McVitie’s size up, Funfetti debuts in the cereal aisle and Noisy pulls out the punches
For flavour seekers
US potato chip producer Herr’s has introduced a new limited edition concept that takes flavour to a new level.
The 9oz bags of Herr’s Flavour Mix combines two of Herr’s best-selling flavours into one chip and come in three variants, including Cheddar and Sour Cream & Onion; Barbecue and Salt & Vinegar; and Red Hot and Honey BBQ
“It’s a lot of fun to take two classic Herr’s flavours and put them together to create a great new flavour,” said Bob Clark, VP Marketing, Herr Foods.
“Loyal Herr’s fans and new flavour seekers alike will enjoy the unique, flavourful combinations that can be found only in our new Herr’s Flavour Mix.”
Herr’s Flavour Mix is gluten-free and available at selected retail outlets across the US for an RRP of $4.29 for a 9oz bag.
Based in Nottingham, Pennsylvania – where visitors are welcomed to its Snack Factory – the family owned and operated manufacturer produces more than 80 snack products in nine product categories, including potato chips, pretzels and cheese snacks.
Make a noise
Noisy Snacks has expanded its range of better-for-you nuts and chickpea snacks.
Available in 100% recyclable 45g pouches, Noisy Chick Pea and Noisy Nuts are vegan, gluten-free, high in fibre and protein and suitable for both vegans and flexitarians.
On a mission to putting taste first with ‘knock out flavours’, the new range of bold flavours include Noisy Chick Peas Black Pepper & Berry, Noisy Chick Peas Piri Piri Mango, Noisy Chick Peas Avocado and Lime, Noisy Nuts Pickled Onion, Noisy Nuts Smoky Bacon Jalapeno and Noisy Nuts Sweet Thai.
“We wanted to exceed customer expectation on taste blowing people’s minds with the level of flavour, and emphasising the character notes of those flavours,” said Noel Allen, founder of Noisy Snacks.
“Where there is heat and spice we want it to be knock-out; we don’t pull our punches. I’ve been told that the Chickpeas explode with flavour in your mouth and leave long-lingering heat. I am so proud of the taste of the beans which really are stand-out in the market. They have excellent health credentials and taste delicious.”
Available from selected outlets across the US and Ireland in 45g pouches for RRP ranging between £1.00 and £1.29.
Moreish treats
Pladis has expanded its bestselling McVitie’s Cake range with the introduction of two larger-format loaf cakes.
McVitie’s Loaf Cakes will initially be available in two variants – Zingy Lemon (238g) and Sticky Toffee (200g) – which began rolling out in the convenience channel in the UK from mid-May.
According to the company, the soft ‘moreish’ are great with a cuppa or easy to turn into a cost-effective dessert. Each variant contains a serving suggestion on pack to inspire shoppers.
The latest product launch for McVitie’s Cakes comes amidst a strong category performance. Now worth £259 million, sharing cakes are growing 8.2%, while McVitie’s sharing cakes were purchased by 3.7 million household in the past 12 months.
“The current circumstances mean shoppers have been spending far more time than usual in their own homes. This has led to households of all shapes and sizes making more of mealtimes – whether that’s swapping a pre-made sandwich for beans on toast, cooking the evening meal from scratch, or indulging in a post-meal pudding,” said Claire Hooper, head of Marketing at McVitie’s Cake Company, pladis UK&I.
“We’re confident the latest great-value additions to our range will prove a hit with shoppers now and in the months to come.”
Other sharing cakes in the line-up include McVitie’s Jamaica Ginger Cake and McVitie’s Original Lyle’s Golden Syrup Cake. An additional variant – Rich chocolate – will join the range later this year.
Available from selected outlets across the UK with an RRP of £1.
The rumours are true
For more than 30 years, Funfetti baking products have helped bakers transform any day into a celebration for more than 30 years, with its classic cookies to bold-coloured cakes and frostings.
Building on the recent success of the brand’s launch into breakfast with a pancake mix and coffee creamer, Funfetti will debut in the cereal aisle in August.
“We tip our baking hats to those who discovered our secret early, and we're excited to announce that Funfetti cereal is in fact real and coming soon,” said Dan Anglemyer, COO of Hometown Food Company, which owns the rights to Pillsbury’s shelf-stable baking products, including Funfetti.
"We are in a period right now where people are finding comfort in trusted brands that bring back wonderful memories.
“Over the past 30 years, Funfetti fans have baked up colourful moments for birthdays, baby showers, graduations, weddings and more. The possibilities of Funfetti are endless. This new cereal is a testament to our commitment of discovering innovative ways the Funfetti experience can continue to be a part of special moments both big and small. If you’re going to indulge in a morning breakfast, there is no better way to celebrate then with a bowl of Funfetti cereal.”
The brightly coloured cereal remains true to the Funfetti cake taste and will be available in a 17oz family-sized cereal box for a RRP of $3.50-$5.50, depending on the retail location.
Going back to the future
Pop-Tarts is bringing out a new snack that will remind fans of 90s birthday parties at the roller rink or arcade.
According to the producer, its Frosted Confetti Cake Bites – which are ‘blinged’ out with edible glitter – are a ‘totally fly’ snacking option that will appeal to anyone who appreciates '90s culture.
“At Pop-Tarts, we're always looking for the next flavour innovation, and with the popularity of ‘90s nostalgia culture, new Frosted Confetti Cake Bites will be a hit with fans looking for a taste of the past,” said Sarah Reinecke, director of Brand Marketing for Kellogg’s Portable Wholesome Snacks.
“These colourful snacks taste like you're eating a slice of birthday cake on the go, no baking required.”
Pop-Tarts Frosted Confetti Cake Bites are available in US retailers nationwide in a five-count box, and in a 10-count box at Walmart stores.
Kellogg’s cereals go jumbo
The breakfast cereal giant is transforming snack time with its line of Jumbo Snax – a range of its best-loved cereals jumbo-sized for snacking.
The product line features Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Corn Pops (Caramel Crunch flavour) and Tiger Paws (featuring a flavour similar to Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes but in a paw-shaped bite, inspired by Tony the Tiger).
“Kellogg’s cereals shine as stars of the breakfast table, but for many, morning isn’t the only time for cereal,” said Erin Storm, marketing director of Kellogg All Family Cereal.
“With 30% of cereal eaten outside of breakfast, we believe Kellogg’s Jumbo Snax make snacking easier and that each bite unleashes jumbo fun for the whole family.”
All four varieties will be widely available in two options: a 12-pouch multipack with 0.45-ounce single-serve bags, ideal for on the go or a mid-afternoon cereal snack, and a 6-ounce multiserve resealable bag, ideal for sharing during family movie nights.
Available online and in the cereal aisle at grocery, club, drug and convenience stores for a RRP between $2.99 and $6.98, depending on count and pack size.
Sweet enough
Eliminate the sugar but keep the flavour and you have TasteBars, a new better-for-you range of almond-based snack bars designed to appeal to everyone – from athletes to kids and even diabetics.
According to the startup, many snack bar brands claim to be healthy, but are ‘super high’ in calories and loaded with hidden sugar. TasteBars – Take Away Sugar, Taste Exception – were born out of the idea that a product shouldn’t be laden with sugar to taste good.
Available in six variants – including Delicious Original, Banana Bread, Heavenly Chocolate, Chocolate Chilli Chia, Tasty Peanut Butter and Peanut Butter Chocolate – the bars contain no added sugar, are low carb and gluten-free and fit snugly into a keto lifestyle. They also contain no genetically modified ingredients.
Available online for an RRP of $35.88 for a pack of 12.
My kind of town, my kind of flavour
Two long-time Syracuse-area food producers have teamed up to launch a new potato chip flavour that has deep roots in the Central New York food scene.
Tully’s Good Times restaurants has partnered with Terrell’s Potato Chips to launch the Honey Mustard flavour, the most popular condiment accompanying Tully’s famous Chicken Tenders.
“It’s exciting for us to partner with another local Syracuse company to come up with something that we’re sure people locally are going to love,” said Daniel M. Giamartino, a partner of the family-run business that was founded in 1991.
“It’s always great to keep it local.”
The company launched the new flavour with the tagline: ‘Tully’s Good Times announces its famous Honey Mustard is not just for Chicken Tenders.’
Bags of the Honey Mustard Flavoured Potato Chips are now available at stores across Upstate New York, including Tops and Wegmans supermarkets; Byrne Dairy convenient stores; Green Hills Farms grocery store and Kinney Drugs. They’re also available at all 12 Tully’s locations in Upstate New York and Pennsylvania.
The soft touch
Vegan brand Partake Foods has added a line of soft-baked cookies to its existing line of crunchy cookies, in three flavours: Triple Chocolate, Cookie Butter and Chocolate Chip.
Founded in 2016, Partake specialises in allergen-free cookies that founder and former Coca-Cola executive, Denise Woodard created for her five-year-old daughter. She sold cookies out of her car before receiving a $1m investment from Marcy Venture Partners (MVP), a venture capital firm co-founded by musician Jay-Z.
“We received a great deal of press around the MVP investment; in fact, the announcement went viral,” said Woodard.
“It definitely helped to grow our brand awareness and drive e-commerce sales. It also accelerated existing discussions with retailers.”
Partake’s cookies are available through the company’s website and at US retailers such as Sprouts, The Fresh Market, Whole Foods Market and Target for an RRP of $4.99 per box.