Product showcase 2020: Human Food targets AI-powered nutrition, Stacy’s geotargets women-owned businesses and Ginger Baker targets the British apple

By Gill Hyslop

- Last updated on GMT

This roundup focuses on nutritionally-powered snacks, women and the apple. Pic: GettyImages/evgenyatamanenko
This roundup focuses on nutritionally-powered snacks, women and the apple. Pic: GettyImages/evgenyatamanenko

Related tags Insomnia Cookies Buckwheat vegan pizza Veganuary Human Food British apples Milano women empowerment Stacy's Aquafaba

Human Food – punted as ‘the only certified 100% organic nutrition bar in the world’ – introduces two new variants; Ginger Bakers celebrates the British apple; and PepsiCo Frito-Lay-backed Stacy’s rolls out innovative packaging that features a geotargeted women-owned business directory.

Bedtime bliss

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Although the holidays may look different this year, it doesn’t mean indulgence has to stop. Insomnia Cookies has extended its cookie collection with vegan variants, delivered warm, day and late at night, to help make holiday snacking occasions memorable.

Available as individual cookies or in 6-packs, the new variants include:

  • Vegan Chocolate Chunk: with generous amounts of dairy-free ooey-gooey chocolate chunks
  • Vegan Double Chocolate Chunk: double the chocolate, double the deliciousness
  • Vegan Birthday Cake: warm vanilla wishes and all the sprinkles

The luscious treats will become permanent menu items at all Insomnia locations, for delivery and nationwide shipping across the US.

Local delivery is available until 12 am (orders to be done on the company’s website), while its stores are open until 1 pm or later for most locations.

Bucking the trend

buckweaves

Australian snack producer Livwell Emporium has hit the market this year with Buckweaves, a plant alternative snack that uses naturally gluten-free buckwheat as its star ingredient.

Buckweaves underwent extensive market research from conception to launch, which coincided with the complexities of navigating through the pandemic. However, the company pressed on, conducting extensive consumer sensory evaluations, refinements and commissioning new equipment for its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Seaford, Victoria.

With consumers seeking healthier options, Livwell created a formula to bake – not fry – Buckweaves without losing that perfect crunch.

The company also claims the plant-based snacks are lower in calories than most other snacks on the market, and buckwheat – part of the rhubarb family – is a superfood purported to boost mood, reduce stress, promote healthy blood, reduce heavy metal toxicity, and contain a punch of protein and B vitamins.

The vegan, superfood snack is only available through the independent retail channels for an RRP of AUS$2.50 for an 80g bag.

Livwell Emporium also produces Mini Pops, a healthier option to popcorn made from wholegrain Australian sorghum grain, available across Australia in independent supermarkets and health food stores. The company claims that unlike popcorn, mini pops don’t get stuck in your teeth.

Life’s simple pleasures

CROP Hi-res Med TWRC12 Nudie Pizza Base serv sugg. Pizza base available from Central Foods

UK frozen food distributor Central Foods has teamed up with the White Rabbit Pizza Company to offer a new range of vegan and gluten-free pizza bases for the food service sector.

The deal marks the debut of White Rabbit’s entry into the category and comes just in time for Veganuary 2021.

White Rabbit – founded by Nick Croft-Simon and Matteo Ferrari who worked together at The White Rabbit Pub in Oxford – already produces a range of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free pizzas for the retail sector, available in outlets including Waitrose, Booths, Sainsbury’s, Planet Organic and Wholefoods.  

This is its debut into the food service arena and comes just in time for Veganuary 2021.

Central Foods is supplying the 10 inch and 12 inch versions of White Rabbit’s vegan and gluten-free raised crust, stone-baked pizza bases – known as nudies.

“Being vegan and gluten-free, the pizza bases are suitable for customers with dietary requirements but will be equally as popular with all diners. Offering items that suit two different dietary requirements – vegan and gluten-free – helps to avoid menu proliferation and makes it easier for food service professionals, which is especially important in the challenging times we currently find ourselves operating in,”​ said Gordon Lauder, MD of Central Foods.

“We are very pleased to be supporting The White Rabbit Pizza Company with their launch into the frozen food service sector. It means that wholesalers and caterers throughout the UK can work their own special magic on the pizza bases to ensure everyone is able to enjoy one of life’s simple pleasures … authentic pizzas.”

Ferrari added, “Traditionally, pizza is an inclusive meal to be shared by all, and we wanted to carry this into our ethos as a brand: ultimately, the idea was to have people of all diets around the same dinner table eating the same meal, whether they’re coeliac, vegan or an eater of everything.

“Our partnership with Central Foods will help us to continue to achieve this aim.”

Veganuary survival snack

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Human Food has extended its range of nutritionally superior snack bars with the Orange Bar, which contains a 100% RI of vitamin C, and the White Bar, which contains 950mg of omega 3 from organic nuts (walnuts, almonds and cashew nuts).

Human Food – purportedly the ‘highest funded vegan Kickstarter to date’ – is the Veganuary go-to, with thousands of people around the world already snacking on its nutritionally tailored plant-based snack bars.

According to the producer, the bars are disrupting the snacking sphere, being:

  • The only certified 100% organic nutrition bars in the world
  • The only products available in the world that include 100% of the RI (Reference Intake) of vitamin B12 in an organic form (all others are either in animal products or are synthetic)
  • Containing a broad range of essential nutrients, which can be difficult to obtain from a plant-based diet
  • Void of added sugar, GMOs, soy, artificial flavours, sweeteners and flavourings
  • Containing whole daily amounts of a range of functional ingredients such as turmeric, spirulina, ginseng, maca
  • Being the most researched product in its category in the world, with two research partners – Swansea University and Aberystwyth University in Wales
  • Wrapped in compostable packaging made from plant based cellulose and thus compostable.

Each bar also contains 50% RI of iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, manganese and other vitamins, 14g protein, omega-3s, maca, ginseng and other essential minerals like copper, manganese and zinc, among others.

Dozens of nutritionists have publicly backed the brand, such as Gillian Killiner, nutrition and heart disease adviser for the World Health Organisation (WHO), “As a dietitian, I don’t get involved in product promotion as I like to remain impartial, however, I feel this bar has everything right and the team behind it are all about prioritising health and the environment so It would be wrong not to give it full credit.”

Since its launch earlier this year, fans have signed up to monthly subscriptions delivered worldwide by carbon neutral courier direct from Human Food’s premises in Wales, including elite sports people like ultra-runner Catra Corbett and rock climber Steph Davis.

Human Food’s Organic Daily Nutrition Bars are available via the brand’s website for an RRP of £3.30 per bar or monthly subscription of £59.40 for 20 bars.

An apple a day

Ginger Bakers Toffee Apple Cake

Ginger Bakers new Toffee Apple Cake stirring up memories of munching on sticky, gooey and chewy toffee apples – not only to celebrate the witchy or gunpowder treason and plot season, but all things apple this autumn.

According to the brand, since 1990, the humble English apple has celebrated across the nation on Apple Day has been celebrated across the UK since 1990 to highlight the varieties of apples we are in danger of losing, the rich and diverse landscapes and the ecology of our orchards.

Historically, there are around 2,500 varieties of apple grown in the UK, many specific to their geography and their specific climatic conditions, but only eight varieties are generally sold in supermarkets. Two of the most popular varietals – Braeburn and Gala – are actually imported from New Zealand.

To boost consumer awareness of this humble fruit, Ginger Bakers has created a 600g Toffee Apple Cake packed with cinnamon spiced apples, topped with vanilla buttercream, a caramel drizzle and dried apple slices.

Available over-the-counter from the bakery’s outlet in Plumarth, as well as online for an RRP of £7.00.

Fireside treat

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Milano has introduced Amaretto Hot Cocoa Flavoured Milano to its lineup of drink-inspired cookies, which includes Irish Cream and Caramel Macchiato flavours.

The new variant features a dark chocolate and almond filling between two crisp, delicate cookies that is suitably paired with a warm beverage or enjoyed on their own.

Amaretto Hot cocoa Flavoured Milano is rolling out in retailers, like Target, across the US in early November, available in 7oz bags.

Geotargeting women-owned businesses

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Female founded Stacy’s Pita Chips is launching limited edition packaging featuring a QR code that, once scanned with a mobile phone, will direct consumers to nearby female-founded businesses – making it easier than ever to support female entrepreneurs.

According to the Rise of the Female Founder survey conducted earlier this year by the PepsiCo Frito-Lay-backed brand, 67% of consumers wish it was easier to find products and services from female-founded businesses and 79% want to see more female-founded businesses in their communities.

The survey also revealed that consumers believe the top two avenues to find new products are via an online search (50%) and word of mouth recommendations (45%).

While QR codes are experiencing a resurgence in popularity thanks to their contactless nature, the Female Founder Finder directory is also searchable online at www.femalefounderfinder.com, offering direct access to more than 13,000 women-owned businesses, including the 30 brands taking part in the 2020 Stacy’s Rise Project. The programme culminates on Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (19 November), with one winner awarded a $10,000 business grant, executive mentorship and professional advertising services.

The concept – developed in partnership with Hello Alice, a free, multichannel platform for women and New Majority small business owners – was inspired by this year’s Rise Project theme of #ShareForHer.

“The Stacy’s Rise Project is a testament to harnessing resources and collaborating with like-minded allies for the benefit of female founders, which, in this case, was a matter of leveraging our Stacy’s national retail footprint and packaging with the digital expertise and community of Hello Alice to build a resource for consumers and business owners alike,”​ said Ciara Dilley, VP of marketing for Frito-Lay.

“#ShareForHer is a reminder that we all have something to share that can help a female founder rise, whether it’s simply writing a positive review online or facilitating a business connection.”

The specially-marked Stacy’s Female Founder Finder bags – featuring artwork by illustrator Libby VanderPloeg – will be available at retailers nationwide while supplies last. Fans are encouraged to join the conversation by following #StacysRiseProject and #ShareForHer across social media.

Raising sagging spirits

Dough

Doughlicious has launched two new variants exclusively into 500 M&S stores across the UK.

Dark Chocolate & Salted Caramel and Vegan Double Chocolate are the latest ready-to-bake, gluten free cookie dough recipes from the brand, which offer a stress-free solution to baking at home, especially as the nation goes back into lockdown.

The new flavours contain no GMOs or added refined sugars, are suitable for those following vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free diets, and are shaped into individual dough balls designed to promote portion control and fight food waste.

Cookies can be baked from chilled or frozen in just 14-16 minutes.

“M&S has always been my go-to for quality, innovative and delicious food, so I am incredibly proud to see Doughlicious on the shelves. We believe baking is a brilliant way to raise your spirits and make memories,”​ said Doughlicious founder Kathryn Bricken.

“I’m passionate about eating a balanced diet to nourish the mind and body, which is why Doughlicious cookie dough contains less sugar, fewer calories and saturated fats than other leading sweet treats.”

Available from the chilled dairy aisle in fully recyclable packaging for an RRO of £3.00 for a pack (bakes six cookies).

Sourdough in the city

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Good In Bread’s newest bread on the slicing block is the Hearty Loaf, made from soaked overnight oats and packed with antioxidants and fibres.

Each week, the subscription service targeted at London foodies introduces a Sourdough variant made from 100% natural ingredients and organic flours and baked in north west London using artisan methods. The breads are either sliced to post through a standard letterbox or delivered unsliced in a loaf-sized parcel. The loaves also have a longer shelf life and are approximately 1/3 larger than standard store-bought equivalents. 

Other varieties include the ‘nutty but nice’ Hazelnut & Cranberry Sourdough, the Nordic Rye with sunflower seeds & rye flakes, the 'Labour of Loaf' with its distinguishable dark woody crust and the Seeded 'Eat Pray Loaf' full of omega 3s.

“We only produce breads made from the finest organic flours, natural sourdough leavens and we ensure a long cool fermentation. This is to make sure that our breads are a cut above the rest when it comes to the best and most comforting flavours, aromas and textures,”​ said Good In Bread’s Emily Caron.

“We are ensuring that Londoners can always have fresh and yummy bread – especially at a time when we are spending more and more time at home​.”

Good In Bread delivers fresh-out-of-the-oven loaves by bicycle across London. Contactless delivery days are Tuesdays and Fridays (including Bank Holidays).  Orders can be placed up to 48 (business) hours before preferred delivery date. Its sourdoughs are shipped in bio-degradable cardboard, while its freezer-friendly slice pouches are made from 100% biodegradable plastic.

Available online for a weekly subscription price of £6.50.

Changing the world, one mini bite at a time

OGGS Mini Bites Varieties

OGGS is rolling out three varieties of Mini Bites of its recently launched vegan friendly cake range.

Available in bite-sized pieces of Brownie, Mini Flapjack or Millionaires Shortbread, these morsels are great to keep to yourself – available in resealable packs to stow in your pocket for the perfect grab and go – but even better shared with loved ones.

OGGS is passionate about creating products that are better for the planet, animals and people. The new Mini Bites are powered by OGGS Aquafaba, the UK’s first patented liquid egg alternative for home-baking and cooking, launched earlier in the year.

The packaging is FSC sustainably sourced and made from 100% recycled plastic that is also fully recyclable and biodegradable, so even if it finds its way to landfill, it won’t harm the planet.  

Launching in Sainsbury’s and WH Smith stores in January 2021, OGGS Mini Bites come in a pack of nine for an RRP of £2.25.  

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