Beam free from bars
Beam has debuted its range of healthier snacks, which are free from the top 14 allergens, are plant-based, gluten free, high in fibre and compliant with the latest rules on saturated fat, salt and sugar (HFSS).
The Irish startup is the brainchild of Shauna Blair, who has based the snacks on her own experience of dealing with allergies and food intolerances. It’s also a response to the growing market demand from consumers seeking foods free from allergens. Research shows that 97% of UK households currently buy free from foods, while 72% are seeking high fibre products.
“With more than 20% of UK consumers trying to avoid one or more allergens, and people with peanut allergy having doubled in the past 10 years, I felt there was a need for a new snacking alternative. ‘May contain’ warnings are rising on many brands, especially within ‘healthy snacking’ and many people cannot risk consuming even a trace of their trigger foods,” said Blair.
“All our products are produced in a certified nut-free and gluten-free facility, giving complete trust and provenance to our consumers.”
She said lifestyle changes are clearly underway in the UK as consumers seek products perceived to be healthier.
“Allergen free foods may form a lifestyle choice as part of a food trend for some, however, for many others. this is a need state that remains underserved. The free from sector in the supermarket didn’t exist when my children were diagnosed with food allergies, and while this has grown immensely over the past 15 years, there’s still room for improvement.”
Beam is designed to help plug “a large gap for truly free from products that cater for multiple allergens, and more importantly, are free from the Top 14 allergens,” added Blair.
Beam’s 4-strong range of crispy puff seed snack 30g bars are plant-based, better-for-you and free from peanuts, tree nuts, gluten, milk, soy, eggs, sesame, lupin, fish, molluscs, sulphites and genetic modifications. The chewy, crispy bars are also low in calories and free from palm oil, the harvesting of which often leads to deforestation.
Sustainability is another important focus for the startup that based in a predominantly farming community near the village of Seskinore, County Tyrone.
“Research shows that 88% of UK consumers want to live more sustainably,” said Blair.
“This is why we have a sharp focus on waste elimination. Through our products we aim to support our sustainability partner One Tree Planted by planting trees and giving back to the planet.”
Available in Blueberry & Lemon, Mint Chocolate, Pineapple and Cranberry & Strawberry, the bars are available online and on Amazon.