BFY Cereals For Consumers Worried About Their BMs

Digestive health has become a significant issue for consumers, as studies confirm that the digestive system and gut health play an important role in energy, sleep, metabolism, weight loss, and even beauty. That said, some breakfast cereals – rich in fiber and other nutrients – are just plain better for you if your primary gut health concern is a healthy No. 2. The Huffington Post’s top picks for high-fiber cereals (not ranked): Barbara's Puffins ($5.99); Bob’s Red Mill Organic Oat Bran Hot Cereal ($17.55, 4-pack); Cheerios ($4.99); Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Flourless Flake Cereal ($9.49); Fiber One ($4.79); Forager Organic Grain-Free Os ($7.99); Kellogg’s All-Bran Buds ($3.74); Kind Cereal: Cranberry Almond ($6.98); Nature's Path Flax Plus Multibran Flakes ($3.69); and Poop Like A Champion ($11.97).

"The No. 1 Cereals For Going No. 2, According To Nutritionists", Huffington Post, September 08, 2021

Jackson's Bets Future On New Factory, Packaging, Expanded Product Line

With the opening of a state-of-the-art factory in Muskego, Wis., the Oregon-based sweet potato chips brand “stands poised to upset the snacking status quo forever.” The company sources non-GMO heirloom sweet potatoes directly from farmers, cooks them low and slow in coconut and avocado oils, and adds seasonings that bring out the sweet potato flavor. Jackson’s new snack varieties complement sweet potatoes' unique flavor profile and are Non-GMO Project Verified, vegan, gluten-free, paleo, nut-free, and kosher. All are available in redesigned 1.5 oz and 5 oz bags online and in select U.S. retailers, including Whole Foods Market and Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage.  

"Jackson's Dares Snackers to Trade Up Their Chips", PR Newswire, September 14, 2021

Kellogg Company Creates Snack Bar Based On A Cereal Product

The new Krave mixed grain bar, adapted from the eponymous breakfast cereal sold in varying formats in the U.S., the U.K., and elsewhere, has arrived in Australia. Made from crunchy puffed sorghum and churro, choc fudge chocolate or caramel fudge pieces, the snack is available in Go Nuts for Donuts, Nudge to Fudge, and Caramel Pop’n Choc flavors, all of which are free of artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. The new mixed grain bars can be found in Australia at Woolworths, Coles, and independent supermarkets.

"Kellogg’s launches mixed grain bar", Inside FMCG, September 13, 2021

Calbee Launches Vegetable-Based Snacks In U.K.

The Japanese-owned snack manufacturer’s new range of veg and pulse-based snacks taps into the growing consumer preference for plant-based products and the continued growth in holistic health and wellness. Non-GMO Project Certified Harvest Snaps, available in nine flavors, including Caesar, habanero, and mango chile lime, in 28-gram 130-calorie packs, are made from peas, lentils and black beans. The branding rolled out across multiple flavors and pack formats, as well as campaign creative, sales collateral and POS.

"Snaps snacks launch with Fun", Prolific North, September 09, 2021

Protein-Added Snacks Aren’t Necessarily BFY

Protein, once a niche bodybuilding supplement, has gone mainstream in a big way, and is now added to a vast range of foods and drinks. Though scientists acknowledge humans really don’t need to eat all that protein, for many consumers the word protein signals “virtuous self-restraint, visibly striated musculature, and pert buttocks.” According to writer Sirin Kale, it means “nut bars nibbled elegantly between MacBook-led meetings… and reaching for a thinner version of ourselves.” However, added-protein snacks are often far from healthy: they can be highly processed, and packed with ingredients such as saturated fat-laden palm oil and corn syrup. It is ironic that in an age when processed foods are anathema to health-conscious consumers, “now, nobody cares,” says the marketing manager for a protein snack company.

"Muscles and methane: How protein became the food industry's biggest craze", The Guardian (London), September 15, 2021

Dirt Kitchen Tests Binder-Free Snack Technology

The Mondelēz International brand is testing a better-for-you snack bar created using a mechanical pressure and ultrasound technology developed by an Israeli company. Torr FoodTech’s technology combines different ingredients without using binders or added sugar, instead applying mechanical pressure and ultrasound energy to create multi-textures and sensorial taste profiles not found in a typical snack bar.  Dirt Kitchen so far has focused on chip-like snacks made of vegetables like tomatoes, zucchini, and green beans. The companies plan to roll out four flavors – tomato, raisin and black pepper; apricot, beets and pumpkin seeds; almond, raisin and carrot; and apple, cinnamon and carrot – in about 50 of the few hundred stores that carry Dirt Kitchen products, and on the brand's website. 

"Mondelēz tests new snack bar made using mechanical pressure and ultrasound energy", Food Dive, September 14, 2021

U.K.’s Burts Snacks’ Sales Unimpeded By Pandemic

The Plymouth-based maker of crisps and popcorn posted a $9.7 million hike in sales in 2020 to a total of $79.4 million, making it “the U.K.’s fastest growing independent “snacking” company, despite the COVID pandemic.” Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization – a measure of profitability – were $3.6 million for 2020, up from $1.4 million in 2019. The company is optimistic about 2021 sales in the U.K., and is developing several new export markets that it says are “a key pillar in our overall strategy.”

"Burts Snacks sees sales grow to £57.3m despite hospitality lockdown", Business Live, September 14, 2021

Mark's Mindful Munchies Adds Air-Popped Sweet Potato Chips To Portfolio

The Boston-based maker of air-popped ancient grain chips has launched a line of salty snacks made with sweet potatoes and brown rice. Pop Bitties Sweet Potato Chips, available in Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper & Sea Salt flavors, are Non-GMO Project Verified, vegan, certified gluten-free, corn-free, and tree nut and peanut-free. They contain 110 calories, 3.5 grams of fat and 2 grams of protein per serving, The chips are available in 3.5 oz. bags online and at U.S. grocery stores for an SRP of $3.49. 

"New Pop Bitties Sweet Potato Chips Launch in Two Delicious Flavors", PR Newswire, September 14, 2021

Carnivore Aurelius Adds Steak Crisps To Meat-Based Snack Line

Founded in 2019, the Sheridan, Wy. -based maker of beef liver crisps has introduced a chewy steak crisp made with beef and salt and no sugar or soy fillers. According to the company, plant-based foods offer excellent health benefits but lack some nutrients that humans need for optimal performance, especially vitamin B12, taurine, and iron. Grass-fed steak crisps, containing only salt and 17 grams of protein, are sold by subscription or as a one-time purchase of a 14-bag package at $7.14 per bag.

"Carnivore Aurelius Is Excited to Announce the Latest Addition to Its Menu: Steak Crisps", The Mercury News (California), September 10, 2021

Mintel Expert Advises Snack Makers On Flavor And Ingredient Experimentation

Snack makers experimenting with flavors in hopes of broadening snack appeal should pair an unusual one, such as baobab or guajillo chili, with a familiar format, such as tortilla chips, according to Lynn Dornblaser of Mintel. Or, if experimenting with snack chip ingredients, they should try an unconventional base ingredient, such as seaweed or dried portobello mushrooms, combined with cheddar, barbecue, or another popular seasoning. Other snack innovation insights Dornblaser shared with SNAXPO21 attendees: be sure the name lives up to the ingredients – a cayenne pepper snack, for example, better be spicy; if concerned about delivering a healthy snack use chickpeas or plantains and highlight their better-for-you benefits; and experiment with flavors on more receptive younger consumers.

"Effective ways to expand a brand’s appeal", Baking Business, September 14, 2021