Alpen Adds Oat-Based Variant to Snack Bar Line

The British muesli breakfast cereal brand has expanded its snack bar offering with the launch of an oat-based variant in three flavors: Salted Caramel, Dark Chocolate Orange and Cocoa & Peanut.  Alpen Oat Blends mix fiber-rich oats, nuts, and fruits with a caramel center and topped with nuts or nibs. The new range will initially be available in Asda this month with an RRP of $4.14 per four-packs of 32 grams. The launch will be backed by in-store and digital promotions as part of the brand’s biggest promotional campaign in recent years: “Up & Alpen.”

"Alpen Launches Oat-Based Cereal Bars", Kam City, October 19, 2021

Furikake Adds Flavor, Texture To Rice-Based Snacks

Originally a Japanese dietary supplement comprising pulverized sardines, poppy seeds, and seaweed, the modern version of furikake is a seasoning made from sesame seeds, seaweeds, herbs, fish flakes, and salt. It is commonly served on bowls of steamed rice and pressed into rice-based snacks, adding a layer of flavor, texture, and nourishment. Writer Sonoko Sakai notes that furikake not only gives rice a punch of flavor, but also perks up pasta, noodles, vegetables, pizza, popcorn, dips, and focaccia. Sakai has also “come across savory granolas that act like furikake but are substantial enough to be snacks.”

"What is Furikake, the Nutty-Salty-Savory-Seaweedy Japanese Sprinkle?", Bon Appétit , October 18, 2021

Holy Crap Cereals Expands Online Availability

Pursuant to its recently announced growth strategy for the coming months, Plant&Co. Brands Ltd. (Vancouver, B.C.) announced that Holy Crap breakfast cereals are now available online through ShopVejii.com, an online marketplace for plant-based foods. The company's growth strategy is based on expanding distribution channels for greater growth in 2022. Holy Crap breakfast cereal, available in five flavors, is certified organic, non-GMO, kosher and gluten-free. Ingredients include hemp seed, buckwheat, chia seeds, and gluten-free oats. 

"Plant&Co's Holy Crap Cereals Expands Etail Distribution", Newsfilecorp.com, October 13, 2021

British Bank Loan Will Help Snack Fresh Meet Increasing Demand

The £50,000 ($69,000) Recovery Loan from HSBC U.K. will allow the U.K.-based packaged nuts and spices supplier to invest in new eco-friendly packaging, purchase additional stock to meet an increase in demand, and hire four new staff to streamline distribution. Snack Fresh is a wholefoods delivery company that sustainably sources nuts and spices and distributes them in bio-degradable packaging made from recycled paper. The company reportedly has seen a considerable increase in demand over the past year, particularly from the vegan and vegetarian markets.

"Snack Fresh secures £50k investment and creates jobs", Food Manufacture, October 16, 2021

Corn In Pivot Bio’s Snacks Is Grown With Non-Synthetic Fertilizers

The Berkeley, Calif.-based supplier of natural microbial nitrogen fertilizer for agricultural use has launched a popcorn “designed to accelerate progress toward cleaner air and water.” Connect popcorn is made from corn grown with microbial nitrogen instead of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. The fermentation process used to make the fertilizer reduces potential greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 98 percent. Connect Gourmet Yellow Butterfly Popcorn is 100 percent whole grain, a good source of fiber, and is non-GMO. The snacks, which are mailed in boxes made with a minimum of 35 percent post-consumer recycled paper, are available on Amazon for an RRP of $12.99/24oz pack. The company also plans to launch a microwave popcorn line in 2022.

"U.S. fertilizer company sashays into snack sector with climate conscious popcorn", BakeryAndSnacks.com, October 15, 2021

New FDA Guidance Urges Snack Producers To Cut Salt Content

The FDA’s guidance encourages food producers to voluntarily reduce sodium content across categories like bakery, breakfast cereals, and snacks, to help consumers decrease salt consumption by 400 mg/day – 12 percent over the next two and a half years. Excessive salt intake is directly linked to chronic conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, all of which are preventable through better diets. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans for 2020-2025 advises people 14 years and older to cut their salt consumption to 2,300 mg/day, from 3,400 mg/day. The guidance is fully voluntary and non-binding.

"FDA sets voluntary salt reduction targets for bakery and snack producers", BakeryAndSnacks.com, October 19, 2021

Olina’s Bakehouse Debuts Bite-Sized Whole Seed Snack

The Australian gourmet cracker company’s Seeded Snackers are made with 81 percent mixed wholesome seeds ranging from pumpkin seed kernels, sunflower kernels, white sesame seeds, and linseeds, and are gluten-free, and free from artificial colors and flavors. Available in Roasted Beetroot, Sour Cream & Chive, Balsamic Vinegar & Caramelized Onion, and Chilli & Lime flavors, Seeded Snackers are available in the biscuit aisle at Woolworths for RRP US$3.74 per 140-gram pack.

"Olina's Bakehouse delivers a cracker", Food and Drink Business, October 20, 2021

Nightfood Expands Distribution To Hotel Chains

Although the Tarrytown, N.Y.-based bedtime snack maker’s products are found in more than 1,500 supermarkets, including some Walmart and Albertsons locations, the company says its imminent national hotel rollout will greatly accelerate growth. A successful pilot test with an unnamed global hotel brand that led to the introduction of its ice cream, which has 10 percent of the fat of traditional ice cream, less sugar, and no artificial sweeteners, into thousands of hotel lobbies in the next few months. According to the company, that distribution would equate to an endorsement by the industry and would accelerate consumer awareness and acceptance. Nightfood has engaged North Carolina-based iDEAL Hospitality Partners Group to help boost the hotel footprint. 

"Can This Company Create a New Industry Category by Helping People Snack Better Before Bed?", Benzinga , October 19, 2021

Whole Foods Markets Sees Sunflower Seeds As Big 2022 Food Trend

In its annual year-end forecast compiled by local foragers, regional and global buyers, and culinary experts, the grocery chain says sunflower seeds are no longer just for trail mix and granola. The seeds can now be found in crackers, ice creams, dips, and more. They” deliver plenty of protein and unsaturated fats, “making them a healthy and hearty snack.” Other food trends emerging in 2022 include: urban farm-grown Gotham Greens: Butterhead Lettuce, and AeroFarms Micro Broccoli; the spread of yuzu fruit in recipes; and the appearance of hibiscus in seltzers, teas, fruit spreads, and yogurts.

"Here Are the 10 Biggest Food Trends of 2022, According to Whole Foods", Real Simple, October 18, 2021