The 126-year-old St. Louis, Mo.-based breakfast cereal company says its efforts to drive innovation have resulted in a higher protein cereal range as well as a line of snacks based on some of its iconic cereals, CEO Robert Vitale said during a recent analyst conference call. The company is “cautiously optimistic” about the successful limited-distribution launch of its new Premier Protein line that “delivers great-tasting cereal with high protein.” The new snack products include Cocoa Pebbles Crisps, Fruity Pebbles Crisps, Honeycomb Big Bites, and Chocolate Honeycomb Big Bites. The snacks feature the same flavors as the breakfast cereals but come in “larger, more portable and snackable forms.”

The plant-based snack company, launched in Dubai in 2018 by a Lebanese-Canadian entrepreneur, is now distributing 10 product lines to 250 vendors in Saudi Arabia. It plans to quadruple that number by the end of the year while also expanding to European cities, and eventually to the U.S. and Canada. In addition, the company hopes to increase to 20 products lines in Saudi Arabia, with the aim of reaching 30 by the end of the year. The snacks contain no wheat, dairy, refined cane sugar, gluten, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, or soy.

Blake’s Seed Based of Chicago has launched a line of allergy-friendly rice crispy treats containing flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. Flavors include strawberry and chocolate chip. The new products join a line of seed-based snack bars sold nationwide in more than 1,000 retail outlets in varieties such as raspberry, blueberry lemon, and s’mores. All of the brand’s products are free of the top eight allergens, including peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, eggs, dairy, fish and shellfish, as well as sesame, and coconut. All of the products are available online.

The Plano, Texas-based company that specializes in protein-rich, low-sugar, dried beef snacks announced it will merge with publicly traded Andina Acquisition Corp. III (NASDAQ: ANDA) to become a public company listed on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol SNAX. The companies say they have agreements with institutional investors for an oversubscribed common stock private-investment-in-public equity (PIPE) of $42.5 million at $10 a share. Stryve also borrowed $10.6 million from investors “for general working capital purposes.” The bridge note for the loan will convert into common stock prior to closing. Stryve’s so-called “disruptive” snack platform features air-dried meats, mostly beef, including biltong from South Africa and carne seca from Latin America. Air-drying meat vs. cooking, as is done with beef jerky, yields a product that has 40-50 percent more protein per serving than beef jerky, the company claims. Stryve’s meat snacks are made with 100 percent uncooked beef, contain no sugar, monosodium glutamate (MSG), gluten, nitrates, nitrites, or preservatives and are keto- and paleo-diet friendly. 

The Los Angeles-based chip brand, on a mission to loosen Cheetos’ stranglehold on the salty snack market, and less than six months after raising $7 million in a Series A round, has convinced Post Holdings to lead a $12.5 million Series B round of funding. PeaTos adds nutrient-dense peas to the traditional corn base and replaces artificial colors and flavors with more natural ingredients. The company says its snack has “all the flavor and fun” of Cheetos and Doritos, but with the nutrient claims of better-for-you options. PeaTos have twice the protein and three times the fiber of traditional salty snacks. The brand is available in more than 4,700 retailers, including Kroger and its affiliate stores, Vons, Pavilions, Albertsons, Safeway, Sprouts, and Sam's Club. 

A Charlotte entrepreneur and fitness buff who was having a hard time finding a snack chip good for his body has developed Macro Snacks, a gluten-free, vegan-friendly chip that comes in seven flavors. Each bag of Justin Wiesehan’s Macro Snacks has 11 to 12 grams of protein and a 45/35/20 carb/protein/fat ratio, making it easier for those who track macronutrients in their diet (or just want to eat a healthy snack). The seven flavors are based on popular snacks, Wiesehan says: BBQ Sauce, Pizza Pie, Churro Loco, Cheddar Cheese, Rockin' Ranch, Sour Cream & Onion, and Spicy Chili Lime. The brand was recently chosen out of more than 100 applicants to participate in an Austin, Texas-based accelerator program called SKU that began last week.

The British investment firm S-Ventures has acquired a majority share of We Love Purely with a goal of speeding its move into the mainstream snacking sector. We Love Purely has experienced solid online sales growth during the pandemic with its range of healthy plantain snacks. It has now begun selling in retail outlets in the U.K. and abroad, including Harrods, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Ocado, Holland and Barrett, Spinneys in Dubai, and The Craft Gin Club. The chips contain 30 percent less fat than typical potato crisps and no palm oil. They are made in Ecuador from locally sourced plantains to support local communities and provide income for small farmers.

The Loveland, Colo.-based grain-free snack company has launched six keto nut mixes and three keto granolas, available on their Amazon store. The 1.2-ounce nut mix packs feature a seasoned blend of walnuts, pecans, and healthy seeds containing as much as seven grams of protein, three grams of net carbs, and 19 grams of nutritious fats. Flavors include Pepperoni Pizza, Traditional Recipe, and Sour Cream & Chive. The sweet glazed nut blends come in Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Maple Cinnamon Praline, and Thai Sweet Chili. The new keto granolas are made with coconut, sunflower seeds, walnuts, flax seeds, and chia seeds and come in Lemon Blueberry Tart, Maple Cinnamon Crunch, and Double Chocolate Chip flavors.

The London-based better-for-you snack producer’s aggressive strategy to become a serious player in the mainstream savory snacks area includes expansion of its U.K. distribution network by 1,500 percent. The company has secured listings with Sainsbury’s, Holland & Barret online. and Ocado for its range of better-for-you Popped Lotus Seeds. The seeds are roasted rather than fried and contain fewer than 90 calories a pack, 60 percent less fat than regular potato crisps, and are protein rich, vegan, and low GI, with no artificial ingredients, or preservatives. They are also free of allergens, gluten, palm oil, MSG, and GMOs. To further its overall strategy the company has also implemented a rebrand and hired a commercial consultant to provide guidance on driving snack sales.

According to Villanova University marketing professor Charles Taylor, the “unique product positioning” – “vegan pork rinds” – of Rockville, Md.-based start-up Snacklins helped it triple sales last year. The snack chip is made from yuca, mushrooms, and onions, is gluten-free, grain-free, vegan, certified non-GMO, and certified kosher, and only 90 calories a bag. But the young company’s biggest achievement, according to Taylor, has been its ability to analyze customers and “environmental changes” and rethink its product. In December the company launched a rebranding effort that featured more flavors, a graphics refresh (stylized mouth designs), an advanced e-commerce website (a response to the coronavirus pandemic), and the introduction of a larger, multi-serve (three-ounce) package size. 

The Camden, N.J.-based food company decided to close the Columbus snacks manufacturing facility in phases by spring 2022 because of its age and reduced consumer demand for non-core products made there. The plant, which employs 326 people, produces candy, crackers, cookies, nuts, and bars under brands such as Snyder’s of Hanover and Pepperidge Farm. The 94-years-old plant was part of Campbell’s purchase of Snyder’s-Lance in 2018. Campbell says it will phase out the production of candy under the Lance brand and will shift production of its higher demand Lance, Emerald, and Late July snacks across the division’s manufacturing network.

Among the important themes highlighted by Innova Market Insights in the sweets and snacks categories are provenance, sustainable sourcing, and packaging. The researcher’s 2020 survey found that 85 percent of global consumers want to learn more about where their food comes from. In response, food companies are working harder to meet evolving ethical, environmental, and clean label consumer demands using creative, meaningful storytelling to communicate this. Sweets and snacks companies are emphasizing ingredient provenance for raw materials such as nuts, cocoa, and sugar, along with ethical credentials and packaging sustainability. Other key trends include: plant-based; demand for different formats, new plant proteins; personalized nutrition that features healthy and immune-supporting ingredients; and the availability of “branded cinema-style snacks” in the home.

Among the grocery trends expected to gain prominence in 2021 – lower alcohol cocktails, bolder spices and condiments, greater selectivity by brand and store, etc. – is a dietary trend, according to the grocery delivery and pick-up service (San Francisco). Twenty-eight percent of those who tried a high-fat, low-carb keto diet in 2020 apparently liked it. Sales trends were consistent with the survey, as products with “keto” in the name saw a 72 percent increase in the Instacart marketplace. The 10 most popular keto products in the marketplace: KetoPint Salt and Caramel Keto Bar; Think! Keto Protein Bar – Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie flavor; Birch Benders Keto Pancake and Waffle Mix; Sundae Shoppe Keto Peanut Butter Fudge Ice Cream; Sundae Shoppe Keto Cookie Dough Ice Cream; Lenny and Larry’s Keto Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie; Sundae Shoppe Keto Mint Chip Ice Cream; Epic Chicken Sriracha Protein Bar; Ratio Keto Friendly Strawberry Dairy Snack; and Ratio Keto Friendly Vanilla Dairy Snack. The Instacart report combines in-depth analysis of Instacart search and purchase activity with data from a new online Harris Poll survey.

New packaging for the Tarrytown, N.Y.-based “sleep friendly” ice cream company’s products puts greater emphasis on better-for-you night-time snacking formulated for better sleep. The revamped packaging features the company’s familiar Cravemonsters in a bolder design with a new deep blue background for stronger shelf-presence. The packaging also suggests night-time cues to the consumer, according to the company. The “sleep-friendly” nutritional profile includes more prebiotic fiber, casein protein, calcium, magnesium, and zinc compared to regular ice cream, while containing less sugar, less fat, and fewer calories. These benefits are highlighted in detail on the back of each pint. During the 18 months the ice cream has been on store shelves, consumer reviews and company interviews determined that 95 percent of reviewers ticked 4 or 5 stars. Production of Nightfood pints in the new packaging is expected to appear on store shelves starting in March. The packaging update was executed by OffWhite Co. 

The general manager of Uxbridge, England-based Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) says the first half of 2021 will look pretty much the same as the second half of 2020: lockdowns and purchase of larger beverage packages. But Stephen Burgess expects that as the company moves further into 2021, and the COVID vaccines become more readily available, people will feel more confident about leaving the house, and sales of on-the-go packs will increase. “I am convinced those opportunities will come back,” Burgess added. For the first half of 2021 he suggested that the brand should ensure take-home packs are as affordable as possible. In fact, prices on 500 ml packs have already started to drop.

Market researcher Global Data says major food companies like Kraft-Heinz and Nestlé are heavily engaged in researching plant-based food technology while expanding rapidly into the space. An example of the priority is Kraft-Heinz’s recent deal to conduct research on fermented ingredients with APC Microbiome. The arrangement allows the company to try novel flavors and formulations without wasting time on internal, potentially dead-end, research. The recent surge in coronavirus cases, and the ensuing lockdowns, is pushing consumers to buy savory snacks and condiments and pushing companies to speed up development of new products, especially for at-home consumption. By focusing on ingredient and formulation innovations via the APC Microbiome partnership, Kraft-Heinz can better align with strengthening demand for “clean” and “safe” products “that will resonate with consumers during these trying times.”

The Richmond, B.C.-based organic breakfast and snack food company’s nutty, protein-rich hot cereals blend plant-based watermelon seed protein with nutrient-dense, healthy fats. Available in Maple Almond Crunch and Cinnamon Apple Crisp flavors, the cereals feature chia seeds and pumpkin seeds instead of grain, and are rich in fiber, protein, antioxidants, and ALA omega-3 fatty acids. The cereals are also vegan and paleo friendly, certified USDA organic, and contain no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

The Loveland, Colo.-based maker of grain-free snacks has created a line of Keto Nut Mixes in six flavors for paleo diet fans, Debuting in January, the new flavors will be available on Amazon in three savory and three sweet varieties, each delivering 7 grams of protein and 3 grams of net carbs. The savory Keto Nut Mixes are made with seasoned walnuts, pecans, and healthy seeds, and sold in 1.2-ounce packs in flavors such as Pepperoni Pizza, Traditional Recipe, and Sour Cream & Chive. The sweet nut mixes, also sold in 1.2-ounce packs, are made with nuts and seeds in Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Maple Cinnamon Praline, and Thai Sweet Chili flavors. The snacks are low-glycemic, grain-free, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and free of refined sugars, and artificial flavorings. Besides Amazon, the snacks will be sold at Whole Foods Market, Natural Grocers, Sprouts, The Fresh Market, King Soopers, and other retailers.

The N.Y.-based company’s grain- and gluten-free chips feature whole hemp seeds as the main ingredient and contain six grams of protein and three grams of fiber per serving. Let There Be Hemp, whose products have debuted at East Coast stores and will be available online in 2021, is also planning to introduce hempseed pretzels and crackers, as well as a fermented sauce that would serve as a replacement for soy sauce.

Snack company leaders believe that as the COVID-19 pandemic recedes, consumers who are “eating worse” at the moment, as Los Angeles-based PeaTos CEO Nick Desai says, will once again turn to better-for-you snacks. Eugene Kang, CEO of California-based Country Archer Provisions, says there has been “a deceleration around better-for-you” snacks during the pandemic, mainly because of the stress in people’s lives. But eventually shoppers will get back to their regular dietary trends, including “keto, Whole 30, high-protein, low-sugar intake,” as well as more outdoor activities. The end of the pandemic may prove to be a special boon for snack company start-ups and businesses introducing new products. They hope consumers will once again sample treats that are something other than tried-and-true.

Four out of five consumers globally say they plan to eat and drink healthier as a result of the pandemic, according to Austrian fruit ingredient processor Agrana Fruit, a trend that bodes well for makers of fruit- and vegetable-based snacks. They are gaining in popularity because they offer a balance between an indulgent treat to escape the routine and a healthy functional product that delivers an energy boost and fiber for gut health. Agrana Fruit foresees increased usage of both exotic and local superfruits – i.e., blueberries and yuzu – in the making of healthy snacks, and has also detected greater interest in botanicals and adaptogens.

As part of a long-term strategic plan to develop foods derived from natural compounds, Tokyo-based Calbee announced an edible sleep aid product, dubbed Nyumin. The orange-scented, dissolvable strip contains crocetin, a chemical compound, derived from crocus and gardenia flowers that was shown to improve sleep quality and lessen fatigue in clinical trials. The sleep-aid product was developed over two years by researchers who survey people of all ages to pinpoint gaps in the market for new dietary products. The team specifically designed Nyumin in the form of a dissolvable strip that can be ingested directly before sleeping. No water or chewing is necessary to activate the strip. The company began taking pre-orders for Nyumin on the Japanese crowdfunding site Makuake on November 12 with plans to ship the first boxes in late December. One standard box of Nyumin contains a week’s supply of seven strips and retails for 1,080 yen ($10.32).

The Shark Tank panelist and billionaire owner of the Dallas Mavericks NBA team negotiated an investment of $300,000 in exchange for a 25 percent stake in the new venture of food scientist Juan Salinas, who created P-nuff Crunch, a healthy peanut-based puff that is combined with navy beans and rice. P-nuff Crunch, expected to finish the year with $200,000 in sales, will use the investment cash to boost marketing and distribution. In related Shark Tank news, businesswoman and investor Barbara Corcoran agreed to invest $150,000 in GoOats, a healthy oatmeal ball snack, in exchange for 20 percent equity. Made in a convenient heat and eat format, GoOats are warmed in the oven or microwave for just a few minutes to create a quick meal or snack. Each box contains three oatmeal balls which contain only 170 calories. GoOats is available at Whole Foods Market.

The Boucherville, Quebec, company has launched a range of vegetarian snacking products that cater to a “plant-based snacking market forecast to experience steady growth,” led by a rise in “flexitarianism.” The Mini Snacks range includes: Mini Pesto Swirl (30g; 225 units per box), Mini Pizza Swirl (35g; 225 units per box), Mini Cheese Swirl (35g; 225 units per box), Mini Cheese Extravagant (35g; 180 units per box), and Mix Mini Snacks (225 units per box). Bridor said the range can be enjoyed by consumers hot or cold and either “on-the-go, for breakfast, during meetings, for brunch, or out-of-home.”

The Pennsylvania candy and snacks giant is hoping to broaden its customer base by forging partnership and licensing deals in unexpected ways. Perhaps the most striking example of this strategy is its affiliation with brewery D.G. Yuengling & Son to create a limited-edition chocolate porter available in 22 states. The hope is that the mashup will attract younger consumers who like craft beers – and chocolate. Over the past several months, Hershey has also debuted pudding and whipped topping products with Kraft; Hershey's and Reese's cookie mashups with Mondelez International's Chips Ahoy brand; and an expanded line of candy-inspired Jolly Rancher and Hershey's Kisses cereals with General Mills. A Hershey licensing exec says "there are many more categories that we belong in, but we don't have direct access." The idea is to remind shoppers of Hershey brands “when they are shopping outside of our core competency.”

Though consumers globally are trying to eat a more nutritious diet, they still have cravings for delicious snacks. But it’s definitely better if those snacks are also healthful. With that in mind several snack makers are offering versions of an East Asian seed/nut known as makhana, also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, that deliver an array of nutrition benefits. Brands on the market include Phool Makhana (7 ounces, $12.00), Rani Phool Makhana (3.5 ounces, $12.99), Taali Himalayan Pink Salt Water Lily Pops (4-pack, 2.3 oz multi-serve bags, $18.99), and Taali Variety Pack Water Lily Pops (10-pack, 0.8 oz bags, $18.99). Health benefits and claims include: low-calorie, immunity booster, vegan, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, low glycemic index, etc.

The Dallas, Texas-based portfolio company says its Benestar Brands unit has acquired Miller Baking Company, the Milwaukee, Wis., manufacturer of Pretzilla soft pretzel bites and buns. Once a multi-product bakery, Miller unveiled the Pretzilla brand in 2010 and has since transitioned to a pretzel bread snack business offering a variety of soft pretzel products, including Burger Buns, Mini Buns, Sausage Buns, and Bites, distributed nationally to more than 10,000 stores. All of its products are non-GMO, allergen-friendly, vegan, and kosher. The company has invested significantly in R&D and operations, spurring innovation in the category in terms of both product introductions and product attributes. Benestar Brands operates as a holding company for a diverse range of snack products.

The Los Angeles-based company, created by private equity firm VMG Partners as an incubating platform after it acquired Popchips last year, has launched additional varieties, including two grain-free popped chips made with cassava – sea salt and cajun honey – as well as an air-popped corn chip product. They will be available at more than 2,100 U.S. Kroger stores. Additional flavors will launch in other major retailers, including Albertsons’ Safeway, in the near future. According to VMG, Popchips has achieved 89 percent brand awareness with its distribution in nearly every domestic retailer. Popchips products are not fried, have clean taste profiles with simple ingredients, and are gluten-free and non-GMO. VMG plans to launch the new products with an integrated, data-driven digital and in-store marketing campaign, in addition to a new website for Popchips in the coming weeks. The company is doubling down on efforts to help brands increase their e-commerce revenues because of decreased foot traffic in brick-and-mortar stores.

The Santa Monica, Calif.-based company  is debuting a snack brand for pre-teens at Target stores after a successful introduction at Whole Foods Market locations in April 2020. Created by Green Park Brands, a holding company started by Livio Bisterzo, Mavericks markets two peanut-free, school-safe products that meet USDA Smart Snacks requirements. Crackerz contains eight grams of whole grains per serving; Cookiez has “40 percent less sugar than the leading natural competitor and 60-75 percent less than iconic conventional brands.” The brand is also available on Amazon. The target demographic is the “older sub-segment of 8-11-year olds” within a broader target demo, 4–11-year olds (middle childhood years). The biggest marketing challenge is reaching young children and raising product awareness without in-store sampling and fewer parents shopping with kids. But the company says it saw a “crescendo in unit velocities” at Whole Foods using a “back to school” promotion and velocities have so far continued.

The Good Food Fund, a London-based business accelerator, has picked seven snack start-ups it believes can help tackle the U.K.’s childhood obesity problem. The £1.8 million ($2.3 million) venture fund that backs healthier food and drinks brand was launched in March by the U.K. food and drink accelerator Mission Venture. Selected start-ups get intensive support, including help establishing new manufacturing partners, advice on reduction of costs and RSP, retailer partnerships, and increased distribution, among other aids. The seven brands are: Insane Grain (puffed snacks made with sorghum); JimJams (chocolate spreads made with 83 percent less sugar); Lexi’s Treats (low-calorie snacks made from puffed rice and marshmallows); Naturelly (jelly pots with inulin fiber from chicory root); Nombots (wholegrain lentil puffs for kids); Rootles (light and crispy biscuit covered in Belgian chocolate and made with carrot and sweet potato); and Snackzilla (fiber-rich, low-sugar oat cookies).