India’s Breakfast Food Brand Mamafeast Is Growing

In December 2020, Indian retail sales and execution company NextGApex released Mamafeast, a range of healthy yet affordable breakfast foods made in India. The brand currently sells cornflakes, fruit & nut muesli, peanut butter and hazelnut chocolate spread that are all vegan and gluten-free. Mamafeast was created to increase the accessibility of breakfast products made in India within the country’s growing, yet Western-dominated, breakfast cereals market. Its products are currently available in over 30 towns, 25,000 stores and online retailers such as Amazon.com, Flipkart.com and Snapdeal.com. NextGApex is planning to expand the range to over 200 towns and 100,000 stores by the end of 2023. 

"NextGApex launches made-in-India breakfast range brand ‘Mamafeast’ to provide nutrition within budget", APNNEWS, April 03, 2022

Harvest Snaps Rebrands With New Packaging

Calbee America Inc. is refreshing its Harvest Snaps brand with a more modern packaging design.  Its new packaging design is similar to its old packaging, but has been simplified and features an updated, prominent logo. Its rebranding also includes unifying its sub-brands such as Crunchy Loops. Harvest Snaps is known for its Baked Green Pea Snacks and its other baked snacks from beans and lentils. 

"Harvest Snaps Rebrands Veggie Snacks With New Packaging", The Shelby Report, April 01, 2022

The Potential Of Pulses In Snack Products

According to the marketing director of food solution company ADM, John Powers, adding pulses to snack products can be an effective way for brands to attract health-conscious consumers. Pulses such as beans, lentils and chickpeas offer high nutritional value compared to cereal grain such as wheat, rice and oats. Pulses are also a good source of protein, fiber, calcium and minerals and are also filling.  In addition, pulses can contribute to the sensory experience of a snack as they add different textural, flavor and color profiles. Furthermore, as a natural ingredient, they give customers the illusion of being ‘closer to nature.’ However, pulses do come with difficulties such as choosing the right type of bean and bean-to-water ratio to use to achieve the desired function and texture. 

"Healthy Snacks: Pulse ingredients create a healthy halo", Nutritional Outlook, Volume 25, Issue 2, April 01, 2022

SunRidge Farms Bulk Sells Organic Snacks

SunRidge Farms is a large-scale manufacturer and distributor of organic and natural foods based in Monterey County, California. Its products include nuts, dried fruit, candies, chocolates and trail mix. SunRidge Farms started selling its products in bulk, but has since expanded to packaged consumer products, which have seen increased popularity since the pandemic. However, it is advocating for more bulk sales due to its commitment to reducing waste. Its products can be found in over 10,000 retailers and health food stores across the country.  

"A North Monterey County trail blending company is making large-scale organic snacks", deleciousfood.com, March 31, 2022

Walkers’ New Non-HFSS Plan Receives Backlash From Fans

Walkers has followed in other brands’ footsteps by releasing plans to introduce non-HFSS alternatives ahead of UK government restrictions. Walkers states it will change its Walkers Baked, Doritos Dippers and Popworks products so they are not considered HFSS. The company also plans to invest £35 million over the next three years into healthier product lines. This will include developing new products as well as reformulating some of its existing ranges. Walkers aims to make at least half of its sales from non-HFSS or low-calorie snacks by 2025, but alterations to its iconic products risk upsetting its loyal fanbase. In the wake of Walkers’ new launch of its '45 per cent less salt' chip range, fans have taken to Twitter to describe the alternatives as ‘terrible’ and ‘rubbish.’ Other fans have pledged to not buy the low-salt alternative and instead buy ‘proper’ chips. Despite this backlash, Walkers claimed the new non HFSS range has performed strongly in consumer taste testing.

"Walkers changes recipes of Doritos Dippers, Baked, AND Popworks to slash salt, fat and sugar - but devastated fans say they want 'proper crisps' and slam 'terrible' healthy new flavours", Daily Mail Online, April 05, 2022

Start-up Bean Thinkin’ Launches Bean Puffs

Chattanooga startup Bean Thinkin’ has recently launched with its navy bean-based snack puffs. The bean puffs are marketed as a healthier and more nutritious alternative to corn or potato-based snacks, with 4g of protein and 4g of fiber in every 4oz bag. 4 bags retail for $17 on its website and are available in three flavors: Smokey’s Chipotle, Silky & Smooth White Cheddar, and Friggin’ Hot Cheddar. 

"Been There, Done That: Bean Thinkin’ founder cooks up healthier snack foods", Darik News West Virginia, March 31, 2022

12 Tides Launches Kelp Chips To Conserve Oceans

San Francisco-based start-up and B Corp, 12 Tides, has launched with its Puffed Kelp Chips. The vegan, gluten-free snack is positioned as healthy and environmentally sustainable and comes in three flavors: Sea Salt, Chili Pepper and Everything. 12 Tides developed its kelp-based chips to improve the food system’s impact on the oceans and make use of regenerative resources. Kelp requires no pesticides, fertilizers, land, or freshwater and positively impacts the ocean by removing excess CO2 and restoring its ecosystem. Furthermore, it is high in vitamins, minerals, omega-3s and antioxidants.  All kelp used in 12 Tides’ products is locally sourced from regenerative ocean farms in Frenchman Bay, Maine. To align with its eco-conscious values, the Kelp Chips are packaged in plastic-free, industrially compostable materials, and the company donates one percent of all sales to SeaTrees, an organisation that helps conserve oceans, including through the reforestation of Californian kelp. 

"This San Francisco Startup Thinks Kelp Puffs Are A Nutritious Weapon Against Climate Change", Green Queen, March 31, 2022