Start-Up Brutal Foods Launches With Chocho-Based Puffs

San Diego-based start-up Brutal Foods has developed a line of baked puffed snacks made from chocho, a South American bean also known as Andean lupin. Chocho is a nutritious, regenerative crop that is rich in protein, fiber, calcium and amino acids. The brand's puffs are also made with rice flour, avocado oil and cassava starch and come in Churro Extravaganza, Cheeky Cheeze and Créme de la Sour flavors. In the future, Brutal Foods is looking to use the bean in other applications, such as pasta.

"New snack startup highlights South American bean", Food Business News, March 14, 2023

The Protein Ball Co. Launches Keto Range

U.K. company The Protein Ball Co. has launched a new Keto Ball range in Peanut Butter Blondie, Salted Caramel Blondie and Classic Chocolate Brownie flavors. The low carb, low sugar range is also high in fiber and protein and made of 100 percent natural ingredients. The new Keto Balls will be available in convenient 25g grab-and-go bags in retailers nationwide.

"The Protein Ball Co launches Keto Snack Range", Retail Times, March 10, 2023

Pure Protein Launches Popped Crisps

Protein bar brand Pure Protein has launched Popped Crisps, a new line of savory snacks. Pure Protein’s Popped Crisps contain 12g of plant-based protein per serving and are available in two flavors: Hickory Barbecue and Sour Cream & Onion. To celebrate the launch, Pure Protein Popped Crisps are 20 percent off on Amazon throughout the month of March, sold in single-flavor and a two-flavor 12-count variety packs.

"Hold the Chips: Pure Protein™ Launches Savory Popped Crisps, a Better-for-You Savory Snacking Alternative", PRNewswire , March 09, 2023

The Hershey Company Launches Vegan Hershey And Reese’s Products

The Hershey Company announced the nationwide launch of Hershey’s Plant Based Extra Creamy with Almonds and Sea Salt and the new addition of Reese’s Plant Based Peanut Butter Cups. The chocolates are made with oats instead of dairy milk. The company stated the plant-based snacks will be more expensive than its classic offerings but did not offer specific numbers. 

"The Hershey Company Showcases ‘Better-For-You’ Portfolio", Food Engineering, March 08, 2023

Pirate’s Booty Launches Crunch Attack Variant

Pirate’s Booty has launched Crunch Attack Great-White Cheddar Rice and Corn Puffs. Crunch Attack Puffs are taller and thinner than the brand’s classic puffs, offering a crunchier texture. The product is gluten-free, baked not fried, and free of artificial ingredients and preservatives. 

"Pirate’s Booty releases brand new Crunch Attack for all of your snack cravings", Guilty Eats, March 08, 2023

German Start-Up Wholey Receives $6.5 Million In Funding

German vegan breakfast food company Wholey has received $6.5 million as part of pre-Series A financing. Tengelmann Ventures has led the funding with backing from investors including Feast Ventures. Wholey is planning on using the funding to invest in product development, marketing and sales and to expand retail distribution in Europe. The start-up currently sells its plant-based smoothie bowls, granola, porridge and nut butters in seven European countries. 

"German organic firm Wholey eyes Europe expansion through funding", just-food.com , March 08, 2023

Boundless Expands To Ocado, Asda & WHSmith Travel

UK-based ‘gut happy snacking’ start-up Boundless has expanded its distribution to Ocado, Asda, and WHSmith Travel. Alongside the expansion, Boundless has launched 25g grab-and-go ‘BOOST’ bags, 90g sharing bags and two new chip flavors: Smoky Bacon and Sour Cream & Onion. Boundless’s snacks are vegan, 100 percent natural and made from activated nuts and seeds to offer gut friendly fiber and nutrients.  

"Boundless announces new national listings and unveils raft of NPD as it brings gut happy snacking to the masses", Grocery Trader, March 06, 2023

Volupta Launches Airnuts

Better-for-you snack and superfood ingredient company Volupta has launched Airnuts, a crunchy, airy snack made from peanuts, almonds and rice flour. Airnuts are gluten-free, oil-free, vegan and high in protein and fiber. The snack will be available in Himalayan Pink Salt, Chili, Onion & Cheese and Truffle flavors.  

"Volupta Launches a New Plant-based Snack: Airnuts", Nosh.com, March 03, 2023

Utz Expects Sales Growth In 2023 Following Strong Performance In 2022

The CEO of Utz Brands Inc. described fiscal year 2022 as one of “gradual recovery”. Net sales in fiscal 2022 increased 19 percent, climbing to $1.41 billion from $1.18 billion in 2021. In 2022, UTZ drove market share gains across the grocery channel and potato chips category. Utz expects continued growth in 2023 with total net sales projected to grow 3-5 percent and organic net sales 4-6 percent. To achieve these goals, Utz plans to expand distribution, increase marketing spend and invest in product innovation.  

"Utz Brands building for the future", Food Business News, March 03, 2023

Teenage Sisters Keeping Kellogg’s Accountable For Palm Oil Policy

British teenage sisters Asha and Jia Kirkpatrick have been campaigning to stop Kellogg’s and other industry players from using palm oil in their products. In 2020, the sisters’ actions convinced the company to change their palm oil policy. Kellogg’s set a goal of procuring 100 percent Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil Physically Certified palm oil by the end of 2025. However, the sisters have expressed concern that the policy change is an empty promise. Later this month, the sisters and Kellogg’s Global Sustainable Sourcing Expert will be meeting to see what progress has been made and what more can be done.  

"Meet the teenage sisters taking on Kellogg’s over palm oil ’empty promises’", Metro.co.uk, March 05, 2023

Good Food Partners Launches Joy St Protein Puffs

Australian food company Good Food Partners has unveiled Joy St, a new brand offering “guilt free” premium snacks. Joy St has launched with its vegan Protein Puffs made from 20 percent plant protein. The new Joy St Protein Puffs range is available at Woolworths stores nationally in three flavors: Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar, Smoked Salt and Sweet Chilli & Sour Cream. 

"Good Food Partners launches ‘Joy St’ guilt free snacks", Retail World, March 09, 2023

Calbee To Invest $1Billion Over 3 years

Japanese snack company Calbee will invest $1 billion in M&A, automation, equipment and facility upgrades to fortify its operations at home and overseas. North America and China have been identified as key markets the company will target to boost brand recognition. Calbee plans to spread the investment over the next three years to pursue growth and improve efficiency.  

"Japanese snack giant to invest $1bn to boost growth in China and North America", Bakery and Snacks, March 01, 2023

Nakd Adds Two New Snackbar Ranges

Snackbar brand Nakd is introducing two new ranges: Big Bars and Protein Bars. Big Bars are larger 45g versions of Nakd's standard 35g fruit and nut bars and will debut in two of the brand's best-selling flavors: Cocoa Orange and Blueberry Muffin. Nakd’s new Protein Bars contain dates, peanuts, and chicory fiber, adding up to 7g of protein per bar. The range will launch in three flavors: Cocoa Hazelnut, Peanut Butter and Caramel. Both are HFSS-compliant and will be available in U.K. retailers starting next month.

"Nakd adds duo of functional snackbar ranges", The Grocer, March 09, 2023

Hostess Brands Study Shows Consumers Eat Both Indulgent & BFY Snacks

Hostess Brands’ recent consumer study shows that indulgent and better-for-you snacks can be additive instead of competitive. According to the study, sales of indulgent snacks are growing 20 percent faster than healthy options. 74 percent consumers describe their eating approach as a “balance sheet” with room for sweet treats, and 80 percent of adults see sweet snacks as a reward during times of uncertainty.

"Hostess Brands: Indulgent, better-for-you snacks are additive, not competitive as consumers adopt ‘this and that’ stance", Food Navigator USA, March 03, 2023

Hey! Chips To Expand To U.S. And Additional APAC Countries

Singapore brand Hey! Chips is planning to expand into Malaysia, China, Maldives, Mauritius, Malta the United States. Hey! Chips adopts NASA’s food preparation method to dehydrate fruits and vegetables, which retains the produces’ nutrients and flavor.

"From niche to mainstream: Singapore brand taps healthy snacking trend with guilt-free chips", Food Navigator USA, March 01, 2023