Drought-Resistant Crops Draw In Environmentally Conscious Consumers

Snack companies are using drought-resistant crops, such as wheat, sorghum, barley and sunflower seeds, to appeal to environmentally aware consumers. Drought-resistant crops provide a sustainable solution as droughts across Europe and the U.S. have caused crop yields to drop while population growth puts pressure on freshwater supplies. However, skeptics such as Simon Somogyi, the Arrell Chair in the Business of Food at the University of Guelph, see the emphasis of these products as a “marketing ploy”. Breeds of grains and oil seeds have long been developed to be more drought resistant. Therefore, companies that emphasize the use of drought resistant crops are not supporting a new innovation but rather working it into their marketing.

"The tasty case for making drought-friendly snacks", CPA Canada , April 04, 2023

PeaTos Launches Crunchy Puffs

Snack it Forward’s brand PeaTos has introduced a line of Crunchy Puffs to its range of vegan, better-for-you snacks. The new Crunchy Fiery Lime Puffs and Crunchy Cheese-less Puffs will ship to retailers nationwide in April 2023, and will be available to online consumers at Amazon and PeaTos.com. PeaTos has gained 6,000 new points of distribution since January 2023 due to new national retailer partnerships with CVS, Walmart, and Sprouts.

"PeaTos, the Salty Snack Challenger Taking on Frito Lays’ Cheetos and Funyuns, Introduces Two All-New Puffs Varieties", Globe Newswire, March 30, 2023

Simple Mills Embraces ‘For More’ Approach To Emphasize Sustainability

Better-for-you snack brand Simple Mills is taking its mission and products beyond its initial “free from” roots to embrace a “for more” approach that skips artificial ingredients and includes nutrient-dense ingredients that are better for people and the planet. Simple Mills is taking a multi-prong approach to planetary health to simultaneously improve the livelihoods of farmers, enhance equity across its supply chain and encourage other industry stakeholders to join in its journey. The company’s approach includes encouraging regenerative agricultural practices and increased biodiversity through its products and sourcing practices, as well as partnering with other brands, peers, farmers and consumers to scale the impact.

"Simple Mills is creating market demand for biodiverse crops, pushing for equity", FoodNavigator USA, March 28, 2023

Snack Trends In 2023

Sales of salty snacks in U.S. convenience stores rose by 17 percent in the 52 weeks ended Jan. 1, 2023, at the same time as average price per unit rose 14 percent. Consumers want to eat healthy yet crave indulgence, reaching for snacks with clean ingredients, protein, low sugar and plant-based ingredients. Smaller pack sizes are also trending as consumers attempt to control portion size and save money. Finally, retailers can expect to see more fun and interesting flavors, particularly limited-time flavors, as they are popular for prompting impulse purchases and optimizing category engagement.

"What Are the Top Snack Trends for 2023?", CStore Decisions, April 03, 2023

Kazoo Snacks Wins Plant-Based Pioneers Award

Kazoo Snacks' water-saving tortilla chips have won the 'plant-based pioneers' category of Good Housekeeping's 2023 Sustainable Innovation Awards. Made using upcycled corn germ and a short list of clean ingredients, the chips use 40 percent less whole corn than conventional tortilla chips while providing a richer corn flavour with more healthy fats, essential enzymes and 67 percent more vitamin E. Kazoo Snacks save 20 gallons of water per bag of chips and aims to save one billion gallons by 2025. The chips are available from Amazon, Whole Foods and Central Market, and will soon launch at Sprouts Farmers Market.

"Kazoo Snacks Tortilla Chips Recognized as a Winner in Good Housekeeping's 2023 Sustainable Innovation Awards", PRNewswire, March 30, 2023

Rob’s Backstage Popcorn Raises $7 Million In Series A Funding

Rob’s Backstage Popcorn, a brand launched by The Jonas Brothers and The Naked Market, has raised $7 million in a Series A funding led by Palm Tree Crew, a venture firm founded by music producer Kygo, with participation by The Hershey Co., UTA Ventures, and celebrities including Mindy Kaling, Joe Haden and Glen Powell. The funding will support national growth at Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, Sam’s Club and other retailers. Inspired by the band’s favorite sweet-and-savory snack, Rob’s Backstage Popcorn debuted in 2021. The brand has since expanded its lineup to include a barbecue flavor developed in collaboration with musician Kelly Clarkson and an Indian spice flavor created with actress and business partner Priyanka Chopra Jonas. 

"Celebrity-backed popcorn brand charts national expansion", Baking Business, March 30, 2023

Nature’s Path Foods’ Attempt To Dismiss Class Action Suit Rejected

Nature's Path Foods has failed in its attempt to dismiss a 2021 class action suit from customers who claim they were misled into buying its products based on the amount of protein advertised on packaging. California residents said the Canadian company's snacks and breakfast products did not deliver the amount of protein promoted on labels. For example, the brand labels its Hemp Hearts Granola as providing ‘10g protein’ but amino acid content testing establishes it has 7.87 grams of protein. Nature's Path Foods’ arguments for dismissal were rejected and the accusations have been narrowed to violations of the Consumers Legal Remedies Acts, false advertising, fraud, unlawful trade practices and unjust enrichment.

"Granola company still on hook over advertised protein", Courthouse News Service, March 29, 2023

Mushroom Granola Launches In Sprouts

Seattle-based start-up FORIJ has launched its mushroom-infused functional granola in Sprouts Farmers Market stores nationwide. FORIJ’s granola is low in sugar and infused with lion's mane mushrooms to support brain health. The granola is also available to purchase on FORIJ’s website in three flavors: Sea Salt Cacao, Vanilla Almond and Toasted Cinnamon

"Disrupting the snack industry", Food Business News, March 21, 2023