The scale-up of regenerative farming practices is part of a partnership with agricultural sustainability experts Future Food Solutions. The Hayes, U.K.-based producer of the McCoy’s and Tyrrells potato chip brands is working with a number of potato growers in the country. They will grow cover crops between food crops in the farm rotation to sequester atmospheric CO2 and improve soil health by increasing soil organic matter. The project also has two pilot farms where Sustainable Futures will partner with growers to demonstrate additional regenerative practices, as well as collect data to share with the whole supply chain.

The Seattle, Wash.-based intellectual property specialist says the number of patents granted and published globally for healthy snacks should increase in 2021, compared to the past four years. By November of this year, 507 patents related to healthy snacks had been granted and published. There were 509 in 2020, 497 in 2019, 509 in 2018, 477 in 2017, and 653 in 2016. Nestlé SA (Vevey, Switzerland) filed the highest number of patents (115) from 2016-2021, followed by Roquette Group (Lestrem, France), Mondelez International (Chicago), and PepsiCo (Purchase, N.Y.). China was the leading country with 12,876 patents filed from 2016-21, followed by Korea at 718 and the U.S. at 443.

The National Peanut Board (NPB) says the consistent rise in the nut’s popularity, even during the pandemic, is largely due to its healthfulness and significant sustainability figures that resonate with consumers. Peanut consumption in the U.S. has hit record levels for the second year in a row: an all-time high of 7.9 pounds (3.5 kg) per American in 2021, topping the previous record level of 7.6 pounds (3.4 kg) in 2020. During the pandemic, peanuts helped people meet their nutritional needs during stressful and hectic times. As to sustainability, peanut farmers long ago began taking extra steps to care for their land because they knew it was key to being able to farm well into the future. Eco-conscious Gen Zers are among the biggest consumers of peanut products, though Millennials, Gen Xers, and Boomers also place the environment on the top of their list of priorities.

Aaron Gailmor’s healthy snacks venture – two-year-old Brass Roots – began when he encountered sacha inchi seeds in the bulk foods aisle of a California grocery store. The South American and Caribbean sacha inchi plant produces fruit with large, edible seeds that can be roasted, ground into powder, or pressed to extract oil, and are rich in protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. They are also free of many of the allergens associated with peanuts and tree nuts. After forging a relationship with a Thailand-based grower/supplier, he launched in New Orleans at the end of 2019. The company now makes three butters, three varieties of roasted seeds, and three “puffs,” essentially healthy versions of Cheetos. The company’s first round of investment came from a small venture capital firm in Chicago. A second round came in January 2021 from John B. Sanfilippo & Son Inc.

Thanks to the breakfast preferences of Millennial parents, today’s cereals might come out of a box that promotes social justice, probably contain high protein and less sugar, and might be paired with milk that’s better for the planet. Breakfast cereals have also kept up with social media trends, including pop-ups like KITH Treats, collaborations between Supreme and Wheaties, and cereal milk latte recipes found on TikTok. Popular cereal brands on the market today swap out the sugar for added protein. Magic Spoon frosted snacks, for example, mimic the nutritional composition of a protein bar or keto smoothie, sweetened with monk fruit, stevia, and a rare, non-glycemic sugar called allulose. Three Wishes cereal is made with chickpeas and pea protein. Also available are “nostalgic” cereals like Schoolyard Snacks, which markets “old school,” keto-friendly cereals in vintage packaging. 

To help food product developers communicate, and help consumers better understand, health claims, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has launched the Health Claims Unpacked project. The idea is based on the need for multinational producers to overcome the challenges in communicating health claims to European consumers from differing societies and cultures. Funded by EIT, the project wants to find out how consumers respond to health claims presented on food packages; what is the impact of wording, location on pack, and use of symbols and pictures; and how to help producers cope with regulatory requirements while appealing to consumers,

The Richmond, B.C.-based producer of Mexican-style organic corn tortilla chips has launched a line of organic taco shells. Que Pasa Taco Shells are made with organic, non-GMO ingredients, without any artificial colors or flavors. They come in two varieties, organic yellow or blue corn, and are available at major Canadian retailers, including Loblaws, Fortinos, Real Canadian Superstore, Maxi, Provigo, and Save On Foods stores. Que Pasa became part of organic breakfast and snack food company Nature's Path Foods in 2012. 

The Pennsylvania-based candy company, whose salty snacks include SkinnyPop popcorn and puffed rice-and-corn treat Pirate’s Booty, is expanding the portfolio with the purchase of Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels. Hershey said it will spend $1.2 billion for North Dakota-based Dot’s Pretzels LLC as well as Pretzels Inc., an Indiana-based manufacturer of Dot’s Pretzels that operates three plants. The deal is expected to close later this year.

The San Francisco-based food and beverages startup says the new cash, which brings the total funding raised to $33.5 million, will help it “create a new market of consumer products for Millennials.” The company uses a proprietary tool that collects purchase data from platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and search engines to determine which products have the most appeal to Millennials in the United States. The funding will allow further development of the tool while also boosting in-house incubation efforts, scaling existing brands, and focusing on acquisitions. The two-year-old company has launched five snack and food brands: Flock Chicken Chips, AvoCrazy, Project Breakfast, Rob’s Backstage Popcorn, and Beach House Bowls. 

The Northern Ireland-based specialist in healthy snacking’s two new granolas are High Protein Peanut Butter Granola, made with 30 percent peanut butter plus wholegrain oats, nuts and seeds, and Keto Dark Choc Almond Granola (toasted coconut, nuts, seeds and cocoa), which “taps into the demand for low-sugar and lower-carb products.”  Each serving of the peanut butter-based granola has 23 percent protein, plus fiber, iron, magnesium, and potassium. Kestrel Foods, owner of Acti-Snack, serves the retail, foodservice, and ecommerce channels for both Acti-Snack and Forest Feast products.

The Spanish supermarket chain’s “cereal mix” is a blend of top-quality healthy cereals: oats, puffed rice, cornflakes, and quinoa, and contains no added sugar or sweeteners. The company says the cereals can be combined with milk, yogurt, vegetable drinks, or liquid yogurt, as well as toppings, such as nuts, pure cocoa, or fruit. According to the company, puffed oats are high in fiber and provide 10 percent plant-based protein. Quinoa is a low-fat food that also delivers a significant dose of fiber.

In its second acquisition since since being acquired by private-equity giant Bain Capital earlier this year, the Dublin-based multinational producer of branded food and beverage products has acquired savory-snacks supplier Freshers Foods, based in northwest England. The company’s main product is pork scratchings (fried pork rinds) that it sells under its own brand, Openshaws, and co-manufactures for the Snaffling Pig Co and Awfully Posh brands. In August, Valeo Foods acquired U.K. meat-snacks business New World Foods Europe, the owner of brands such as Wild West beef jerky. Valeo Foods plans to house Freshers Foods with New World Foods.

The demand for fiber in foods continues to grow, and food manufacturers have numerous opportunities to boost fiber content in their products, especially in snacks, bakery, and cereals. Nutrient-dense snacks, beverages, and even indulgent desserts are fortified with varying levels of added fiber to help people meet their wellness goals. Health-conscious shoppers and everyday athletes actively seek out fortified snacks, bars, sparkling waters, shakes, and smoothies, making them ideal targets for increased prebiotic fiber. Market data show that cereal and bakery account for two-thirds of all product launches with fiber claims. Cargill, for example, has created baked and rotary molded biscuits, gelatin jellies, ice cream, and fruit yogurts that achieve “high in fiber” claims along with a 30 percent sugar reduction.

The New Hope, Minn.-based producer of healthy salad toppings and snack foods, including nuts, seeds, trail mixes, and dried fruit, has upgraded its packaging, rebranded, and announced Non-GMO Project certification. According to Good Sense, the parent company of Salad Pizazz! and Good Sense Snacks, the new packaging look represents “a more contemporary approach” that relates to current trends and presents the brand in a more health-oriented and transparent way. Many of the company’s products are low in sodium, USDA organic, and made without the use of artificial flavors or colors. The snacks can be purchased online or at U.S. retail stores, including Target, Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, Menards, Safeway, Publix, and Meijer, among others.

The Oakland, Calif.-based maker of refrigerated Core Bars and Core Keto Bars launching Core Fiber Powered Oat Snacks, a variant that will go beyond the refrigerated section of grocery stores. The gluten-free snacks are made with plant-based ingredients, including whole grains and five grams of prebiotic fiber. They are shelf-stable and will be available in Vegan Ranch, Sea Salt & Olive Oil, and Peanut Butter flavors in the snack foods aisle at Whole Foods Markets nationwide.

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.”

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. 

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.”

The so far unnamed chain will market SaltMe! potato chips, developed by the U.S. subsidiary of U.K. investment firm Tekcapital’s portfolio company Salarius. The chips will be available in more than 800 of the chain’s stores in 2022. In September 2020, the company hired food distributor Gehring-Montgomery Inc. to assist in the sale of Microsalt products in the U.S. The distinguishing feature of MicroSalt is its small salt particles – one hundred times smaller than table salt – that use a large surface area-to-volume ratio to generate a salty taste with less salt. Microsalt expects SaltMe! to become “a national brand” in the low-sodium snack category. The company is hoping other food manufacturers will use MicroSalt in their products.

The British healthy snack bar company, which raised the cash on Seedrs with backing from 345 investors, plans to spend the cash on a marketing campaign to boost brand awareness, investment in NPD, staff, and in-store activation. Perkier's range of snack bars are available online and in more than 5,000 stores in the U.K., including Sainsbury's, Morrisons, and Asda. The company, which says its snacks contain 60 percent less sugar and 100 percent more fiber than competitors, also makes protein balls and porridge pots. Retail sales increased 16 percent last year and have accelerated in 2021, growing 86 percent in the latest quarter.

The Chicago-based branded food company returned to the National Association of Convenience Stores' 2021 NACS Show with an assortment of familiar snacks that did not claim any better-for-you benefit. The company’s $2.7 billion snacking portfolio includes Andy Capp's Hot Beer Battered Onion Rings, the 3 oz. Slim Jim Savage meat snack, ACT II microwave popcorn, and BiGS Sunflower Seeds. ACT II is entering the ready-to-eat popcorn category with 1.7 oz. bags of ACT II Butter Lovers popcorn. The company also showcased its collection of merchandising racks and displays for convenience stores to enable optimal assortment, better placement, and improved product visibility.

The Canadian food ingredients specialist collaborated with Canadian potato starch producer MSP Starch Products Inc. to create a prebiotic seasoning using MSP's resistant potato starch, Solnul. The seasoning, available in tzatziki (a Greek cucumber yogurt sauce) and white cheddar flavors, targets digestive health and is “well-suited for popcorn, extruded snack, rice cake, and crisp applications.” Solnul is a substantiated prebiotic resistant starch that increases Bifidobacterium, the beneficial bacteria known for its effects on healthy digestion, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) symptoms, and proper immune system function, according to MSP.

The new cereals and snacks division of Australia’s Arnott’s Group has released its first product, a reformulation of Messy Monkeys Wholegrain Bites. Arnott’s, purchased by U.S. private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) from the Campbell Soup Company in 2019, bought the cereals and snacks business from distressed Freedom Foods early in 2021. The business became Good Food partners, and the reformulated Messy Monkeys Wholegrain Bites is their first branded product. The new Bites have revamped flavors, a softer texture, and are gluten- and allergen-free, containing no nuts, soy, or egg. They also have less than one gram of sugar per serve and account for more than 10 per cent of a child’s daily fiber intake. They are available in Australia for A$4.80 each, or A$0.80 per individual serve.

The Costa Mesa, Calif.-based brand that upcycles imperfect sweet potatoes and turns them into snacks has closed a $3.3 million funding round led by KarpReilly and Stage 1 Fund. This brings the total funding for the brand to $6.5 million in two years. Spudsy annually upcycles 75,000,000 tons of sweet potatoes headed for landfills due to minor “flaws” (shape, size, color) into Sweet Potato Puffs and Sweet Potato Fries. According to the company, the new cash provides the capital to enter new sales channels and reach new customers. The brand will also use the money to develop sales and marketing strategies and build out its ecommerce channel. 

The Jonas Brothers – Nick, Joe, and Kevin – have teamed up with food and beverage platform The Naked Market to launch a vegan “artisanal” treat inspired by a bowl of popcorn Nick first had more than a decade ago. Rob’s Backstage Popcorn – named after long-time friend Rob Garbowsky – is available for nationwide delivery on eatrobs.com. The brothers say the key to Rob’s popcorn is Garbowsky’s “secret seasoning,” which they describe as “a perfect mix of sweet and savory.” The popcorn is vegan, GMO-free and gluten-free. Rob's Backstage Popcorn is sold in a four-pack for $19.99

The Timonium, Md.-based maker of small batch granola and muesli cereal has added its lowest sugar variety, Michele’s Apple Cinnamon Toasted Muesli, to the product lineup.  The new variety is a toasted oat-based cereal with nuts, seeds, apples, and raisins, and a total of three grams of sugar per serving. Two grams of sugar occur naturally in the dried fruit, while one gram is added via pure maple syrup. The company introduced its original Toasted Muesli in 2015. The brand also bakes a line of handmade granola cereals containing all-natural ingredients. The company says it was on a 20-25 percent annual growth trajectory before 2019, but doubled that rate from 2019-2020.

Available in Original Prawn and Sweet Chilli flavors, the crackers will be in Asda’s vegan aisles in 222 stores from October 4 at an RRP of $2.16 for 60-gram sharing bags, and at Planet Organic, the Vegan Kind Supermarket, and online. The prawn-free snacks are delicately flavored with a light, crunchy texture, similar to traditional prawn crackers, but only 99 calories per serving. The brand says that by offering a prawn-free alternative snack, it will save 2,226 metric tons of CO2 and 460,000 prawns for every 100,000 bags sold.

The Mumbai-based maker of biscuit brand Parle-G is extending its popular Hide & Seek brand with a breakfast cereal that can also double as a snack. Fills chocolate cereal is mainly positioned as a breakfast cereal eaten with milk. But, thanks to its 50 percent chocolate filling, the product can also be enjoyed as a sweet snack. Hide & Seek Fills will be rolled out across Parle’s distribution network of about eight million outlets across the country, with an RRP of Rs 10 ($0.14) per pack.

The British online retailer of sports nutrition products says its Protein Rava Idli Mix is an instant breakfast mix with 22 grams of protein per 100-gram serving. The product is a variation of the popular South Indian breakfast food idli (rice cake), made usually with rava durum wheat, Bombay rava, or semolina. 

The Sydney, Australia-based maker of infant, toddler, health, and plant-based foods is acquiring snack bar company Blue Dinosaur (Littleton, Colo.) after raising $5.5 million. Forbidden Foods sees the $4 million acquisition as a serious step into the snacks market. Ten-year-old Blue Dinosaur caters primarily to health-focused Millennials with its baked snack, protein, and energy bars containing no soy, gluten, dairy, preservatives, added colors or sugars, stabilizers or artificial ingredients. The deal is expected to close by October 2021.