Munch on this
Lunchables is releasing a breakfast line called Brunchables that comes in three varieties: Bacon & Cheese, Breakfast Ham & Cheese and Breakfast Sausage & Cheese.
The packs include ingredients for consumers ‘to build their own breakfast sandwiches,’ such as ready-to-eat bacon strips, cheese and breakfast flatbreads, with ‘a mini blueberry muffin to top it off,’ according to brand owner Kraft Heinz.
“For years, we’ve seen fans ask whether or not Lunchables would create a breakfast version,” said Zach Meyers, Kraft Heinz director of marketing.
“We’re excited to finally unveil Brunchables, an exciting new choice at breakfast that helps start kids’ days off right.”
Brunchables have a RRP of $1.99 each and are available at selected stores across the US.
Spring has sprung
Dunkin’ Donuts has brought out its first-ever donut topped with Peeps Marshmallow Chicks for a limited period at selected Dunkin’ Donuts outlets in the US.
According to Stan Frankenthaler, Dunkin’ Brands’ executive chef and VP of Production Innovation, Peeps Donuts bring together two seasonal favorites in an exciting way to ‘ring in spring.’
“As America’s donut leader, we are always seeking new and innovative donut varieties to help our guests celebrate special moments and occasions,” said Frankenthaler.
“Peeps are synonymous with fun and happiness, and we are excited to combine two American favorites to create unique flower-shaped donuts adorned with a marshmallow chick that will sweeten any spring or Easter celebration.”
Brian Bachrach, senior marketing manager of Innovation at Peeps-owner Just Born Quality Confections, added the partnership is a ‘delicious new way for people to express their ‘peepsonality’ this season.’
“Peeps and Dunkin’ Donuts have both built passionate and active communities of fans and have been creating smiles for more than 60 years, and we look forward to continuing that tradition with this unique and fun donut.”
Founded in 1950, Dunkin' Donuts sells approximately 2.5 billion donuts annually. The category leader offers more than 70 varieties of donuts, including favorites like Boston Kreme, Glazed and Chocolate Frosted.
Edible salute
Gourmet snacks are surprisingly affordable, only available at convenience stores.
To celebrate the inauguration of Crown Prince Naruhito as the emperor of Japan next month.
Japanese snack maker Koikeya is rolling out luxurious potato chips dusted with powdered gold leaf to celebrate the inauguration of Crown Print Naruhito as emperor of Japan next month.
The Kirameki Shio (Shining Salt in English) potato chips are also sprinkled with moshio, a type of salt made from seaweed.
According to Koikeya, the chips are ‘suitably dramatic, luxurious and special … to adorn the start of the Reiwa period.’
Reiwa is Japan’s new imperial era, which takes over from the 30-year Heisei period.
For an extra-premium feel, the chips are packed in a gold bag inside a laminated black box. On the back is a framed white section for consumers to write the kanji for Reiwa.
The two characters are taken from a stanza in a poem about plum blossoms that appears in Man’yoshu, the oldest existing collection of Japanese poetry, that can be read to mean ‘auspicious,’ and ‘harmony.’
The Sparkling Salt potato chips go on sale at Lawson convenience stores on May 1, with an expected price of 300 yen ($2.70).
Feel good snack
Sweet Streets’ Gluten-Free Manifesto Dessert Bar has won the Snacking d'Or 2019 in the dessert category.
The 80g fudgy Honduran Chocolate Brownies are made with chocolate sourced from a small cocoa collective of women farmers, which supports their advancement with the skills, education and income.
The brownies are certified gluten-free, made from rice flour, buckwheat and tapioca.
They are also kosher, is free of GMOs, artificial colors and flavors and come individually wrapped with a 14-day shelf life.
Available online and through SDV World Markets for a RRP of $27.95 for four brownies.
Wellness journey
Purely Elizabeth, created by holistic nutritionist Elizabeth Stein, has launched Purely Elizabeth Collagen Protein Oat Cups, a first to market collagen oatmeal.
The Collagen Protein Oat Cups deliver grass-fed collagen, along with superfood ingredients such as quinoa and amaranth, while a Nuttzo Power Fuel squeeze pack provides 11g of protein from a blend of seven organic nuts and seeds.
Certified Gluten-Free, the cups take a growing trend (adding grass-fed collagen into oatmeal) and offer a convenient on-the-go breakfast solution.
Available in two variants – Blueberry Walnut and Vanilla Pecan – the cups will be rolled out across the US at the beginning of June with a RRP of $2.99.
Purely Elizabeth is also launching two MCT Grain Free Granolas in June with a RRP of $6.99.
The company has created the granolas using a medium chain triglyceride oil derived from coconuts and ingredients like cashew butter, hemp seeds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, almonds and chia seeds.
MCTs can be beneficial because the body processes them differently from other fats. Studies indicate benefits include improving metabolism, fat burning, providing energy and improving mental focus.
Available in two flavors – Cinnamon Peanut Butter and Vanilla Almond Butter – the granolas are certified gluten-free and Non-GMO Project Verified.
Rise and shine
General Mills has expanded its Epic Provisions portfolio with ‘breakfast-inspired’ bars made with organic egg yolks, pork and chicken.
The Rise & Grind bars come in two varieties – Bacon & Egg Yolks, which offers 9g of protein; and Chicken, Egg Yolks & Apple, with 13g of protein.
“Everything we do at Epic is centred around positively impacting how animals are raised,” said Taylor Collins, co-founder of Epic Provisions.
“Our Rise & Grind bars incorporate nutrient-dense egg yolks, enabling us to further support the egg-laying hen supply chain.”
The gluten-free and paleo-friendly bars will be available in the US in June.
Epic Provisions – acquired by General Mills in 2016 – launched a line of protein bars made from cage-free egg whites, nuts and dried fruit las year. The Epic Performance bars come in four flavors – Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter Chocolate, Almond Butter Chocolate and Lemon – and only contain six ingredients or less and no added sugar.
The company also recently launched a raft of new additions to its portfolio, including Bison and Chicken Sriracha Snack Strips, Cinnamon Churro Baked Pork Rinds, Jalapeño Pork Cracklings and a Coconut Lime Bar.
Ooey gooey goodness
Quinn Snacks has added two additions to its product family of gluten-free, non-GMP Project Verified pretzels derived from the ancient grain sorghum.
According to the company, its Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets and Dark Chocolate’y Peanut Butter Filled Pretzel Nuggets are the first gluten-free peanut butter filled pretzel nuggets on the market.
They are also soy, corn and dairy free, and the Dark Chocolate’y variant uses Fair Trade cocoa.
Available exclusively in Whole Foods across the US.
