Trendspotting in 2023: From Honey Bunches of Oats granola chips to Aloha’s Kona Bar that contains the game-changing Ponova oil

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Pic: GettyImages/OR Images
Grabbing for a snack OR Images
Grabbing for a snack OR Images
Aloha's Kona Bar
Aloha's Kona Bar

The award-winning plant-based brand’s newest product celebrates sustainable farming in Hawaii while giving back to the next generation of environmental stewards.

The bar features responsibly sourced ingredients, including 100% Kona-grown coffee from Greenwell Farms and 100% Hawaii-grown macadamia nuts from the Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company. It also is the first food product to contain Ponova oil, a sustainable plant-based oil made from the beans of ultra-regenerative, climate-resilient pongamia trees on Oahu.

Aloha is donating 10% of proceeds from every Kona Bar sold to Kupu, a nonprofit investing in Hawaii’s youth through land stewardship and hands-on education. In addition to being a leader in plant-based food and impact, Aloha is aiming to be a category leader in sustainability with its commitment to becoming Climate Neutral Certified this year. No other plant-based protein brand has obtained this certification to date.

“The launch of the Kona Bar underscores our commitment to supporting sustainable farming and agricultural practices, with Hawaii as a prime example of what the future of farming and land stewardship should look like,” said Brad Charron, CEO of Aloha.

“As we grow, we're committed to finding new and innovative ways to use our business as a force for good. This is a critical step in delivering on our mission to create delicious and nutritious food while making a positive impact on the world.”

Crafted by food and agriculture innovation company Terviva, Ponova oil is a gamechanger in the world of plant-based oils and regenerative farming.

It’s made by expeller pressing and lightly refining the beans of pongamia trees in a process similar to olive oil. Pongamia is a climate-resilient, super-tree that revitalises the land and communities where it’s grown. Historically used for reforestation in Asia, it sequesters carbon while improving soil health and water quality. From tree to plate, Terviva harvests and transforms pongamia beans into healthy and delicious food ingredients called Ponova.

“Ponova oil is a delicious, premium oil containing Omega-9s that is climate-friendly and helps convert distressed farmland into sustainable, productive acreage,” said Naveen Sikka, CEO of Terviva.

“We’re proud to partner with ALOHA to bring this innovative ingredient to market.”

Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company uses environmentally friendly cultivation practices, never any potentially harmful insecticides or fungicides, and never any fossil fuels.

For instance, to dry their nuts they convert the energy of clean burning macadamia nut shells into steam. The farm also generates nearly all electricity via solar and biomass energy.

Greenwell Farms is one of the oldest and most respected Kona coffee farms on the island of Hawaii.

Established in 1850, this award-winning, fifth-generation family-owned farm handles every aspect of coffee making from farm to cup, including harvesting and processing to roasting and shipping. Greenwell Farms is committed to regenerative farming practices that nurture the health of its trees and land for generations to come.

The Kona Bar is high in protein, low in sugar, Non-GMO Project Verified and made without gluten, dairy, soy, and sugar alcohols. The bar packaging features original artwork by Honolulu-based artist Kelsie Dayna and encapsulates the harmony of land, people and community that the bar represents.

Available on Thrive Market, the Kona Bar is currently the platform’s fastest growing and second best-selling brand in the entire bar category.

Holle Organic Wholegrain Cereals
Holle Organic Wholegrain Cereals

The global leader in sustainable baby and toddler food has launched its latest product for the US market.

Holle’s Organic Wholegrain Cereals are hot cereals made specifically for children 6+ months old and are a wholesome, balanced breakfast option that are ready in minutes by mixing with hot milk or water.

The cereals are USDA Organic, Demeter Certified Biodynamic, non-GMO, vegan and made in Europe using regenerative farming practices.

Demeter USA is the only certifier for biodynamic farms and products in America. While all of the organic requirements for certification under the National Organic Program are required for Biodynamic certification, the Demeter standard is much more extensive, with stricter requirements around imported fertility, greater emphasis on on-farm solutions for disease, pest and weed control, and indepth specifications around water conservation and biodiversity.

Holle’s cereals are available in three variants:

4-Grain: A mix of oat, spelt, corn and wheat grown on farms that put the earth first. This 4-grain mix brings variety to a baby’s plate for a balanced diet from the very beginning. Made with 0g added sugar, it is 60 calories per ¼ cup serving.

Oat: Holle’s oat is gently processed from the whole grain kernel, retaining its natural vitamins, minerals and fibre. Made with 11g of whole grains and 0g added sugar, it is 60 calories per ¼ cup serving.

Spelt: This ancient grain is rising in popularity and will keep your child nourished. Made with 11g of whole grains and 0g added sugar, it is 60 calories per ¼ cup serving.

Single boxes of Holle’s 4-Grain and Oat Organic Wholegrain Cereals are now available at Whole Food Market across the US, with all three variants available in 6-packs available online and on Amazon.

Kind Snacks' Caramelised Biscuit Nut Bar
Kind Snacks' Caramelised Biscuit Nut Bar

Kind has brought a new flavour into the fold in the form of another HFSS-compliant bar.

Caramelised Biscuit Nut is combo of peanuts, almonds and cashews with a hint of caramel and note of spiced biscuit flavourings.

It’s high in fibre, gluten-free, has 81% nuts and no artificial flavours. It compliments Kind’s other HFSS-compliant bars – Maple Pecan Almond and Fruit & Nut – which were launched in 2022.

Already off to a strong start, Maple Pecan Almond is the UK’s #1-ranked best-selling HFSS compliant bar, while Fruit & Nut comes in a close second (L12W, Nielsen).

“When it comes to snacking, Kind believes you shouldn’t have to choose between delicious and nutritious,” said Audrey Arbeeny, UK marketing director.

“Our new Caramelised Biscuit Nut bar brings both of these things together, great flavour and high-quality ingredients. We are proud to launch our third HFSS compliant bar that does not compromise on taste or nutrition. We can’t wait to hear what our consumers think.”

The newest addition to Kind’s product portfolio is available in singles format in WHSmith Travel Stores, Nisa, Spar and Boots and on Amazon for an RRP of £1.30. A further rollout to Sainsburys, Asda, Morrisons & Waitrose will follow later this year.

Honey Bunches of Oats Granola Chips
Honey Bunches of Oats Granola Chips

America’s favourite breakfast cereal is now made for snacking.

Honey Bunches of Oats has launched Granola Chips, designed to deliver the perfect amount of sweetness, texture and excitement in each bite. Perfect for those on-the-go, these chips are a convenient snack that are good on their own, dipped in nut butter, topped with fruit or crumbled into yoghurt.

Available in two flavours – Honey Roasted and Blueberry – the snacking possibilities are endless.

Available in convenient resealable bags, Honey Bunches of Oats Granola Chips are available now at major mass and grocery retailers nationwide for an RRP of $3.48 for a 6oz bag.

United Airlines' snack offerings
United Airlines' snack offerings

The sound of the snack cart coming down the aisle of an airplane just got even more exciting.

United Airlines (UA) is rolling out three new complimentary snacks for everyone flying in its Economy cabins, just in time for Spring Break travel.

The sweet and salty treats are exclusive to UA and include gluten- and allergen-free options – reflecting the airline’s broader initiative to elevate its customer travel experience at every touchpoint, regardless of cabin.

The new snacks include:

  • Dark Chocolate + Sea Salt Chocolate Crisps by Undercover Snacks

Undercover Snacks is a woman-owned snack brand that delivers gluten-free, non-GMO, allergy-friendly, kosher treats that are made sustainably with Certified Rainforest Alliance Chocolate.

The crisps pack a satisfying crunch. thanks to its protein- and fibre-rich crispy quinoa. Each crisp is covered with premium dark chocolate and a hint of sea salt.

  • Apple and Mango Fruit Bars by That’s it

This all-natural Fruit Bar is made of 100% real fruits with no preservatives, added sugar, concentrates or purees.

Each mini bar – created specifically for UA – is made from apple and mango, and absolutely nothing else.

  • Savoury Snack Mix by Summer Harvest

This quintessential snack brings a savoury, satisfying crunch with a medley of rye bagel chips, garlic bread bites and pretzel twists.

With UA giving out more than 12 million snacks every month, this is going to be welcome news to many travellers.

Whisps Baked Cheese Bites
Whisps Baked Cheese Bites

Whisps is launching a poppable, bite-sized version of its award-winning cheese crisps.

Whisps Baked Cheese Bites prove that smaller does not mean less mighty.

Available in Cheddar and Parmesan, the bites pack a bold flavour punch and 10g of protein from 100% real cheese. In fact, a one ounce serving is 50+ pieces of baked cheese!

Perfect for any occasion, whether at home or on the go.

Whisps will be launched exclusively in Walmart stores across the US and online from 11 April, with a further rollout to other retailers in July.

McVitie's Tartlets
McVitie's Tartlets

pladis is making Britain’s Biggest Biscuit brand accessible to even more shoppers with the launch of McVitie’s Tartlets.

Available in two classic, tried-and-tested flavours – Chocolate and Raspberry – the McVitie’s Tartlets feature a crumbly golden-baked biscuit base, filled with white cream and topped with either smooth milk chocolate or raspberry yoghurt. This latest innovation will tap into soaring shopper demand for great value groceries, driving higher volume sales for retailers in the process.

“With our new McVitie’s Tartlets, we’re helping even more biscuit-loving Brits enjoy McVitie’s at an even more affordable price point,” said Aslı Özen Turhan, chief marketing officer at pladis UK&I.

“By launching a new, tasty treat which aligns perfectly with Brits’ snacking priorities, we’re extending appeal among existing McVitie’s fans and providing even greater choice across the McVitie’s range. This is particularly important at a time when great value is right at the top of households’ shopping lists.”

With bold, colourful packaging which features playful graphics and food cues, McVitie’s Tartlets are set to achieve strong standout on shelf and get snacking shoppers’ tastebuds tingling.

Ideal for biscuit lovers on a budget, McVitie’s Tartlets are available now in Asda and select Discounters across the UK for just 75p per 100g pack.

Wildway's Dark Chocolate Strawberry Grain-Free Granola
Wildway's Dark Chocolate Strawberry Grain-Free Granola

Wildway has introduced a seasonal Dark Chocolate Strawberry Granola that combines unsweetened cocoa and naturally dried strawberries.

Like its other products, the new granola is grain-free, gluten-free, keto and paleo friendly. And following its transparency commitment, it does not contain anything other than what is listed on the ingredient panel.

Wildway’s granola is available at HEB and online, for an RRP starting at $5.99.