London-based Birley Bakery is kicking off the new year with a Galette des Rois.
The traditional French pastry is associated with Epiphany, a Christian feast day, which is typically celebrated on 6 January).
Birley takes its inspiration from the traditional boulangerie-pâtisseries, which at one time were ubiquitous in every city, town and village of France. Its artisanal offering are a more contemporary twist on the classics, made from exceptional ingredients sourced from around the globe, such as wheat from Burgundy, sea salt from Brittany, almonds from Valencia and honey from Bermondsey.
Under the direction of executive pastry chef Vincent Zanardi, the Galette des Rois is a special addition to its portfolio: being a rum-infused frangipane cream studded with almonds and encased in buttery pastry.
It’s not only a sweet indulgence but a symbol of togetherness – much needed these days.
Available for a limited time, either click and collect online or purchase instore, for an RRP of £36 (serves 6).
In the winter months, the couch is the epitome of warmth and often tempts us away from staying active. Conquering the comfort of the couch is the first step toward achieving any fitness goals, which is why RXBar is turning this common excuse into a New Year's challenge.
Simply take the pledge to relocate your couch for 30 days, and you’ll be entered for the chance to win $2,500 to cover the cost of moving, storage and new home gym equipment. Winners will also receive a year’s supply of RXBar bars to keep you fuelled to perform your best.
“In the spirit of No B.S., the RXBAR Bar the Couch Pledge is a fun way to bring the possibilities of a couch-free lifestyle to our fans and see what they can accomplish,” said Eileen Flaherty, director, Brand Marketing, RXBar.
“We are thrilled to work with our team of influencers to launch this 30 day challenge and can't wait to see how fans nationwide will be inspired move the couch and get moving.”
This unexpected challenge – which is open until 14 January – is being brought to life in social feeds by a team of RXBar enthusiasts, including Kale Salad, Dudette With A Sign, Allie Bennett and Selena Trevino.
Take the pledge at RXBarBarTheCouch.
Doughlicious - The London Dough Co.’s cookie dough snack platform – has made a debut in the US.
“The success of Doughlicious in both the UK and Australia propelled our entry into the US market, aiming to be as ubiquitous as leading frozen snack novelties,” said MD Russell Barnet, MD of Doughlicious.
“We're redefining snacking expectations while bringing cookie dough to the forefront in the dynamic frozen snacking landscape while setting new standards for accessibility and excellence.”
Starting this month, Doughlicious’ Frozen Cookie Dough and Gelato Bites are rolling out in the ice cream aisles at Whole Foods Market stores across the Northeast, Southwest, Rocky Mountains and Mid-Atlantic for an RRP of $6.99.
Touted as ‘the next evolution of frozen snacks’, each bite combines creamy, better-for-you gelato wrapped in cookie dough made with oats and then coated in a soft cookie crumb, in flavours that range from Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Truffle to Cinnamon Churro (a twist on the classic sugar cookie) and Blueberry Frozen Yogurt.
All products are naturally gluten-free, and contain no added refined sugar, white-bleached flour, artificial additives or preservatives.
“Doughlicious recognises the bond people share with cookie dough – a snack that sparks nostalgia and fond memories,” said founder Kathryn Bricken.
“We’ve elevated this classic by infusing it with the best ingredients, gluten-free and all made in our facility in London powered by renewable energy. Owning our own facility ensures that Doughlicious’ Frozen Cookie Dough and Gelato Bites offer exceptional taste and texture and create the ultimate snacking experience.”
The Protein Ball Co is making healthy choices even sweeter this January by launching two vegan flavours.
Rolling out in mid-January, The Protein Ball Co’s new Choc Chip Muffin and Salted Caramel protein + vitamin balls will join the seven-strong range of 100% natural, gluten free, no added sugar snacks, offering the perfect on-the-go treat for health-conscious individuals.
The launch also coincides with a brand refresh, with the 45g packs now sporting a more mature look that shows an image of the protein ball on the front, alongside clearer labelling.
“We are excited to be introducing two fantastic new flavours to our popular range of protein + vitamin balls that are designed for consumers with specific health goals in mind, but who also have a sweet tooth,” said founder Matt Hunt.
“The brand refresh has been in response to feedback. We wanted our packaging to reflect the quality of the products and really highlight the USPs as a high protein, no added sugar, gluten free and 100% natural snack. We hope these new launches and packaging changes will give retailers even more reason to stock the products.”
The Salted Caramel comprises thick roasted nut butter, dates, pink Himalayan salt and a dusting of almond nibs, packing 8g plant protein per pack. Choc Chip Muffin is a blend of cacao nibs, peanut butter and gluten-free oats. The cake-inspired bites have 9g of plant protein per pack. Both flavours include added vitamins B12, C and D3.
“Our range is designed to suit busy lifestyles and these new protein balls are high in fibre and provide an excellent source of slow release energy to help bridge the gap between meals,” added Hunt.
Each 45g bag contain six protein balls and is available in retailers across the UK and online.
Boulder Canyon – the line of better-for-you potato chips from Utz Brands – has again teamed up with Grillo’s Pickles, this time to launch a limited edition Classic Dill Pickle Flavoured Kettle Style Potato Chip.
This is the second time the all-natural pickle brand is teaming up with Utz, a partnership rooted in both brands’ love of crisp, clean and tasty snacks.
The Dill Pickle variant is a kettle style potato chip made with avocado oil and boasting a tangy combo of dill, garlic and vinegar – non-GMO verified, gluten-free and kosher-certified.
“We are stoked to run it back with Utz Brands to give our favourite snack lovers another special collaboration,” said Eddie Andre, VP of Branding, Grillo’s Pickles.
“Our first partnership with Utz Brands was a huge success, so I can only imagine how our customers are going to react to this new pickle forward chip with Boulder Canyon.”
Added Stacey Schultz, senior VP, Marketing, Utz, “Boulder Canyon fans enjoy elevating their snacking experiences with innovative and distinctive flavours. The new Grillo’s Classic Dill Pickle flavoured potato chips perfectly blend fresh, crispy, salty, and dill pickle flavours – they’re simply delicious.”
The LTO are available in 5.25 oz. packages at retailers like Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, Fresh Thyme and Better Health Market.
After the success of its chips, Temole has introduced Puffs.
Since childhood, most people have a hard time eating veggies. Temole had taken on the challenge to make cauliflower more appealing to everybody while maintaining its natural benefits.
Using a special process, Temole has transformed the humble veg into an oven-baked puff that is much easier to enjoy.
This has been achieved by using only very simple and minimal ingredients, including spices that create stand-out flavours, including Chili Lime, Kale & Pepper and Sea Salt. They are gluten-free, guilt free and crunchy – to be enjoyed anytime, anywhere, as a snack, a side dish or even a meal replacement.
Until 15 January, snack lovers can get 12.5% off Temole Cauliflower Puffs, available online.
For the first time, Goldfish has teamed up with Sanrio to spread happiness with a limited edition snack: Goldfish Hello Kitty Strawberry Shortcake Flavoured Grahams.
The strawberry shortcake-flavoured snack comes in classic Goldfish and Hello Kitty shapes, boasting notes of vanilla and a hint of sweetness. Inspired by Hello Kitty’s favourite treat, the partnership comes just in time to celebrate Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary.
The Grahams will be available for a limited time in retailers across the US for an RRP of $3.69 per 6.1 oz bag. They are also available online while supplies last.
If sweet isn’t your thing, Goldfish also announced the return of Goldfish Frank’s RedHot crackers, hitting shelves in early January as a permanent addition to the Goldfish lineup.
This snack features the classic hot sauce, including notes of vinegar for the perfect tang and a premium blend of aged cayenne peppers for just the right blend of flavours and heat.
Higgidy has a new addition to its wholesome snacking and sharing portfolio, in the form of Mature Cheddar & Sweet Chilli Dinky Rolls, made with responsibly sourced ingredients.
The veggie bite-sized, dinky rolls are filled with mature Cheddar and ricotta cheeses, sweet red peppers, butternut squash purée and sweet chilli chutney. This is wrapped in Higgidy’s signature all-butter puff pastry, then hand topped with a mature Cheddar and chilli crumb.
“We know consumers are looking for new snacking options,” said Rachel Kelley, Higgidy CEO.
“When people work from home, they want something delicious in the fridge that they can nibble on during the day. And we know people love a tasty treat when they’re on the go or to share with friends and family at social occasions. Our new Mature Cheddar & Sweet Chilli Dinky Rolls are the perfect solution and we think consumers are going to love them.”
The dinky rolls join Higgidy’s snacking range of rolls, muffins and Little Lattices that have delivered incremental growth for both the brand and the Savoury Pastry category throughout 2023. Higgidy Snacking and Sharing has grown +26% YOY and the brand represents 72% of the premium Savoury Pastry market growth.
A 170g pack contains 10 veggie dinky rolls and is available in UK retailers Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Abel & Cole and Booths for an RRP of £3.85.
Plant-based bakery brand OGGS is asking Brits to consider the ethics of the cake with the launch of OGGS Mega Caramel Cupcakes, which OGGS claims are kinder to chickens and the planet.
The launch follows research commissioned by OGGS into the ethics of UK cakes, with emphasis on the conditions of chickens used to produce the egg found in most products.
According to the British Hen Welfare Trust, 67% of Brits said they weren’t aware that most cakes sold in UK supermarkets use eggs from barn or caged chickens. Knowing this, 89% said they would be more likely to buy from a brand that doesn’t use eggs from barn or caged chickens.
OGGS’ cakes are made without egg at all, instead using OGGS Aquafaba – a plant-based egg alternative with 72% less CO2e than egg. Additionally, OGGS products are some of the only cakes on shelf to be packaged in 100% recycled and recyclable plastic trays – further reducing the impact on the planet.
“Cake fans have responded so positively to our ‘Cruelty Free Cakes’ campaign – proving that we’re not just a nation of cake lovers, but of chicken lovers, too,” said Hannah Carter, founder and CEO, OGGS.
“Our new Mega Caramel Cupcakes are a perfect grab-and-go option for a delicious treat when we’re out and about. Better for chickens, the planet, and your tastebuds – what’s not to love?”
The new vanilla sponge cakes with caramel frosting are available in Sainsbury’s Local and ASDA for an £2.35 RRP, with further launches planned.
OGGS became a B Corp in 2022, which confirms it meets the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.
