New product development: From potato chip and wine pairings to oat bars that combat stress and enhance sleep

New product innovations are transforming the snacking experience with a sophisticated twist, placing health with indulgence head on. With options like potato chips designed to complement wine, stress-busting bars to enhance sleep and inclusive donuts catering to every dietary need, the latest developments are making it possible to enjoy guilt-free treats that align with modern wellness and culinary trends. There’s lots to get excited about.

Potato chips & Sauvignon Blanc: Made for Drink unveils two unconventional flavors

Made for Drink and Brancott Estate have teamed up to create two deliciously unconventional potato crisp flavors that taps into the growing trend of wine and crisp pairings.​​

The new flavors – Pickled Onion and Chilli & Lemon – were crafted to complement Brancott Estate’s flagship Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs. The Pickled Onion crisps, a nostalgic favorite, balance the acidity of the Brancott Classic Sauvignon Blanc, enhancing its herbaceous and passionfruit notes. Meanwhile, the Chilli & Lemon crisps are paired with Brancott Estate Flight Sauvignon Blanc, where the citrusy crisp flavors elevate the wine's tropical fruit aromas, with a subtle bird’s eye chilli kick complementing its lower ABV.

Made for Drink founder Dan Featherstone explains the pairing.

“We wanted to create the perfect pairing for New Zealand’s most popular wine, Sauvignon Blanc, so we’re buzzing to partner with the pioneers in the iconic Marlborough region; Brancott Estate,” he said.

He goes on to explain how white wines like Sauvignon Blanc have more acidity than red wines or sweet wines, which in turn cleanses the palate; particularly with fatty or oily foods such as crisps. The saltiness of the crisp also emphasises the richness of the Sauvignon Blanc, whilst the satisfyingly crunchy texture brings out the fruity flavours of the wine on the palate.

Added Lucy Bearman, Wine Portfolio director for Pernod Ricard, “As a brand, Brancott Estate is all about how seeing the world differently can lead to wonderful things – an approach that led the brand to be the first to plant Sauvignon Blanc vines in Marlborough. So, our collab with Made for Drink is all about savoring the unconventional and inviting crisp and wine lovers to taste life on the flipside.”

Ten PM launches Oat & Cherry Bars to combat stress and improve sleep

The UK producer has unveiled its latest innovation in healthy snacking, designed to help consumers combat stress and enhance sleep quality.​​ The bars are packed with a blend of adaptogens, vitamins and minerals, all clinically proven to lower stress levels and calm the nervous system.

What sets Ten PM’s Oat & Cherry Bars apart is the inclusion of ashwagandha, a potent adaptogen traditionally used to alleviate stress and anxiety. This makes Ten PM the only brand offering a snack-based product with ashwagandha, which is typically available in powder, capsule or gummy formats. Alongside ashwagandha, the bars contain magnesium, chamomile, tart cherry powder, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 – each selected for their ability to relax the body and mind, promoting better sleep naturally.

With 10g of fiber per bar, no added sugars and a gluten-free, vegan-friendly profile, these low-calorie bars also satisfy sweet cravings in a healthy way. They’re perfect as a late-night snack, fitting seamlessly into a calming evening routine.

Available online and from other online retailers, health food stores and selected UK supermarkets.

Jacksons of Yorkshire launches staycation promotion

The UK’s fastest-growing bread brand* is celebrating its rich Yorkshire heritage with a new on-pack promotion.

The Great British Breaks campaign – now live across Jacksons’ core range of full-sized Bloomer loaves, including Soft White, Multigrain Brown, Multiseed, Super Seeded, and Bloomin Both – offers consumers a chance to win cash prizes for staycations.

Every day for eight weeks, a £200 prize will be awarded, with all daily winners entered into a final draw for a grand prize of £2,000.

Helena Wright, Jacksons’ marketing and NPD director, emphasized the brand’s commitment to its Hull roots and its role in the growing staycation trend.

“This campaign celebrates our proud Yorkshire heritage and aligns with the continued popularity of British staycations,” she said.

“We hope it encourages more people to enjoy a Yorkshire getaway.”

The promotion is supported by instore POS, digital and social media efforts to boost visibility and engagement. To participate, consumers need to purchase a participating loaf, scan the QR code on the pack and enter their details. Proof of purchase is required. The campaign runs until October 9.

*Nielsen volume data to June 15, 2024 (all bread brands over one per cent market share).

Betty Crocker unveils ‘wicked’ color-changing baking mixes

Betty Crocker is casting a magical spell on baking enthusiasts just in time for the much-anticipated release of the hit musical Wicked on the big screen in November.

The General Mills brand​​ has launched two enchanting new products – Cookie Dough Pops and Cupcakes – featuring its innovative color reveal baking mixes. As you stir the ingredients, watch the colors transform, revealing if your treat will be as green as Elphaba or as pink as Glinda, capturing the essence of the film’s iconic characters.

In addition to these spellbinding creations, Betty Crocker is launching six new Wicked”-themed product combinations in whimsical pairings, including:

Fantabulous Brookie: A roughish blend of Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix and Delights Supreme Triple Chunk Brownie Mix.

Thrillifying Cupcake: A gravity-defying fusion of Super Moist Yellow Cake Mix and Fudge Brownie Mix.

Outstandiful Cookie Pie: A magical combination of Delights Super Moist Triple Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix and Rich & Creamy Vanilla Frosting.

Available at US supermarkets across the nation for an RRP of $5.98, these Mix-to-Reveal Kits allow fans to bring a touch of the Land of Oz into their kitchens.

Good Foods launches trend-forward seasonal dips

The trailblazer in better-for-you dips and guacamole is set to enchant taste buds this fall with its debut limited edition seasonal dips: Pumpkin Spice and Cranberry Jalapeño.

Starting in September, these trend-forward flavors will bring a fresh twist to the seasonal dip market.​​

The Pumpkin Spice Dairy Spread & Dip offers a quintessential fall flavor profile: blending pumpkin with Greek yogurt and cream cheese, and spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. It’s promises to capture the essence of autumn and is perfect for crostini, baked goods or fresh fruits. Available at Sprouts, Safeway Seattle, Giant Eagle and Costco (southeast region) in the US for an RRP of $5.99 for 8oz tub.

In a contrasting flavor experience, the Cranberry Jalapeño Dairy Spread & Dip (9 oz., MSRP: $5.99; 24 oz., MSRP: $9.99) caters to the growing appetite for the ‘swicy’ combo (sweet and spicy). With the tartness of cranberries and a kick of jalapeño peppers, the dip is ideal for charcuterie boards, bagels, or sandwiches. Available at BJ's Wholesale Clubs nationwide in September, followed by Sprouts, Giant Eagle and select Safeway stores, for an RRP of $5.99 for a 9oz tub and $9.99 for a 24oz pack.

“These new seasonal dips reflect our dedication to innovation and quality,” said chief growth officer Shannon Maher.

“We’re excited to offer flavors that celebrate the fall and holiday seasons while enhancing customer dining experiences.”

Bear boosts the back-to-school season with lunchbox-ready fruit snacks

The UK kids fruit snacks brand​​ is gearing up to help retailers boost back-to-school sales with its popular range of lunchbox-ready snacks.

With the Back to School season proving crucial for the snack category – saes rose by 6.1% last year – the Urban Fresh Foods brand presents a valuable growth opportunity for retailers. Holding a commanding 39.1% market share, Bear achieved £2.49m in value sales during last year's back-to-school period.

Bear’s standout product – the Bear yoyos – remains a favorite among both kids and parents. Yoyos comes in three variants (Strawberry, Raspberry and Blackcurrant) and was the company’s best-selling Kids’ Fruit Snacking product last year. Each multipack contains five individually wrapped yoyo pairs. Additionally, each pack features a collectible card, adding a fun element that kids love.

“Our yoyos are 100% natural, contain no added sugar, and provide one of your five a day,” said marketing manager Stephanie Armstrong.

“They’re perfect for the school week, and the collectable cards are a hit with children.”

To further boost sales, Bear is partnering with Tesco for an exclusive promotion from September 4 to October 1. Each multipack purchased will include free lunchbox stickers, featuring positive messages to support children as they return to school.

Available at major retailers, convenience stores and wholesale depots across the UK.

Borough 22's Doughnuts are for every diet

Introducing the UK’s most inclusive donuts, crafted to cater to all dietary needs. The treats are gluten-free, 100% plant-based, dairy-free, halal and kosher, ensuring everyone can indulge, regardless of dietary restrictions.​​

And with nationwide delivery, enjoying these donuts is easier than ever.

Founded by Ryan Panchoo, Borough 22 emerged from a personal need when he discovered his children’s allergies. Initially a kitchen experiment, Panchoo’s dedication to perfecting his recipes transformed his side hustle into a brand with a cult following, now celebrated in Selfridges London since its launch in 2017.

Borough 22’s multi-award-winning donuts stand out with their lab-certified gluten-free, plant-based composition and are free from the 14 most common allergens. Known for their chewy, dense texture, flavors include Cinnamon Sugared Ring, Vanilla Bean Glazed Ring, Jam Filled and Plant-Based Custard. New additions like the Strips + Dips Box feature donuts strips with plant-based caramel and chocolate dipping sauces.

Available for nationwide delivery and same-day delivery in London, donuts start from £29 for a box of six, with a ‘subscribe and save’ option offering 10% off. Reheat baked donuts or freeze for later enjoyment. For fresh deliveries in London, consume on the day of delivery.

Scotland’s Taylors Snacks secures first UK listing

The Perthshire-based snack brand has achieved a significant milestone by securing its first UK-wide supermarket listing with Aldi. This marks the brand’s inaugural venture outside of Scotland, where it has enjoyed considerable success since rebranding from Mackie’s Crisps in 2023.

Renowned for its award-winning potato chips, Taylors produces its snacks on the fourth-generation Taylor family farm in Errol, Perthshire. With a workforce of 110, the company is poised for further growth, driven by strong retail demand.

Aldi will initially stock four of Taylors' most popular flavors: Straight Cut Mature Cheddar & Onion, Pickled Onion, Lightly Sea Salted and Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar Ridge Cut, all with an RRP of £1.25 per pack. The current agreement involves almost 220,000 packets distributed across Aldi stores across the UK, with expectations for more listings in the future.

MD James Taylor expressed confidence in the brand’s expansion.

“We are thrilled to bring our thick-cut crisps to a wider audience and are proud to maintain our Scottish roots as we grow,” he said.

“We will always be proud of our Scottish roots and will remain based in Perthshire as our company grows, bringing more jobs to the area. As our brand continues to evolve, we are excited to bring more and more of our ranges to a wider audience.”

Popcorn Kitchen adds a splash of color with Rainbow Sweet & Salt Popcorn

The UK premium popcorn producer​​ is bringing vibrant new energy to the festive season with the launch of its Rainbow Sweet & Salt popcorn.

Standing tall at 51cm, the brand’s Giant Moneybox Bottles have become a signature product, drawing attention in various retail outlets, including indie stores, food halls, garden centres and even high-end venues like The Ritz.

This Christmas, the much-anticipated Rainbow Sweet & Salt variety – made with vegan-friendly natural colorings – is set to be a standout stocking filler or festive treat.

“We wanted to create a natural-colored popcorn that was vibrant without compromising on taste and crunch,” said founder Louise Monk.

“Our Giant Bottles provide the perfect platform to showcase this iconic flavor."

The 550g Rainbow Sweet & Salt Giant Bottle – with an RRP of £23.99 – promises to be a festive favorite.