US-based Earth Balance has developed a line of vegan, gluten-free and non-GMO line of popcorn and puffs set to be launched nationwide early this year.
The line features Buttery and Aged White Cheddar flavored popcorn, Aged White Cheddar flavored puffs and a sweet and salty popcorn pack – P.B Popps.
All four products are made using all-natural, US grown non-GMO corn and expeller-pressed oil.
“Following a plant-based diet doesn’t have to be time consuming and we hope these products prove that,” said Duane Primozich, senior vice president and general manager of Earth Balance.
“As Earth Balance is a brand that stands for the plant-based diet, it is our goal to provide the best tasting and highest quality vegan foods on the market,” Primozich said.
Plugging trends
Earth Balance said its popcorn products target a popular and upcoming snack segment, as brand experts at the Sterling-Rice Group defined popcorn as ‘the snack of 2013’.
A recent report by IBISWorld forecast that over the next five years, the US popcorn segment would soar to $1.1bn at around 2.1% a year. It predicted that premium-priced healthier and organic variants would drive the market.
It added that plant-based diets were being plugged as a top food trend by media across the globe.
“We believe plant-based is the answer to consumer interest in leading a more conscious, compassionate lifestyle,” the president said.