Pressed by Kind bars (US)
Snack bar brand Kind has unveiled its first fruit and vegetable snack.
The new Pressed by Kind bars are made with only fruit & vegetables or only fruit & chia, and each contain five ingredients or less and two full servings of fruit. They have no added sugar, are dairy-free and vegan, and are described by Kind as a good source of fiber.
Already available on the brand’s website at $100 for a 72-bar case, they will be rolling out to retailers from August.
The Pressed by Kind line-up comprises five flavors: Mango Apple Chia, Pineapple Coconut Chia, Pineapple Banana Kale Spinach, Apricot Pear Carrot Beet, and Cherry Apple Chia.
Hovis softer recipe (UK)
UK bread brand Hovis has introduced a softer recipe for it Soft White and Best of Both loaves.
The business – formed in 2014 as a joint venture between US firm The Gores Group and Mr Kipling owner Premier Foods – is supporting the launch with a new packaging design to highlight the softness.
“It is important for Hovis to give shoppers exactly what they want from their white loaf – softness from the first slice to the last,” said Hovis. “Our bakers have been able to create a loaf that is significantly softer than our current loaf, with great tasting freshness.”
Hovis also announced that most of its range had secured kosher certification from KLBD, which is the kosher food division of the London Beth Din and describes itself as Europe’s largest kosher certification agency
“To have another national brand, and especially one of the calibre of Hovis, choosing to get KLBD Kosher Certification shows the standing of kosher within the retail market,” said KLBD director Rabbi Conway. “Certification can help companies stand out in a competitive food industry.”
In April, Hovis announced boss Martyn Wilks was leaving the business and would be replaced by current executive chairman Nish Kankiwala, a former president of Pepsico Beverages Europe and Burger King International.
Thomas' Grillers XL English Muffins (US)
Grupo Bimbo subsidiary Bimbo Bakeries USA is extending its Thomas’ brand with an extra-large version of its English muffin.
The Thomas' Grillers XL English Muffins will be available in eight-packs at grocery stores and other food retailers in the Northeastern region, including cities such as New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore.
"Thomas' Original English Muffins have long been a breakfast staple, but our Thomas' Grillers XL English Muffins open the door for consumers to enjoy them in a new way," said senior marketing director Jon Silvon. "Thomas' signature texture pairs perfectly with burgers, and our larger size offers the perfect complement to favorite sandwich recipes as everyone fires up their grills this summer."
Warburtons – the UK’s biggest bread brand – last year unveiled a new ‘giant’ crumpet that is 130mm wide versus the 90mm of a standard version. At the time, Warburtons said it hoped consumers would top the crumpet with ingredients such as egg, bacon and spinach and eat with a knife and fork.
Joe & Seph’s Marmite popcorn (UK)
Popcorn brand Joe & Seph’s has secured a license from Unilever to launch the first official Marmite-flavored popcorn.
Marmite is a traditional British spread made from brewer’s yeast. It is typically used on toast or in sandwiches and has a distinctive, powerful salty flavour that has prompted Unilever to market the product under the slogan ‘Love it or hate it’.
The Joe & Seph’s product, rolling out to UK stores now, consists of caramel popcorn glazed with the Marmite spread to create a sweet and savoury combination.
It will be sold in a transparent 75g pack with a recommended price of £2.99 ($3.97) and 21g foil pack for the food-to-go channel with a recommended price of £0.99 ($1.32).
“This is a product our fans have been requesting for a long time,” said Unilever senior licensing manager Chloe Irwin.
Honey Maid Dippers (US)
Mondelēz has rolled out Honey Maid Dippers to grocery stores and mass channels across the US.
Unveiled at the recent Snack Attack event in New York City last month, the Dippers line includes honey and chocolate flavors retailing at around $4.19 for a 12-ounce box. The honey-flavored Dippers are also available in a box of 12 single-serve packs for a suggested retail price of $6.49.
In addition to the Dippers, the brand also includes crackers and Teddy Grahams.
Honey Maid has seen strong growth since its relaunch in 2012, senior associate brand manager Kristen Braun told BakeryandSnacks.
“Honey Maid Dippers continue the brand’s tradition of making snack time fun for families, while providing wholesome nutrition that parents can feel good about,” she added.
Wasa Thins (US)
Crackers and crispbread brand Wasa has expanded its US line-up with wholegrains Thins.
The oven-baked crackers are supplied in two separate stay-fresh pouches the manufacturer described as ideal for carrying in your purse or bag.
Wasa said Thins continue its commitment to a clean label, and contain whole grains, no added sugar, no cholesterol and no artificial flavors.
They are available in two flavors - Sesame & Sea Salt and Rosemary & Sea Salt – with a recommended price of $2.99.
"We've made a perfect snack option for today's active, health-conscious consumer," said Wasa USA senior brand manager Jenny Mehlman.
Saratoga Chips’ OrganicPop (US)
US kettle chip manufacturer Saratoga Chips has launched its first popcorn line, OrganicPop.
Available in four flavors - roasted garlic & kale, farmhouse butter, ancient grains, and heartland cheddar - all are USDA Certified Organic. They are available in grocery and specialty stores in the northeast US with a retail price of around $3.99 for a four-ounce bag.
Saratoga has invested more than $200,000 in development, Saratoga vice president of operations Danny Jameson told BakeryandSnacks.
For more information see here.
Mars Trail Mixes (UK)
Mars Chocolate Drinks and Treats has rolled out a range of trail mixes under confectionery brands M&M’s, Bounty and Galaxy in the UK.
The business is aiming to tap growing consumer demand for fruit, nut and seed mixes with the range, which comprises three flavors: M&M’s with raisins, cranberries and peanuts; Bounty with chocolate pieces, coconut, pineapple, raisins and sultanas; and Galaxy with chocolate pieces, golden raisins, cashews and cranberries.
Available only in the UK, each 25g pack contains around 95 calories and has a recommended retail price of £0.69 ($1.46).
For more information see here.
Snackwell's Biscuit Thins (US)
Low-fat snack brand SnackWell's has extended into the breakfast products category with the launch of Biscuit Thins.
Available nationwide in retailers including Walmart and online at Amazon, the Biscuit Thins are made with 100% whole grains and are free from high fructose corn syrup and partially hydrogenated oils.
With four biscuits per pack for the on-the-go market, they are available in three flavors: Caramel Macchiato, Dark Chocolate Mocha, and French Vanilla Latte.
"Biscuit Thins allows us to expand into different dayparts and give consumers more opportunities to enjoy our better-for-you snacks," said chief executive officer Vincent Fantegrossi.
Soy Vay popped rice clusters (US)
Asian marinades brand Soy Vay has extended into the snacks category with popped rice clusters.
Rolling out to US grocery stores including Kroger and Target now, Soy Vay popped rice clusters are available in ginger and sesame, spicy and sweet and Thai style peanut.
The clusters are made of baked brown and wild rice and black sesame seeds. They are non-GMO and have no artificial flavors, high-fructose corn syrup or preservatives.
They retail from $3.99 to $4.29 for a four or five-ounce bag.
“The products are taking inspiration from the brand’s commitment to only using premium ingredients,” associate marketing director Molly Steinkrauss told BakeryandSnacks.”
For further information see here.
Burton’s Chicken ‘n’ Chips (UK)
Burton’s Biscuit Company is bringing its Chicken ‘n’ Chips savory snack brand – popular in the 1980s - back to market.
The bagged snacks, with a strong chicken flavour and chicken and chip shaped pieces, will join the company’s savoury portfolio, which includes its Fish ‘n’ Chips brand.
Chicken ‘n’ Chips is rolling out now to the Walmart-owned Asda supermarket chain, with a UK nationwide rollout expected to follow, and will be available in six x 25g multipacks with a recommended price of £1.89 ($2.49).
“We’ve listened to the thousands of consumers who have campaigned on social media for the return of Chicken ‘n’ Chips, as well as those in the trade who have petitioned for it to be reintroduced,” said Burton’s category head David Costello.
Goldfish Crackers Made with Organic Wheat (US)
Pepperidge Farm has launched its first Goldfish crackers containing organic wheat.
Rolling out to US retailers nationally now, the baked Goldfish Made with Organic Wheat range comprises three flavors - Cheddar, Parmesan and Saltine – sold in an eight-ounce re-sealable bag with a recommended price of $3.99.
The snacks are 70% organic and certified by the California Certified Organic Farmers. They contain no artificial flavors or preservatives, and all colors are sourced from plants.
“Goldfish Made with Organic Wheat expands our offerings to meet the needs of America’s evolving young families,” said Brian Blanchard, vice president of Pepperidge Farm cookies & crackers.
For further information see here.
Brookside Yogurt Flavored Fruit & Nut Bars (US)
Hershey has expanded its Brookside snacking brand with Yogurt Flavored Fruit & Nut Bars.
The bars are made with ‘real’ fruit with natural flavors, nuts, and seeds and a yogurt-flavored cream. They are gluten-free, non-GMO and have no artificial flavors.
Available at retailers nationwide with a recommended retail price of $1.59, the bars come in three flavors: Cranberry Blueberry with Citrus; Vanilla Fig; and Mango Pineapple.
General Mills Tiny Toast (US)
General Mills is rolling out Tiny Toast, which it has described as its first new US cereal brand in 15 years.
The small toast-shaped pieces of cereal are available in two flavors - strawberry and blueberry – and will be sold in 11.1 oz/314 gram boxes with a recommended retail price of $3.99.
Tiny Toast has no artificial flavors or colors from artificial sources and no high-fructose corn syrup. A serving contains 9g of sugar and at least 13g of whole grain, according to the brand website.
“Consumers’ tastes continue to evolve, but they remain steadfast in their search for options with wholesome, pantry-friendly ingredients,” said General Mills senior marketing manager Alan Cunningham.
For further information see here.
Kellogg Team USA Cereal Boxes (US)
Kellogg has rolled out limited-edition Team USA-themed cereal boxes featuring Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls.
Available now at US retailers nationwide, the boxes feature:
- Simone Biles (gymnastics) on boxes of Corn Flakes and Special K with Red Berries
- Julie Johnston (soccer) on boxes of Corn Flakes and Special K
- Ajee' Wilson (800 meters) on boxes of Corn Flakes and Frosted Flakes
- Tom Shields (swimming) on boxes of Corn Flakes and Frosted Flakes
- Natalie Bieule (Paralympic track & field – discus) on boxes of Corn Flakes, Special K and Special K with Red Berries
"Seeing myself on my very own cereal box is just surreal," said Biles.