Snack Innovators Are Focusing On Zesty Flavors, Strong Nutritional Profiles

As snacking takes on greater importance in the on-the-go and, perhaps paradoxically, pandemic-induced stay-at-home lifestyles, snack companies have ramped up innovation. Leading advances in snacking include exotic flavors, “plant-forward” products, high-protein treats, and zesty nutritional snacks. Examples of plant-forward snacks include: Wholly Rollies (3One), a round, nut-based snack; and Power Veggie Bites (Appleton’s Market), a muffin-like snack made with broccoli, carrots, and Swiss chard. High-protein snacks feature peanuts, beef jerky, or pork rinds. Trendy flavors that appeal to snack lovers: international, savory, spicy, smoky, and umami, often combined with traditionally sweet products, like sea salt caramels or smoked almond toffee. Bold, spicy flavors are also having their day – “the hotter the better.” An example of healthful+zesty is Spicy Peri Peri Biltong Sticks (Stryve): the clean-label beef stick snack contains only common foodstuffs like beef, vinegar, salt, chili ...  More

"Trends in Snacks: Healthy? Yes. Flavorful? Absolutely", Food Processing, July 29, 2020

Nestlé Europe Unveils New Plant-Protein Range Of YES! Snack Bars

The Swiss food company’s new YES! snack bars contain 10 grams of plant protein derived from nuts and peas. Like other YES! bars, the bars are high in fiber, use no artificial colors or preservatives, are gluten free and suitable for vegetarians. Available in almond, peanut and double dark chocolate, and cashew, blueberry and dark chocolate flavors, the bars are drizzled with dark chocolate made with sustainable cocoa. They will be sold beginning in September in European countries, including the U.K., Germany, Netherlands, and the Czech Republic.

"Nestlé launches YES! Plant Protein bars powered by nuts and peas", Nestlé , July 27, 2020

Insane Grain Introduces Snacks Made With African Supergrain Sorghum

The sorghum-based Insane Grain “crispy and melty puffs” from the U.K. start-up are gluten-free, contain under 100 calories, B-vitamins, dietary fiber, and folic acid. The vegan-friendly snacks are available in cheese, salt and vinegar, and salted caramel flavors. The company claims its new snack, available in 24-gram packs, offers gut-health benefits, contains more potassium than a banana, and 1.8 times more iron than spinach. Packets of Insane Grain are available to purchase in Whole Foods Market and Selfridges in the U.K., with more retailers to be announced.

"Insane Grain launches puff snacks made from sorghum", FoodBev Media , July 21, 2020

Chopt Salad Chain Co-Founder Moves On To Sparkling Water

Colin McCabe is entering the beverage business with a line of functional sparkling waters enhanced with adaptogens that purportedly improve mental and physical functions. McCabe co-founded Chopt Creative Salad Co., a New York-based fast casual salads-and-wraps restaurant chain with locations up and down the U.S. East Coast. Free Rain is available in three variants: Energy contains Siberian ginseng, an energy-boosting adaptogen; Focus contains ashwagandha to sharpen the mind; and Calm combines passionflower and blackberry to ease the mind and relax the body. Free Rain sparkling waters are available at select retailers and direct-to-consumer on the company’s e-commerce platform.

"Chopt co-founder launches enhanced sparkling water line", Food Business News, July 17, 2020

Orange Juice Shows Better Potential As A Nondairy Probiotic Carrier

Most probiotic foods on the market today are dairy-based, but demand is increasing for nondairy probiotic carriers such as fruit and vegetable juices. With that in mind, Australian scientists report that orange juice is a better carrier of the probiotic strain L. sanfranciscensis than apple or tomato juice because it survives longer in refrigerated storage. But most importantly, it better weathers the acidic environment of the human gut. All three juices met the recommended cold storage viability level, with orange juice the most effective. But in a simulated gastric environment, “the lowest reduction of viability was noted in orange juice, followed by tomato juice,” indicating that “orange juice had a better protective effect than other juices on L. sanfranciscensis against simulated intestinal juice digestion.” L. sanfranciscensis has been shown to be beneficial because of its anti‐inflammatory effects and potential to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

"Juice boost: Why orange juice may be a potential non-dairy carrier for probiotics - study", Nutra Ingredients Asia, July 01, 2020