News for professionals in the food business

Nearly Half Of US Adults Are Bioactivists

Brightseed consumer research shows 45% of US adults now identify as “Bioactivists,” up from 27% in 2022. These proactive, health-focused consumers seek foods, beverages and supplements with proven bioactive benefits. They often have higher incomes, are loyal to brands meeting their needs, and consistently check nutrition labels. Most use supplements and are willing to pay more for nutrient-rich products. The findings highlight a clear opportunity for brands to emphasize bioactive content, transparency and science-backed claims.

Jackson’s Snack Plant Expands To Meet Demand

Jacksons, a manufacturer of BFY chips cooked in non-seed oils, announced the opening of its Muskego, Wisconsin plant expansion, which now spans 130,000 sq. ft., enabling the workforce to double and production capacity to rise. The company is ramping up national distribution, expanding from 500 to 4,000 Walmart stores.

Chennai Brand Makes Clean Snacks Tasty

Wild Date is a Chennai-based D2C startup aiming to close the gap between nutrition and flavor in India’s snack market. Founded by triathlete Siddarth CS, the brand offers bars, granolas, cookies and snack balls made from natural ingredients, with no refined sugar or palm oil. Most sales are online, with high reorder rates from Tier II cities. Wild Date plans to expand into cafés and coworking spaces, focusing on community building and long-term customer relationships over rapid scale-up.

Kroger Unveils Simple Truth Protein Snacks

The Kroger Co.’s new Simple Truth Protein line, the largest private label protein offering, comprises 80 meals and snacks free from artificial ingredients. Products include protein-enhanced breakfast options and snacks to support wellness and balanced routines for consumers seeking nutrition without premium cost.

Hain Celestial Restructures After Major Loss

Hain Celestial reported a $531 million loss for fiscal 2025, prompting major restructuring, including streamlining its portfolio and discontinuing low-margin brands like Yves Veggie Cuisine. Leadership is shifting to a leaner, region-focused model, with decisions centered in the US and UK. Hain is also reformulating products, including Garden Veggie Straws, to improve nutritional profiles and refresh packaging. Price increases and cost-cutting measures are planned to stabilize sales. The strategy prioritizes innovation, e-commerce and SKU rationalization to reposition Hain as a competitive player in the BFY snacks and beverages market.

Viral Tomato Chips Add Flavors, New Packs

Thai snack maker Fashion Food is building on the viral success of its tomato chips, made famous by Jisoo from girl group BLACKPINK. Without changing the decades-old recipe, the company expanded its lineup with new spicy flavors, including Mala and Korean Chicken, to attract younger and bolder consumers. It’s investing in updated packaging, introducing cup formats to extend shelf life and improve portability, and looking to expand its export markets beyond the US, UK, South Korea and Singapore, to new markets like China and the Middle East.

Wild Fox Foods Launches Clean Snacks

Wild Fox Foods, from the founders of Kevin’s Natural Foods, introduces a new line of healthy snacks featuring roasted nuts, trail mixes and protein bars, all free from seed oils, refined sugars and artificial additives, emphasizing clean nutrition. Each snack offers flavors and nutritional benefits for active lifestyles, including gluten-free and protein-rich options. The launch aims to provide more variety for informed snackers, with wider retail availability planned in 2026. Nuts products include Sea Salt Almonds, Lightly Salted Almonds, Hickory Smoked Almonds and Sea Salt Cashews, each containing 4-6g of protein, up to 3g of fiber, 13-15g and under 1g of sugar.

Blue Diamond Refreshes Brand For Modern Consumers

A refreshed brand identity for Blue Diamond Almonds highlights almonds as a nutrient-rich “superfood” while improving packaging clarity and shelf visibility. Developed with design agency Turner Duckworth, the update features bolder colors, cleaner typography and a modernized diamond logo that balances heritage with a contemporary feel. The redesign aims to connect almonds’ health credentials with an energetic, approachable brand personality. The rollout will start with Snack Almonds before expanding to Nut-Thins and Almond Breeze later this year.

Hero Expands In Brazil With Pinati Snacks

Switzerland’s Hero Group acquired a majority stake in Brazil’s Super Saude Nutricional, the maker of Pinati brand snacks, in a deal that strengthens Hero’s presence in Brazil, where it already sells jams and spreads. Super Saude’s lineup includes protein bars, crisps and other snacks. CEO Waldemiro Pinati will continue to lead the company. Hero sees the acquisition as part of its global strategy to expand in high-snack-consumption regions. The move follows Hero’s recent acquisitions in the UK.

Boulder Canyon On Track For $200M Sales

Utz Brands projects its Boulder Canyon line will reach $200 million in sales by the end of the year. Known for using avocado oil and avoiding seed oils, Boulder Canyon has grown rapidly beyond potato chips into tortilla chips and cheese balls. CEO Howard Friedman credits success to consumer interest in premium, cleaner snacks that balance taste with perceived wellness benefits. Distribution reaches 30 US markets, with growing shelf space in both natural and conventional channels.

Steve Aoki Launches Pizza-Flavored Cheddies

DJ and music producer Steve Aoki partners with Cheddies to introduce Pizza-Flavored Cheddies crackers. Inspired by Aoki’s Pizzaoki restaurant, the snack combines tomato, oregano, basil and garlic for a familiar taste in a better-for-you format. Cheddies are made with real cheese from regenerative farms, baked with avocado oil, and provide 6g of protein per serving. The brand emphasizes clean ingredients while delivering strong flavors, appealing to consumers seeking both nutrition and indulgence. Available exclusively at Whole Foods, Pizza-Flavored Cheddies reflect growing demand for functional, flavorful snack innovations.

Nature’s Path Adds Protein Granolas

Nature’s Path introduced two organic, plant-based protein granolas: Blueberry Cinnamon and Maple Almond Butter. Each serving delivers 15g of pea-protein-powered nutrition, along with fiber and healthy fats, baked with coconut oil. The launch responds to rising demand for high-protein, clean-label breakfast and snack options that fit into both active lifestyles and plant-based diets. Both flavors provide crunchy clusters with familiar, comforting taste while supporting the brand’s organic and sustainability commitments. They are available through the brand’s website, Amazon and select retailers.

Tallow-Cooked Chips Gain New Flavors

Indiana-based brand Fat of the Land expanded its seed-oil-free potato chip line with Back Porch BBQ and Salt & Vinegar, cooked in beef tallow. Emphasizing traditional fats and simple ingredients, the brand positions its products as a clean-label alternative to conventional chips. These new flavors join the original Simple Sea Salt variety and are made in small batches without artificial additives. Fat of the Land is seeking retail partnerships to grow beyond direct-to-consumer sales. By using tallow, the chips deliver a distinctive taste while tapping into rising demand for snacks free from industrial seed oils.

GLP-1 Drugs Reshape Snacking And Baking

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic are reducing demand for cookies and chips as users cut calories and avoid fatty or sweet foods. Within six months, households on these drugs spend 5-11% less on snacks, shifting demand toward protein-rich, high-fiber and portion-controlled options. Some companies are responding with nutrient-dense launches, but rising demand for protein collides with fragile supply chains for eggs and plant-based ingredients.

Garden Veggie Snacks Rolls Out Halloween Line

Garden Veggie Snacks is introducing limited-time Halloween offerings across major retailers and Amazon. A new Halloween Favorites Variety Pack, exclusive to Target, includes Apple Pie Puffs, White Cheddar Puffs and Cinnamon Apple Straws. Returning seasonal items include Ghosts & Bats Veggie Chips, available in multi-packs at Walmart, Sam’s Club, BJ’s and CVS, along with Halloween White Cheddar Puffs sold at Walmart. These snacks combine festive shapes and seasonal flavors with a better-for-you positioning compared to traditional Halloween treats. Marketed as suitable for trick-or-treating and school parties, the range highlights how seasonal occasions can support growth in vegetable-based snack categories.

Health Trends Drive Snack Market Growth

The BFY snacks market is set to grow from US$40.9 billion in 2025 to US$54.4 billion a decade later, according to a new market research report. Consumers, especially millennials and Gen Z, increasingly seek snacks with health, wellness and sustainability benefits, fueling demand for gluten-free, plant-based and protein-rich products. Offline sales channels dominate, but online platforms support niche brands. Competitive innovation centers on functional ingredients, sustainable packaging and AI-supported R&D. Regional markets are expanding rapidly, with India and Brazil are leading growth. The segment's future success relies on collaboration across industry stakeholders as consumer preferences evolve.

Parents Face Challenges With BFY Snacks

The rise of BFY kid snacks offers more options but also higher prices and confusing health claims. While sales in this category are growing, experts say parents should focus on nutrition panels, such as lower added sugar and sodium, and higher fiber and protein, rather than marketing claims. Homemade snacks remain the healthiest option, but busy schedules often push families toward packaged choices. The challenge is balancing children’s changing taste preferences with parents’ nutrition goals and budgets. According to SPINS data, unit sales of BFY snacks were up over 5% in the US for the year ending August 19, but the much larger conventional snacks category fell around 2%.

India’s Professionals Redefine The 4PM Snack

Snacking in India is becoming a mindful ritual, especially among working professionals seeking balance and energy during long workdays. The traditional 4PM snack is now expected to deliver taste, nutrition and convenience, and this is driving demand for products that are clean, portion-smart and functional, blending indulgence with health. Brands like SnackPure are innovating in this space, offering protein-rich and nutritious options that fit into modern hybrid work schedules.

Conagra Outlines Future Of Snacking

Conagra Brands’ Future of Snacking 2025 report highlights five major shifts shaping the $148.6 billion US snacking market. Consumers increasingly seek bold flavors, such as sriracha and hot honey, alongside globally inspired options like gochujang and mango habanero. Better-for-you snacks are growing fastest, especially protein-forward and portion-controlled choices with gut health or grass-fed claims, driven mostly by Gen Z and Millennials. Other trends include co-branding and convenience.

Grupo Apex Buys Uriarte Iturrate’s Snack Assets

Spain’s Grupo Apex acquired the snack brand and assets of Uriarte Iturrate, including its factory, patents and trademarks, adding a 13th production facility to Apex’s network. It brings in patented microwave technology that enables fat-free, clean-label snacks. Products like Air Nuts highlight the potential for healthier snacks made from nuts, fruits, vegetables or dairy without added oils. Grupo Apex says the move aligns with its strategy of offering more natural and sustainable options. With brands including Popitas, Jumpers and Aspitos, Apex continues to strengthen its position in better-for-you snacking.

MAHA Pushes Kellogg’s To Reformulate

Kellogg’s Froot Loops is a central target of the Make America Healthy Again campaign, which challenges the use of synthetic dyes in cereals. Under political and activist pressure, Kellogg pledged to eliminate artificial colors from its US cereals by 2027, though reformulation with natural dyes adds costs and supply challenges. The shift comes as sweetened cereal consumption continues to decline, with younger consumers preferring breakfasts with a higher protein content. Critics argue the MAHA agenda burdens companies and consumers with higher costs, while investors are already factoring risks into valuations.

Snacking Market Faces Rapid Transformation

New data from Conagra and Circana reveal a $150 billion snack market in transition. Consumer loyalty to traditional flavors is waning as adventurous, global-inspired and social media-driven tastes gain ground. Health and wellness claims, especially around protein, fiber and probiotics, are increasingly important, while vague “better-for-you” messaging is losing its effectiveness. Co-branding and convenience are also reshaping the landscape, with snacks appearing across retail, foodservice and e-commerce.

Wise Snacks Revives Mascot, Grows Clean Label

Wise Snacks, a century-old US brand, is modernizing while honoring its heritage, by reintroducing its mascot, Peppy the Owl, to connect with new generations and strengthen brand recognition. Under parent company Arca Continental, Wise invested in clean-label innovation, particularly through its Deep River line of kettle chips made with simple ingredients. Popular products like Cheez Doodles and flavored popcorn remain core offerings, while manufacturing upgrades at its Berwick, Pennsylvania facility boosted efficiency and service levels. Wise aims to expand its geographic footprint beyond the East Coast.

Doves Farm Launches Spelt Flakes Cereal

Doves Farm’s Organic Ancient Grain Spelt Flakes are aimed at consumers seeking minimally processed, clean label breakfast cereals. The flakes are made from organic whole spelt and corn syrup, free of artificial additives and high in fiber and protein. They are certified by the Soil Association.

Garden Veggie Snacks Debuts Avocado Oil Line

Garden Veggie Snacks, known for Veggie Straws and Puffs, launched products made with avocado oil for added wellness appeal. Debuting nationally at Target, the new lineup features sweet potato and cheddar flavors, as well as modernized packaging. New national retailers will be added in the coming months.

Millets Take Center Stage In India’s Snack Aisles

Millet-based snacks are moving from niche products to mainstream in India, with companies like PepsiCo (Kurkure) and ITC embracing millets for their health benefits. Startups such as Wholsum Foods are also driving demand, supported by increased digital accessibility and government initiatives. Traditional grains like ragi and jowar appear in innovative formats, as value growth returns to FMCG and rural adoption rises.

Yeo Valley Unveils Organic Granola Range

Yeo Valley Organic expands into breakfast cereals with two tray-baked granola variants, Toasted Nuts & Seeds and Berry Cherry, both made from 100% organic British oats. The range focuses on natural ingredients, taste and texture, delivering satisfying clusters baked in small batches. Available from late September at Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Ocado, the product launch supports the brand’s commitment to affordable, nutritious, minimally processed and sustainable choices.

Germany’s Barnhouse Launches Vegan Granola

Barnhouse, a German cereal brand, launches Krunchy Low Sugar No Choco granola featuring Endless Food Co’s cocoa-free chocolate alternative, THIC (This Isn’t Chocolate). This vegan granola prioritizes low sugar, fiber and upcycled ingredients. The innovative THIC ingredient reduces reliance on conventional chocolate and uses brewer’s spent grain and cocoa shells, organic beet sugar and sustainable fats like wild-harvested shea and illipe butters.

Infuzions Air Fries Hit Ampol Stations

Majans launched Infuzions Air Fries in Ampol Foodary service stations across Australia, giving road-trippers and commuters a lighter alternative to chips. Available in Aioli, Tomato Sauce, and Peri Peri flavors, the plant-based snacks are high in protein, packed with fiber, and carry a 4-star health rating. Designed for sharing, the 90g packs are a practical option for on-the-go snacking. Majans, known for its Bhuja and Infuzions ranges, continues to focus on BFY innovation, offering snacks that balance flavor, convenience and health.

Mornflake Launches Playful Anytime Oat Crumbles

Mornflake and branding studio Family & Friends collaborated on Yup!, a new range of “Anytime Oat Crumbles”, which reimagines the hot oat pot as a flexible, anytime treat. The product line combines oats, granola, berries, nuts and chocolate chunks, offering a middle ground between breakfast porridge and indulgent desserts. A playful brand identity and colorful packaging are designed to attract younger consumers seeking guilt-free indulgence and portable snacks. Yup! positions itself as stylish and shareable, with an emphasis on freedom and personalization: “Your rules, your way, any time of day.” Products are available online, with a wider rollout planned soon.

Fiber Gourmet Launches Low-Carb Crackers

Fiber Gourmet, known for lower-calorie, high-fiber pasta, launched Thinables, a baked cheese cracker with 67% fewer carbs than leading brands. Made with modified wheat starch and vital wheat gluten, Thinables replicate the taste and texture of conventional crackers while offering 70 calories, 6g of net carbs, 5g of protein and 13g of fiber per serving. Available in original, pepperjack and ranch flavors, they are sold at retailers including Walmart, Meijer and Hy-Vee, as well as online. The launch extends Fiber Gourmet’s mission of providing grain-based foods that fit better-for-you lifestyles, appealing to consumers balancing satiety, taste and nutrition.

Strings & Things Expands Cheese Snacking

Strings & Things introduces Munch Mix, a dual-compartment snack that pairs cheddar cheese cubes with either crunchy crackers or pretzels. Designed for families, the product offers a convenient, portioned snack that combines protein, calcium and familiar flavors. The launch builds on strong growth in the cheese snacking category and the product is positioned as a fun and nutritious option aimed at lunchboxes and after-school snacking occasions. The rollout will be supported by marketing campaigns in-store and out-of-home to raise awareness and drive trial among health-conscious shoppers.

Campbell’s To Eliminate Synthetic Colors

Campbell’s Company plans to remove artificial colors from all products by August 2026, extending natural coloring to brands like Lance crackers. While many Campbell’s items already use natural sources such as beet juice and paprika, the change responds to consumer demand for simpler, recognizable ingredients and aligns with government pressure to phase out synthetic dyes. Goldfish, a longstanding billion-dollar brand, has used natural coloring for more than 15 years. Campbell’s joins other major food companies, including General Mills and Kraft Heinz, in making the switch.

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