Thai firm Balance Corp is planning to launch its first product range, MUNCHHH, later this year. MUNCHHH has developed a range of vegan snacks based on what it has termed the ‘middle ground’ of snacking, a balance of health and indulgence. All of the brand’s products have been designed to mirror the nutritional proportions of a balanced diet; they contain one part protein, one part carbohydrates and 0.2 parts fiber. MUNCHHH’s products are made with various local grains and lentils, making them lower in calories and fat and higher in protein and fiber compared with regular potato chips. Though the brand has not officially launched, it has already received awards: the bronze award at the 2021 global Pentawards for its packaging design, and a place in Thailand’s SPACE-F accelerator programme, which is run by the Thai government and food giant Thai Union. The firm is looking to formally launch MUNCHHH through its online website later this year, starting with selling its savoury snack in Mala and Nori Seaweed flavors. MUNCHHH is also in the process of developing other snacks, including chocolate balls, cereal, ice cream and gummy bears. 

The 2022 Annual Food & Health Survey conducted by the International Food Information Council has revealed major changes in Americans’ food attitudes and behaviors in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and generational shifts. An oversample found that Gen Z takes a more holistic approach to health than older generations and is the only generation with emotional/mental health surfacing in the top three health benefits sought from foods, beverages or nutrients. Younger consumers are also driving a big shift toward online food shopping, with 35 percent of Gen Z and 37 percent of Millennials respectively shopping online for food at least once a week.

Snacking has increased. 73 percent of adults said they snack at least once a day, up from 58 percent in 2021. This may be due to stress as most Americans report feeling ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ stressed over the past six months and 24 percent of adults said they always or often eat when feeling stressed. People reporting feeling very stressed in last six months are more likely to snack three or more times a day than those feeling somewhat stressed (29 percent vs 10 percent). 

Nearly 40 percent said environmental sustainability has an impact on their purchase decisions, up from 27 percent in 2019, and 57 percent are concerned about food waste. Inflation rates are also affecting consumption habits, with 83 percent noticing food and beverage price rises in the past year, of which 29 percent said they purchased less than they otherwise would have. 

Investors are increasingly funnelling money into better-for-you snack companies due to healthy eating trends and upcoming HFSS rules. More specifically, the HFSS rules have given confidence to investors that healthier eating will accelerate. 

While online crowdfunding has proven successful for many snacking start-ups and SMEs, others have sought support from specialist investment vehicles. Mission Ventures is a key operator of accelerator programs in the UK, with two programs: Good Food Fund and Batch Ventures. The Good Food Fund supports brands tackling childhood obesity through providing funding, scaling up manufacturing and managing costs. The program has taken on start-ups including quinoa crisps brand Nombots, healthy marshmallow maker Lexi's Treats, jelly supplier Naturelly, and chocolate-covered carrot biscuit brand Rootles. It now intends to back a further 10 to 15 healthier food and drink brands in the coming year, with a specific focus on non-HFSS snacks. Batch Ventures is the other business support program by Mission, created in partnership with Warburtons to back baking related innovation. While not aimed exclusively at better-for-you brands, Batch Ventures has already supported baked sorghum snack brand Insane Grain and non-HFSS oat cookie brand Snackzilla. Batch Ventures also backs Dorset biscuit supplier The Artful Baker. 

Other notable start-ups backed by other investors include Perkier, Fitbakers, The Savourists and Boundless. Last year, healthy snack bar maker Perkier raised more than £1 million in an oversubscribed crowdfunding round, smashing its £400,000 target. Fitbakes, which makes non- HFSS cakes and snack bars, enjoyed a successful bout of crowdfunding in 2021, securing £525,000 from 313 investors. Savory snack bar brand The Savourists raised £200,000 and is available at Whole Foods Market and Amazon. Germinated nuts and seeds snack brand Boundless has raised a total of £1.6 million from angel and other investors. 

Investor support is increasingly important due to cost-of-living increases and delays in the UK government’s HFSS regulations. Increases in the cost of living due to war in Ukraine has upped supply and production costs for start-ups, which are more vulnerable to cost increases than large corporations. Smaller brands are also less likely to be able to pass the higher costs through to the shopper, and delays in introducing HFSS rules will give larger corporations more time to innovate and reformulate.  

Research by The Hartman Group has found that Americans have changed their eating habits as the pandemic eases, with more people eating snacks early in the morning and late at night. Last year, 23 percent of respondents said they eat early morning snacks, rather than breakfast, up from 20 percent in 2019, before the pandemic. 22 percent eat late night snacks or meals, up from 19 percent in 2020 and almost back to the 24 percent before the pandemic. Americans eating traditional breakfast fell to 59 percent in 2021 from 63 percent in the previous year. Adults eating lunch dropped from 67 percent in 2020 to 62 percent last year. Those eating dinner went from 80 percent to 75 percent in 2021. Renee Wheeler from The Hartman Group said the shift to early morning and late evening reflects consumers returning to “some sort of pre-pandemic routine in terms of going to work outside the home and seeking out evening social life." Wheeler added that although “pretty much everyone eats breakfast, the demographics of early morning snack occasions skew towards millennials, parents, urbanites, those who are employed full-time and with higher household income levels". Although the changes create opportunities for snack manufacturers and retailers, there will be increased competition from restaurants as consumers seek to socialize more, but Wheeler suggests that manufacturers can counterbalance this with healthier, culinary-driven products that can be prepared quickly and easily.

In an interview with FoodIngredientsFirst, Harbinder Maan from the Almond Board of California, says the “snacking space is seeing increased competition that is challenging brands to offer a nexus of nutrition benefits and new sensory experiences”, and that flavor is a key driver. As pandemic restrictions ease, snacking at home has waned. David Deeley, insights manager at Kerry Group, said there is more demand for out-of-home snacking and “we are seeing a revitalized demand for smaller, on-the-go formats.” John Powers from ADM said people are looking for convenient snack options to incorporate in their lives. Sonja Matthews, at Glanbia Nutritionals, believes consumers now expect snacks to both taste good and provide health benefits with protein fortified snacks growing in popularity. Maan thinks consumers may seek “permissible” or “better-for-you” indulgence, with a more mindful snacking approach, and that busy lifestyles mean snacks “with mood benefits have recently emerged to satisfy consumers who are using food to contribute to their mental wellness”. Maan promotes almonds for this benefit. Deeley says Kerry is seeing demand for “snacks and treats as part of a balanced lifestyle, from a mental well-being perspective, offering security and stability in an otherwise unpredictable world.” Powers believes consumers want snacks to support their emotional needs, and that flavor and texture play a significant role here, with consumers drawn to familiar tastes. Consumers also want to try something new, such as snacks with regional spice blends, or new textural experiences, such as “crunchy snacks, gooey candies and cooling sensations from ingredients like mint,” according to Powers. Matthews sees growing interest in snacks that improve focus, boost energy or provide calming benefits. 

An article in the Financial Times has critiqued the move by Kellogg to sue the U.K. government for failing to account for the benefits of milk when it brings in restrictions on sugary foods. The author, Camilla Cavendish, said that companies like Kellogg have managed to hide behind claims that fatty and sugary treats are fine as long as they form a part of an otherwise healthy and balanced diet, but that does not take into account humans’ inability to resist temptation and the growing obesity problem. Cavendish adds that although we might not be lab rats and have a choice, it’s not easy to “compete with the marketing geniuses who have managed to convince us that ultraprocessed stuff of virtually no nutri-value is actually food. And who have persuaded hard-pressed families to spend money on it.” She was the head of the Downing Street policy unit under former U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron and is a senior fellow at the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government, Harvard Kennedy School. Cavendish remembered when she was a part of the government that imposed a levy on soft drinks in 2016. Coca-Cola at the time threatened to take the government to court but backed down. Cavendish also argues that the National Health Service spends over £6 billion annually treating obesity-related health problems, and that will rise and that pressure is mounting from investors to avoid junk food companies becoming “potentially risky stranded assets”. 

Muesli brand GUUD has launched its vegan Fuel line of functional muesli. GUUD’s Fuel line is made up of three mueslis that each serve a specific function through the inclusion of different superfoods. Athletic Fuel caters towards an active lifestyle through its high protein and fiber content. Brain Fuel contains antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin A to target brain health. Gut Fuel is high in soluble fiber and includes prebiotic superfoods to aid healthy digestion. GUUD’s functional muesli (MSRP $6.99/bag) is currently rolling out in natural and traditional grocery stores, and online retailers nationwide. 

European breakfast start-up Crispy Fantasy has recently launched with its better-for-you chocolate flavored cereal. It’s gluten-free and plant-based, with low sugar and a high protein and fiber content, made from clean, natural ingredients including unsweetened cacao powder, soy and pea protein, and avocado oil. Crispy Fantasy is backed by food and beverage entrepreneurs including Halo Top Co-Founder and CEO Doug Bouton; Peter Rahal, who previously built and sold RXBar to Kellogg's; and investment fund Pareto Holdings. Crispy Fantasy’s cereal is currently available on its website for £20 for four boxes and will be available on Amazon by the end of the month. The start-up will also expand its offerings to honey and cinnamon flavors later this year. 

Plant-based protein brand Misfits is expanding into breakfast cereal. Its vegan, gluten-free cereal is low sugar and low calorie, with 14 grams of protein per serving. Misfits cereal has launched in two flavors, Chocolate and Chocolate Cinnamon, and is available on its website and on Amazon. The launch coincides with Misfits’ recent rebrand, which includes a new logo, packaging, website and loyalty scheme. This new positioning aims to widen Misfits’ brand appeal and allow it to expand into other food categories. 

KP Snacks has announced the launch of its newly reformulated non-HFSS Tyrrells Lightly Sea Salted and non-HFSS Hula Hoops Puft range. The non-HFSS snacks will be available in stores by the end of this month, and the launch of the non-HFSS Hula Hoops Puft range is paired with a packaging refresh. Furthermore, the roll-out of the newly reformulated Puft range will be supported by a £1.5 million media campaign running from June to drive consumer awareness and boost sales for retailers. The non-HFSS Hula Hoops Puft range includes Salted, Salt & Vinegar, and Grilled Beef flavors.

With upcoming UK Government regulations on the placement of HFSS products in stores, retailers and companies have been experimenting with different in-store product positioning. Tesco has been trialing healthier aisle-end fixtures in some stores, while Sainsbury's has experimented with removing ends completely and adding promo bays to aisles. Graze has been trialing 100 percent HFSS-compliant gondola ends and impulse fixtures in Sainsbury's and WH Smiths, while KP Snacks has been experimenting with displaying its healthier products on pallet placements front of store in Asda and other supermarkets. This reassessment of product fixtures will increase the visibility and prominence of healthier choices in stores, which has long been a barrier for health food companies. 

Canadian start-up Muskoka Granola has seen positive growth since its launch in August 2021.  The handmade, vegan and gluten-free granola is only sweetened with Canadian maple syrup. The company started by selling in local markets, and is now sold on its website, 15 stores and seasonal markets such as Bracebridge and Gravenhurst. 

Since its rocky start during COVID, AMG Snacks and its Energy Bites have recently started to gain traction. Founded in Boston in December 2019, AMG Snacks found it difficult to get into grocery stores due to the uncertainty of the pandemic. Instead, it found business in local juice bars and coffee stores. After persisting through the pandemic, AMG’s Energy Bites can now be found in over 200 grocery stores nationwide, including Whole Foods and other health food stores. Its Energy Bites are made of simple, plant-based ingredients and contain healthy fats, fiber and protein to sustain energy. Its bites are available in eight flavors, including Almond Chai, Espresso, Chocolate Coconut, and Cherry Pistachio. 

Food tech company HUNGRY recently announced its complete acquisition of the healthy snack foods retailer NatureBox. HUNGRY has experienced rapid growth since the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as the industry leader in business catering and employee lunch programs in 11 major U.S. cities. NatureBox is a California-based online retailer that sells and delivers healthy brand and private-label snacks. Its popular SnackPass corporate product enables customized snacking favorites for employees in large or small offices, both on-site and remotely. HUNGRY has acquired the company to increase its national reach and upgrade its better-for-you options for clients. The acquisition marks the company’s third major acquisition in the past three years, following LocalStove and Ripe Catering.

Indiana-based mushroom farm Woods & Stems has seen local success with its vegan mushroom jerky. The snack has been embraced by both vegetarian and meat-eating locals, and the farm now uses more of its mushroom crop for its jerky than it sells fresh. The jerky is handmade by boiling sliced mushrooms, marinading them for two days then dehydrating. It comes in four flavors: orange habanero, cherry teriyaki, naughty pickle and chili lime. 

Nestlé-owned snack brand, Nature’s Heart, has rolled out a range of non-HFSS savory snacks labeled ‘Crunch’. The range is made of flavored edamame, peas, broad beans and seeds and contains 12 grams of protein and 8 gram of fiber per serving. It is available in three flavors: Sea Salt & Pepper Crunch, Chilli & Lemon Crunch, and Smoky BBQ Crunch. Nature’s Heart joined Nestlé’s brands in 2018 when it acquired its parent company, Terrafertil, in order to increase its presence in healthier food & beverage categories. 

Filipino Banana Jerky brand Tough Banana now offers a mental resilience program. Tough Banana sees this program as a natural extension to its health snack due to the interconnectedness between physical and mental wellness. The mental resilience program was co-developed with psychologists and guidance counselors and is customizable for individuals, schools, and companies based on specific goals. It is a four-part course that focuses on growth mindset, mental toughness, and turning frustration to motivation. Modules are also available for subjects on team communication and trust building. A total of 40 employees from two company clients have completed the program since its inception in November 2021. 

The Whisps cheese crisps brand introduced a new cheese snack, Whisps Cheese & Pretzels Bites. The products contain 100 percent “real” aged Parmesan and cheddar cheeses and clean label pretzels. John Ghingo, CEO of Whisps, said “the pretzel-and-cheese combination isn't new, but what is new is our obsession with bringing real cheese to the pretzel category.” The range includes three flavors: Cheddar, Honey Mustard and Everything, and each serving contains no sugar, 7 grams of protein, and represent a source of calcium. They will be available at Kroger and on Amazon.

As better-for-you snacks are increasing in popularity, there remains potential in the snack bar category. Snack bars are forecast to grow 14 percent over the next three years as consumers move away from unhealthy options such as confectionery and biscuits. Snack bars with added fiber, protein or vitamins, or those that help consumers reach their five-a-day, are in high demand. More consumers are also avoiding ‘processed’ snacks bars and are switching to bars with whole and raw ingredients, such as nuts, fruit and wholegrain. However, though consumers are looking for healthier options, they are still looking for flavor cues from traditionally more indulgent products.

Nestlé Health Science, a business unit of Nestlé SA, has agreed to acquire Puravida, a Brazilian nutrition and lifestyle brand owned by private equity firm Aqua Capital. Puravida manufactures and markets applications such as drink mixes, protein powders, nutrition bars and snacks. Building upon Nestlé Health Science’s and Puravida’s experience in nutrition research and development, the acquisition aims to further innovation and expand the breadth and depth of the portfolio. Nestlé’s retail capabilities will also open up new opportunities for Puravida, including with healthcare professionals. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but the transaction is expected to close in Q2 2022. 

Sustainability is at the heart of Moonshot Snacks' mission and is incorporated in every aspect of its business. Since its launch in 2020, Moonshot has been carbon neutral, mainly achieved through regenerative agriculture, which includes supporting new topsoil creation and working with farmers who have built soil health into their cultivation methods. In addition, 75 percent of Moonshot’s supply chain is within Washington state, reducing carbon emissions. Its crackers are produced in a LEED-certified facility that runs on renewable energy and its boxes are made with 100 percent recycled materials and are recyclable. Moonshot is continuously looking for ways to further reduce its environmental impact, including experimenting with using post-consumer recycled plastics for its packaging. For its climate mission and taste, Moonshot won the Expo West Virtual 2021 NEXTY Award for Best New Savory or Salty Snack.

Dozens of better-for-you food brands and investors have written a letter to the U.K. Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, to protest the Government’s delay on HFSS promotions. The letter stresses these delays will ‘punish’ BFY food companies for selling non-HFSS products and ‘undermine’ their innovation. BFY food companies also expressed concern that the delay will worsen the obesity crisis and enable large food corporations to continue to profit off the promotion of unhealthy foods. However, other industry groups including the Food and Drink Federation have welcomed the delay as it gives the industry more time to prepare. 

The UK Government’s restrictions on multibuy deals and promotions on HFSS foods, originally set to be enforced in October 2022, have been delayed for a year due to the increased cost of living. Rules limiting the placement of HFSS foods in shops will still go ahead as planned in October 2022. However, the delay on deals and promotions on HFSS foods will give the food industry more time to prepare while allowing the government to review the impact of the restrictions on the cost of living.  

Post Consumer Brand’s Malt-O-Meal has recently launched new colorful branding and packaging for its bagged cereals. The budget brand includes 36 flavours of breakfast cereals, with varieties like Frosted Mini Spooners, Cinnamon Toasters and Fruity Dyno-Bites coming in among the 40 top sellers of the category. Most of its cereals are packed in re-sealable bags as opposed to traditional bag-in-box cereals, which require less packaging. Its rebranded cereals are available at grocery stores nationwide.

Breakfast cereal brand Super Zeros has just launched in the UK with its Cocoa and Apple & Cinnamon flavored cereals. The gluten-free, nut-free, low-carb breakfast cereal has 10 grams of protein and 0 grams of sugar in each serving. It’s made from rice and tapioca starch, coconut oil and a protein blend with whey protein isolate and casein. Over the coming months, the brand is looking to build upon its product range to support a wider range of dietary requirements, and offer more flavors such as Honey Nut, Strawberry and Vanilla. 

Canadian-based plantain chip company Mr. Favourite is rolling out in the U.S., including in Walmart stores nationwide. The brand has also secured a segment on a lifestyle TV show, which will highlight its products’ health benefits. Mr. Favourites Plantain Chips are vegan, trans-fat free and gluten-free as they are made from only green plantains, canola oil, and salt. The chips are high in fiber, minerals and vitamins and are available in three flavors: Original, Sour Cream and Onion, and Garlic. 

Snack brand graze is launching an educational #KnowAddedSugar campaign in collaboration with the University of Glasgow. The campaign aims to grow awareness of the added sugar crisis the U.K. and help shoppers to make more informed, healthier choices. The campaign will provide people with the tools and information they need to make more informed, healthier choices. This includes a #KnowAddedSugar Index on graze’s website, which reveals the estimated added sugar content in the UK’s most popular snacks, including graze’s own products. It will also launch its Choose Less Sugar messaging across retail partner channels both in-store and online. Additional educational materials and information will also feature on the graze website and across its social channels. 

Vegan snack brand PeaTos has introduced updated packaging alongside a new marketing campaign. The new packaging introduces a female ambassador called DJ_P, designed to appeal to kids. PeaTos has seen success amongst children and families due to its positioning as a healthier alternative to junk foods such as Cheetos and Funyuns. PeaTos replaces the traditional corn base with peas, making the snack high in protein and fiber, along with fewer calories, and less fat and sodium. To support its new packaging, PeaTos is launching a new marketing campaign consisting of in-store and trade promotions, consumer marketing, digital engagement and public relations.

The National Science Foundation has awarded a $1 million grant to Cornell snack start-up Antithesis Foods. Antithesis Foods started as a Cornell masters project in the College of Agriculture and Life Science and has blossomed into a student start-up company with support from Cornell’s student business accelerator and an earlier NSF grant. The company has developed innovative technology that restructures fibers and proteins to make crispy dough from legumes. Its first product, Grabanzos, was a chocolate-covered snack made from chickpeas. In January, the company launched its second product, Protos Grain-Free Baked Crisps. The recent funding from the NSF will allow Anthithesis Foods to expand its production and apply its technology to other foods such as graham crackers, cereals, chips, granola and cookies.

Gluten-free cracker company The Cracker King has revealed two new upcoming product launches. The company will add a Parmesan & Herb flavor to its cracker line-up, which include award-winning flavors such as Cheddar ‘N Pepper and Rosemary & Sea Salt. The Cracker King will also diversify its offerings with its new Crowns line for kids, which will be available in stores in the next few months. The company has also hinted at a potential cookie line that it will be working on in 2023.

Cereal start-up Crispy Fantasy hopes to disrupt the European breakfast cereal market with its high protein, gluten-free and vegan cereal. The cereal brand takes nostalgic breakfast cereals, such as chocolate puffs, and makes them healthier. The cereal is made of clean ingredients including agave syrup, unsweetened cocoa powder, soy and pea protein and avocado oil. The brand claims that each serving of its cereal contains four times more protein and half the sugar of leading cereals on the market. The company is initially launching in the U.K. through its website and Amazon and has upcoming plans to roll out across wider Europe. Crispy Fantasy has secured the backing of reputable food entrepreneurs including Halo Top co-founder and CEO Doug Bouton; the food innovator that sold RXBar to Kellogg, Peter Rahal; and US-based investment fund Pareto Holdings.

UK chip company, Burts Snacks, has launched a limited-edition Prawn Cocktail flavor in partnership with the Royal National Lifeboat Association. 5p from each pack (up to max £10,000) will be donated to the RNLI to help the charity save lives at sea and keep Britain's coastlines safe. The pack features an image of a lifeboat and is available for sale on its website, in cafes and in Costa Coffee stores. Burts Snacks has worked with RNLI since 2021, when it relayed its water safety message on its Sea Salt and Sea Salt & Malt Vinegar flavors.

Canadian snack company Purplesful has recently launched with its purple kernel popcorn. Purplesful claims substituting yellow corn for purple corn provides higher levels of antioxidants and contributes to a fluffier and creamier texture. Purplesful’s popcorn is also gluten free, plant-based and contains 0g of trans fat. Purplesful is also driven by a social purpose, as it pledges to donate 25% of its profits to charities that support the education and health of underprivileged kids. It also partners with local purple corn farmers in Peru to provide support. The popcorn is available in family-sized packs in two flavors: sea salt and vegan cheddar. They are currently available at Loblaws, independent grocers and natural food stores across Canada. Later this month, Purplesful will also expand into Sobeys, Canadian Shopper Drug Mart and Metro, with plans to launch in the US in the fall and with more products expected. 

Artisan Parmesan Crisps brand Joyfull Bakery announced its products will be soon available at the deli department at all Sprouts Farmers Market stores. Sprouts will carry Joyfull Bakery’s Original and Everything Parmesan Crisps, as well as its newest flavor, Jalapeño. While Joyfull Bakery is sold in regional retailers, Sprouts Farmers Market is the first national retailer for Joyfull Bakery. 

Grocery store chain Trader Joes has expanded its plant-based snack range with its lentil and chickpea Papadum Crisps. The crisps are inspired by the traditional Indian deep-fried chickpea cracker, but Trader Joe's version also includes lentils and cumin. It is also fried in rice bran oil, which contains vitamins, antioxidants and zero trans fats. 

KP Snacks brand Tyrrells has launched its first TV ad campaign to promote its line of Lentil Crisps. Launched late last year, Tyrrells Lentil Crisps are currently available in 80 gram sharing bags in two flavors: Sour Cream & Onion and Sweet Chilli & Red Pepper. Its TV campaign uses old black and white film footage and playfully incorporates brightly colored, oversized pictures of the snack. The advertisement emphasizes the claim of offering 30 percent less fat than regular potato chips to tap into the growing better-for-you snack trend. Running until 23 May, the campaign will be broadcasted across VOD services, including ITV, All 4, Sky and STV.

Ecotone UK snack brand Kallø is expanding its Veggie Cakes range by launching Veggie Cake Minis. The plant-based snacks are made from lentils and peas and are high in protein and fiber. The snacks are also HFSS-compliant and come in two flavors: Beetroot & Balsamic and Spinash & Pesto. The Minis range aims to target consumers looking for on-the-go snacks as they return to traveling and commuting. Kallø’s Veggie Cakes Minis are set to roll out nationwide in 22 gram single bags for 90p each.  

Blanco Niño’s Ancient Grain Blue Corn Tortilla Chips with Toasted Amaranth was awarded gold at the recent Free From Awards in the Savoury Snacking category. The brand, based in Clonmel, Tipperary, is new to the U.K. market and includes three flavours: Lightly Salted, Chilli & Lime and Ancient Grain. Each batch of the tortilla chips takes three days to make, using nixtamalization, an ancient process used by the Aztecs. The amaranth is sourced from heritage farmers in Milpa Alta, Mexico City. Blanco Niño tortilla chips are gluten free, kosher-certified, vegan friendly, and there are no preservatives or additives. Several new products are slated for this launch this year and next. 

100 percent cheese snack brand Moon Cheese Crunchy Cheese Bites is expanding by securing distribution to 1,800 Kroger stores nationwide. There are four flavors: Cheddar Believe It, Garlickin' Parmesan, White Chedda Black Peppa, and Oh My Gouda. They are made with 100 percent real cheese and contain 10-12 grams of protein and up to 2 grams of carbs. Used as salad toppings, they are keto-friendly and gluten free. 

A student from the University of Denver has introduced 'Illegal Oats' Granola, based on meal worms. The product comes in three flavors: chocolate, orange-cranberry and honey nut. Clare Whetzel wanted a healthier alternative to grocery store granola and came up with a formulation based on insect powder for a school competition. Whetzel received a grant to develop the idea, and the product is now on sale at the Co-op store in Denver, with distribution extending to Highlands Farmers Market in May.

Good Food Partners launched the Freedom Oats line of low gluten oat porridges in Australia. There are two varieties: Original and Honey Porridge. Both are low in gluten and naturally sweet, and contain less than 5 grams of sugar per serving. The products are dairy free. GFP general manager Innovation & Growth, Honi Cervi, said the brand responded to “a real gap in the market when it came to low gluten, mainstream oat options, and at the same time we identified a growing demand from consumers with varied levels of intolerance or those avoiding gluten for lifestyle reasons”. Freedom Oats can be bought in Coles and independent supermarkets.

Planting Hope’s Mozaics™ Real Veggie Chips brand will be available in 28 Saker ShopRite stores in north-eastern U.S. states. Saker ShopRite will sell three flavors - Sea Salt, BBQ and Salsa - in 3.5-ounce bags from early May. The products contain 3 grams each of plant protein and dietary fiber, and contain no cholesterol or trans fats. They are vegan and non-GMO, and certified kosher and gluten-free.

Vancouver-based Modern Plant Based Foods Inc.’s Snacks from the Sun popped chips have secured distribution at a further 130 stores in Canada, and the company says this is just the beginning, with plans to expand further in Canada and into the U.S. The products are made with “all-natural potatoes, whole grains, and seasonings, then popped.” They are vegan and free of gluten, cholesterol and saturated fat, and are available in six flavors: Sour Cream and Chive, Sea Salt, Cracked Pepper, Tangy Barbecue, Salt and Vinegar, and Nacho Cheese. The company offers a range of plant-based products, such as meat- and dairy-free options, soups and vegan snacks. 

The actress recently commented on Top Seedz, a company based in Buffalo, N.Y., as part of an April 2022 Instagram story, saying she “can't live without you.” Top Seedz makes handmade gourmet seed crackers and roasted seeds. In a video posted by Paltrow, she said “When you’re paleo, these crackers are pretty much everything.” Top Seedz launched in 2017. The organic, vegan, gluten-free snacks are available online and in stores in the state.

Kestrel Foods, based in Craigavon, Northern Ireland and best known for the Forest Feast range of dried fruits, nut snacks and trail mixes, has acquired Just Live a Little, a granola breakfast and snack food business based in Portaferry. The brand will support Kestrel Foods’ growth in the plant-based food category. Just Live a Little was founded in 2012 and is sold in Waitrose, Ocado and Tesco, but also exports to Asia and Europe. Kestrel Foods exports to 26 countries with a portfolio that includes Forest Feast and ACTI-SNACK, and distribution in retail, foodservice, e-commerce and travel retail. ACTI-SNACK targets the fitness market with mixed fruit, nut and seed snacks in resealable packs.