News for professionals in the food business

Peckish Launches New Guilt-Free, Air-Baked Peckables

Peckish introduces Peckables, a new air-baked rice cracker snack line with less than 100 calories per serving, available in four flavors: Sour Cream and Chive, Cheese and Bacon, Salt and Vinegar, and Honey Soy Chicken. Free from added MSG, Peckables aim to make snacking light and fun. They are available at major Australian retailers for $3.20.

Fit & Flex Aims To Advance Nutritious Snacking In India

Fit & Flex, founded five years ago in Ahmedabad, offers a range of 100% baked, oat-based breakfast cereals and snacks aimed at health-conscious consumers. Its flagship product, baked granola, is available in four flavors, with muesli and multigrain snacks following soon. With a focus on high-quality ingredients and 360-degree slow-bake technology, Fit & Flex claims to offer nutritious, low-sugar, and flavorful products. Available in over 5000 stores, the brand plans further expansion with new high-protein oats, trail mixes, and millet snacks, aiming to become India's top "better-for-you" snack brand. As well as India, the products are available in UAE, Africa and the Maldives.

Prime Planet Tostones Showcased At Miami Plantain Festival

Prime Planet Tostones brings its crunchy, plantain chips to the Festival del Plátano in Miami in September. The event, part of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, offers festival-goers the chance to enjoy Prime Planet's five signature flavors, including Original, Lime, and Habanero. Sourced from Ecuador, these plantain chips are certified organic, gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan and kosher.

Shore Expands Seaweed Chips With New Flavor

Shore The Scottish Seaweed Co. launched a new Salt & Balsamic flavor for its better-for-you seaweed chips, available in Sainsbury’s Scotland stores, in 25g individual bags and 80g share bags. Shore's sales have grown by 30 percent this year, with its range already featuring flavors like Peking Duck and Sweet Sriracha. The new flavor will soon be promoted across Scottish Aldi stores and expand to independent retailers nationwide. Shore continues to gain traction in major supermarkets, appealing to health-conscious consumers.

One Rock Capital Acquires Europe Snacks For Growth

US investment firm One Rock Capital Partners acquired private-label snack manufacturer Europe Snacks, based in Paris. Europe Snacks, which produces crisps and crackers for branded and retail customers, operates seven factories across France, the UK and Spain. It follows Europe Snacks' purchase of UK-based Burts Snacks in 2022. The company plans to leverage One Rock’s expertise to drive innovation and expand its offerings.

Mondelez Launches 2024 CoLab Tech Accelerator Program

Mondelēz International has selected 10 startups for its second CoLab Tech Accelerator Program, focused on advancing snacking innovations aligned with its “Vision 2030.” The program targets technologies in areas like sustainable packaging, well-being snacks and cocoa processing and offers hands-on learning, mentorship and access to Mondelēz’s network. Startups most directly relevant for BFY snacks include Enginzyme, a Sweden-based company with a method to create prebiotic trisaccharide and Tasteomics, a Swiss company that is developing Peakaroma, a plant-based product without “off-flavors” but which elevates Kokumi, a flavor experience that could improve the intensity and mouthfeel of basic tastes.

Mondelēz’s Richie Gray Seeks Next Big Snacking Innovation

Richie Gray, VP of Mondelēz International’s SnackFutures Ventures, is focused on identifying and investing in innovative snack brands. Gray oversees ventures aimed at future-proofing the company in snacks through category and core brand innovations. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, sustainability and consumer-driven trends like “better-for-you” snacking, highlighting protein as a growing trend. SnackFutures invests in more established companies with strong management, profitability and disruptive potential. While inflation and supply chain challenges persist, Gray seeks startups that align with Mondelēz's vision, such as the €2.6bn it spent on acquiring Clif Bar & Company. Gray also sees potential in combining trends, like wellbeing and personalisation.

Lil Bucks Raises $3M For Buckwheat-Based Snack Growth

Lil Bucks, a sprouted buckwheat brand, secured $3 million in Series A funding, led by Proterra Investment Partners, to fuel growth through marketing, innovation and talent acquisition. CEO Emily Griffith highlighted buckwheat's growing popularity as a gluten-free, nutritious ingredient. Lil Bucks, which offers products like Clusterbucks and buckwheat toppers, recently expanded to Target and Whole Foods.

In India, GST Reduced On Namkeen, Savory Products

At the 54th GST Council meeting, Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a reduction in the GST rate on namkeen and savory products from 18 percent to 12 percent. This change covers items such as bhujia, mixtures and pre-packaged savory snacks. However, un-fried or un-cooked snack pellets made through extrusion will continue to be taxed at 5 percent, while snacks made using the extrusion process will still face an 18 percent levy. The adjustment aligns rates for most ready-to-eat savory products, addressing discrepancies and reducing consumer costs.

Pipcorn Launches New Heirloom-Corn Fries Line

Pipcorn Heirloom Snacks launched Pipcorn Fries in Fiery Cheddar, Cheddar and Truffle flavors. These gluten-free, non-GMO snacks are made from heirloom corn, promoting agricultural biodiversity and sustainability. With a commitment to better-for-you ingredients, Pipcorn Fries blend nostalgic taste experiences with healthier ingredients. Fiery Cheddar Fries will be available at Kroger; Fiery Cheddar and Cheddar Fries will be sold at Meijer. The brand continues to expand, offering its products in over 30,000 locations nationwide.

GoodSam Introduces Fruit Chips

GoodSam Foods has introduced Crispy Crunchy Fruit Chips, a better-for-you snack created through regenerative harvesting practices. Developed by women leaders in Colombia, the vegan, non-GMO chips are made using a slow-baked process that enhances natural flavors without added oils or preservatives. The product lineup includes Pineapple Slices, Plantain Chips and Banana Chips, among others, with prices ranging from $2.99 to $4.99. Committed to sustainability and supporting communities in the biodiverse Paramos ecosystem, GoodSam aims to empower farmers and promote regenerative agriculture with every purchase.

True Primal Launches Grainless Granola For Healthy Snacking

Grainless Granola from True Primal is a gluten-free, grain-free and paleo-friendly cereal made with almonds, coconut, seeds and honey. This clean-label snack contains no oats, soy, dairy, refined sugar or artificial additives. The 16oz. resealable pouch offers 8g of protein per serving, along with healthy fats and fiber. Versatile and convenient, Grainless Granola can be enjoyed as a breakfast cereal or as a topping for fruit, smoothies and yogurt.

CK Snacks Acquires Axium Foods, Targets Further Expansion

CK Snacks, known for private label snack foods, has acquired Axium Foods, a manufacturer specializing in tortilla chips, corn chips and extruded snacks. This acquisition strengthens CK Snacks’ product portfolio and expands its market reach across North America. Both companies will continue operating from their respective locations while focusing on delivering innovative, high-quality snack products. The merger positions CK Snacks for sustained growth in the snack food industry.

Popcorn Kitchen Joins Craft Gin Club Collaboration

Popcorn Kitchen partnered with Craft Gin Club to tap into the growing trend of drink and snack pairings popular with Generation Z. The collaboration introduces the brand’s "Simply Sweet" and "Simply Salted" popcorn into curated gin and rum boxes, reaching Craft Gin Club's audience of fine food and drink enthusiasts. Founder Louise Webb sees this as a key opportunity to expand brand visibility through exposure to potential consumers, aligning with Popcorn Kitchen’s focus on artisanal, high-quality snacks in the better-for-you space.

Hero Group Brings Deliciously Ella Into The Fold

Swiss manufacturer Hero Group acquired UK-based snack brand Deliciously Ella to expand its presence in the healthy food market. The acquisition will help scale Deliciously Ella's natural, plant-based snacks internationally, while Hero leverages its global experience in the sector. Deliciously Ella’s core range includes oat bars, granola and crackers, but its Plants brand remains separate from the deal and owned by the founders of Deliciously Ella. Hero aims to enhance its better-for-you offerings, building on its UK success with the Organix brand. The parties have not disclosed the terms of the deal.

Cornell Develops Nutritious Milk Protein Puffs For Seniors

Cornell food scientists have developed dissolvable milk protein puffs tailored for seniors with swallowing difficulties and lactose intolerance. These nutritious snacks, made using low-temperature supercritical fluid extrusion, offer a high-protein, fiber-rich option that dissolves instantly in the mouth. Enhanced with apple pomace and acid whey, the puffs provide added dietary fiber, antioxidants and micronutrients. This innovative product offers a healthier, portable alternative to traditional liquid dysphagia supplements and highlights the potential of food technology to improve nutrition for the aging population.

New UK Government Confirms HFSS Ad Ban

Starting October 1 next year, the UK will implement new restrictions on advertising high fat, sugar and salt products, banning ‘junk food’ ads on TV before 9pm and eliminating online ads entirely. It aims to address childhood obesity, with one in three children reportedly overweight by the end of primary school. Snack brands in the better-for-you space may benefit from this shift as consumers seek healthier alternatives. However, the government ruled out a sugar or salt tax, citing consumers’ current cost-of-living challenges.

BEST Cereal Surpasses One Million Boxes Sold

Launched in March 2024 by the Sidemen in collaboration with Mornflake, BEST Cereal has now sold over one million boxes across the UK. Its three popular flavors—Choco Crunch, Caramel Gold, and Ice Cream Crunch—are available at leading retailers and on TikTok Shop. The brand achieved rapid success, boosted by high-profile campaigns featuring celebrities like teenage darts player Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler and streamer Sketch. BEST also gained visibility on ITV2’s Love Island. Now, the brand is preparing for further expansion into international markets and via IP partnerships.

Like Air® Launches Monthly Flavor Drops On TikTok

Like Air® introduces a limited-time monthly flavor drop program on TikTok Shop, starting with Pumpkin Spice on September 18. Known for its airy, better-for-you puffcorn, Like Air® uses TikTok to engage with snack lovers and gather ideas for future flavors. Single-serve 80-calorie bags, including original varieties like White Cheddar and Sour Cream and Onion, will be available exclusively on TikTok. To celebrate the launch, Like Air® will host live shopping events with giveaways and discounts. The brand's products are free from eight of the major allergens.

LesserEvil Expands Beyond Popcorn With New Campaign

LesserEvil, a natural snack brand, has experienced rapid growth, reaching $103 million in 2023 sales and on track for $165 million this year. Originally focused natural kettle corn, the company is expanding into new snack categories like puffs and launching its first national marketing campaign, "Feed the Feeling". CEO Charles Coristine transformed the brand by using organic ingredients and improving margins through vertical integration in manufacturing. LesserEvil's products are now available in 35,000 stores, including Walmart and Target. With increased investments in brand awareness and new product launches, LesserEvil is positioned to further tap into the better-for-you snack market. It’s currently an “80 percent popcorn brand, 20 percent puffs”, but this year it will continue to push puffs through new products and formats while continuing to “maintain our roots with popcorn.”

Innovating Snacks Includes Emphasizing Experience, Mindfulness And Exploration

The Elephant Room's latest Rulebreakers report explores emerging trends in snacking, focusing on shifting consumer attitudes. Modern consumers view snacking as a personal, mindful activity that offers a break from daily stress, prioritizing indulgence and quality over health. The report highlights the growing desire for customizable, interactive snacking experiences, where the process and discovery of new snacks are as important as the taste. Additionally, there’s a strong appetite for experimentation, with consumers seeking diverse, global flavors and engaging packaging.

Burts Relaunches Maple Pigs In Blankets Chips

Burts Snacks brings back its popular Maple Pigs in Blankets potato chips for the 2024 festive season, following strong demand last year. These hand-cooked, gluten-free crisps feature smoky sausage and bacon flavors balanced with a maple glaze. Available through major wholesalers and Amazon, the chips are expected to see a 106 percent sales increase during this year’s season, year-on-year. Burts uses locally sourced potatoes from Devon in the UK and avoids added MSG or artificial ingredients, appealing to health-conscious consumers.

Hain Celestial Sells ParmCrisps To Focus On BFY

Hain Celestial Group has sold its ParmCrisps® snack brand to Our Home, aligning with its Hain Reimagined transformation strategy, which includes a focus on optimizing its better-for-you portfolio and improving operational efficiency by streamlining its supply chain. The sale will reduce the company’s manufacturing footprint and simplify its co-manufacturer network, contributing to margin expansion. Proceeds from the transaction will be used to pay down company debt, allowing Hain to concentrate on scaling its core better-for-you brands. This divestment follows the earlier sales of Thinsters® and Queen Helene® as part of Hain's broader growth strategy.

CJ Foods Launches O-Right Tempeh Chips In Thailand

South Korea-based CJ Foods has introduced O-right Tempeh Chips in Thailand, a high-protein, plant-based snack made from traditional Indonesian fermented soybeans. Each bag offers 6g of protein with no artificial additives, available in four flavors, including K-BBQ and Kimchi, specifically for Thai consumers. This launch marks CJ Foods' effort to offer healthier snack alternatives in a market dominated by potato chips, targeting trend-savvy, health-conscious consumers. The chips are currently available online and in select supermarkets, with plans to expand to major retail chains by year-end. CJ Foods aims to build on its success with bibigo Korean foods, furthering its market expansion in Thailand after entering the market last year.

ecoBrown’s Launches Healthy Brice Snack With Xiumin Contest

Malaysian rice brand ecoBrown’s launched its new snack range, ecoBrown’s Brice, offering health-conscious consumers two flavors: Spicy Cheese and Seaweed. Made from premium rice and quality ingredients, Brice aims to provide a delicious yet healthy snack option. To celebrate the launch, ecoBrown’s hosted a special event featuring South Korean singer Xiumin, drawing fans to interactive activities and meet-and-greet sessions. As part of the promotion, ecoBrown’s is running a contest from August 19 through September 19, giving away 38 exclusive pillows signed by Xiumin to participants who purchase Brice products.

Stellar Snacks Launches Grain-Free, Heart-Healthy Pretzels

Stellar Snacks, a non-GMO and vegan snacking company, has introduced Stellar Pretzel Thins, which it claims is the first grain-free pretzel on the market. These gluten-free, superfood-packed pretzels are made with cassava and chickpea flour, hemp and pea protein, as well as avocado oil, offering a heart-healthy alternative to traditional wheat-based snacks. Available in three flavors—Bruschetta, Truffle Pesto and Sea Salt—Stellar Pretzel Thins cater to consumers with gluten allergies and health-conscious individuals. Retailing at $5.99 for a 7.2oz. bag, they are now available in select US grocery stores.

C-Stores Adapt Snack Aisles To Salty, Healthy Trends

Convenience stores are updating snack aisles to meet consumer demand for salty and healthier snacks in the face of ongoing inflation. Popular salty items include potato chips and pretzels, while fruits and nuts lead healthy options. Salty snack sales grew, driven by new flavors like spicy and limited-time offers, but healthy snacks face challenges, with some categories declining due to higher prices. However, shoppers are avoiding high-fructose corn syrup and artificial ingredients as well as trans fats and sugar, and 31 percent say they are buying more healthy snacks than last year. Retailers are introducing private-label products and innovative bundling strategies to attract value-conscious consumers.

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