News for professionals in the food business

Rising Demand For Nutritious Snacks In India Fuels Innovation

Health-conscious Indian consumers are driving a surge in demand for nutritious snacks, particularly nuts, according to Yashvardhan Goel, Managing Director of NFP Sampoorna Foods. As urbanization and fitness trends shape eating habits, companies are scaling production, investing in sustainable practices and offering innovative products like plant-based snacks. Transparency in sourcing and eco-friendly packaging are helping brands build trust and differentiate themselves in a competitive market. To expand reach, businesses are diversifying distribution channels and focusing on consumer education, sustainability and premium quality offerings.

Kallo Launches Organic Granolas In UK Supermarkets

Kallo introduced two organic granola flavors, Three Nut Crunch and Superfruit Crunch. They are available now at Waitrose and next month in Tesco. Made with organic oat and wheat flakes, they offer 6.1g of fiber per serving and include nutrient-rich ingredients like hazelnuts, almonds and cashews in Three Nut, and dried berries in Superfruit. Aimed at meeting the demand for sustainable, nutritious breakfast options, these cereals complement Kallo's existing lineup of wholesome snacks, including their Organic Wholegrain Puffed Rice.

New Chickpea Snack Line Brings Savory, Nutritious Crunch

Festive Chickpeas expanded distribution through Redstone Foods Inc., introducing crunchy chickpea hearts as a nutritious snack alternative for US consumers. Rich in protein, iron and potassium, these low-sodium, low-fat chickpea snacks come in shareable 4oz packs with four savory flavors: Sea Salt, Sour Cream & Onion, Spicy, and Ranch.

Rivalz Expands Nutritious Snack Line Nationwide

Rivalz broadened distribution for its USDA Smart Snack-compliant, nutrient-dense stuffed snacks across major retailers, specialty stores and e-retailers, providing a better-for-you option with 8g of protein, 4g of fiber per serving, as well as seven essential vitamins. Now available through Meijer, Thrive Market and Hudson News, Rivalz offers convenient, school-approved snacks that meet national nutrition standards for health-conscious consumers.

Kestrel Foods Acquires Indie Bay For Snack Expansion

Northern Ireland-based Kestrel Foods acquired low-fat pretzel brand Indie Bay from Nurture Brands to enhance its portfolio of healthier snacks. Indie Bay, known for low-calorie snacks, joins Kestrel’s lineup as it seeks further growth in grocery and direct-to-consumer channels. Kestrel, founded in 1996, continues to expand through innovation and distribution.

Majans Launches Healthier Air Fries Snack

Majans in Australia introduces Infuzions Air Fries, a new snack made from 100% Australian-grown split peas, offering a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks. Offering a 4-star health rating, Air Fries come in three flavors—Peri Peri, Tomato Sauce and Aioli—catering to diverse taste preferences. This crispy, better-for-you snack is now available exclusively at Woolworths in the Health aisle.

Key Trends Shaping Food And Drink Innovation

Mintel's 2025 Food and Drink Trends highlight key areas that will shape the industry. Focus will intensify on blood sugar and hormone health, with nutrient-dense products gaining popularity. Consumers will embrace "rule-breaking" food choices that reflect their individuality, while mental health management through food will rise. Supply chain disruptions will drive the use of diversified ingredients, encouraging trust in new flavors and sources. As technology becomes essential to food production, brands will need to humanize it, showing how it benefits both consumers and the environment.

Consumers Demand Affordable, Sustainable Food Solutions

Although consumer awareness of healthy, sustainable food is growing, only 42 percent of US, UK and Canadian consumers regularly purchase such options, and this is due to high prices according to FoodMinds' 2024 Conscious Consumption Index. Price, taste and healthiness are key factors in consumer choice, but they increasingly expect leadership from the food industry and governments to provide clearer, affordable and trustworthy options for healthier and more sustainable eating.

Reformulation Towards Healthier Food Gets Mixed Consumer Reaction

With an eye on HFSS compliance, food and beverage brands are reformulating products to reduce unhealthy ingredients like salt, sugar and fat for health compliance and improved nutritional value. Although consumers might not want to resist change, they can be slow to accept it for fear of compromising taste. Experts suggest brands improve communication by emphasizing the benefits, such as added fiber or vegetables, rather than focusing on reduction in some ingredients. The “health by stealth” approach—gradually lowering unhealthy ingredients without noticeable changes—helps maintain taste while improving nutrition.

Conagra Unveils New Salty Snacks At NACS

Conagra Brands is launching a range of new salty snacks at the 2024 National Association of Convenience Stores Show in Las Vegas. Vlasic Pickle Balls are a puff ball snack featuring the flavor of Vlasic pickles. They will be shipped next month to C-stores. DAVID is showcasing its honey-roasted flavored sunflower seeds, containing 8g of protein per ¼ cup. BiGS is showing Fire Sunflower Seeds, with a chili-pepper flavor. Glutino will be shipping two gluten-free options to C-stores - Vlasic® Dill Pickle flavored and Honey Mustard flavored pretzels twists, and Andy Capp's Fire Tots are puffcorn snacks with the same spicy heat featured in the brand’s Fire Fries.

Kellanova Expands UK Cereal Production Capacity

Kellanova, the cereal manufacturer behind brands like Special K, All Bran and Bran Flakes, is investing £75 million in its Wrexham, UK, facility, more than doubling daily production there to 1.5 million boxes. This move consolidates its UK cereal production as operations shift from the Trafford Park factory in Manchester, which will close by 2026. It will create at least 130 new jobs in Wrexham and enhance sustainability through AI and machine learning. Kellanova says it aims to boost efficiency and quality while strengthening its commitment to better-for-you breakfast cereals in the UK market.

Spicy-Sweet Veggie Snacks For Healthier Holidays

Calbee's Harvest Snaps introduces its limited-edition Jalapeño Pepper Jelly with Cream Cheese Baked Green Pea Snacks, available on the brand’s site through March 2025. These festive snacks feature whole green peas as the main ingredient, offering fibre and 5g of plant protein per serving. Balancing sweet, savory and spicy flavors, they are gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly and free of common allergens. Ideal for holiday parties or snacking, this seasonal treat aligns with Harvest Snaps' commitment to delivering veggie-first nutrition with a fun twist.

3Bears Expands With Harry Kane Endorsement

German porridge maker 3Bears, backed by England soccer captain Harry Kane, currently playing for Bayern Munich, is accelerating its expansion plans, including a UK launch. Kane, a minor investor, will act as brand ambassador and collaborate on a special Harry x 3Bears product range. 3Bears, founded by Caroline and Tim Nichols in 2016, already sells in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, with growing interest in gut health driving demand for oat-based products. The company aims to introduce its porridge and breakfast bars to more markets, leveraging Kane’s popularity to enhance brand visibility. Harry Kane has also invested in UK snack producer Insane Grain, which launched Insane Kane Strikin’ Hot Crisps last year.

Low And Slow Launches Hickory Smoked BBQ Cheese Puffs

Low and Slow, known for its authentically smoked BBQ snacks, introduces Hickory Smoked BBQ Cheese Puffs, offering a unique smoky flavor to a classic snack. Made using real hickory wood and a sweet, salty rub, the cheese puffs deliver an aroma and taste reminiscent of a backyard BBQ. Co-founder Jared Drinkwater said the puffs were a hit during a preview event in Texas. Available at 301 Walmart stores in Texas and over 1,000 grocery stores across 11 states, Low and Slow’s BBQ snacks also include potato and corn chips.

Nature's Path Launches Regenerative Organic Oatmeal

Nature’s Path introduced a new line of Regenerative Organic Certified flavored oatmeal, offering a sustainable and flavorful breakfast option. Available in berries and cream or dark chocolate and cocoa, each oatmeal box contains six single-serve packets of quick-cooking oats. They use organic, high-quality ingredients aimed at benefiting consumers. Nature’s Path collaborated with the Regenerative Organic Alliance to establish the ROC Standard, which prioritizes soil health, animal welfare and fair treatment of workers.

Growers Garden’s Broccoli Crisps Land Aldi Deal

Growers Garden, based in Cupar, Scotland, secured a deal to stock its broccoli crisps in all 106 Aldi Scotland stores. Founded in 2018, the company uses "wonky" broccoli, which would otherwise become food waste, to create healthier, vegan crisps with around half the fat of regular potato chips. By blending fresh broccoli with corn, peas, potato, spinach and a touch of salt, Growers Garden produces preservative-free snacks. The partnership with Aldi supports the brand’s mission to reduce farm waste while highlighting local Scottish ingredients.

Health-Focused Trends Driving C-Store Innovation

Health-conscious consumers are influencing snack trends in convenience stores, pushing for better-for-you food options. Brad Helmer from KeHE Distributors highlighted 5 percent growth in natural product sales, with more convenience retailers offering healthier choices. Younger generations are driving this shift, seeking wellness-oriented products, according to Ryan Burkhart of Veggies Made Great. With $638 billion spent on health-focused food and beverages, retailers and foodservice providers have significant opportunities to offer nutritious, functional products.

California Bans Artificial Dyes In School Snacks

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law banning six artificial food dyes in K-12 schools, effective in 2028, due to concerns about their impact on children's behavior and attention. They are Blue 1 and 2, Green 3, Red 40, and Yellow 5 and 6. This legislation follows last year's law prohibiting certain food additives in all food sold in California. Despite pushback from food manufacturers who claim the FDA is the appropriate regulator, state officials emphasize the importance of updated safety standards based on recent research linking synthetic dyes to hyperactivity, and several state legislatures are looking at similar legislation.

Second Nature Acquires Voortman For Growth

Second Nature Brands acquired Voortman cookies from J.M. Smucker Co. for $305 million, expanding its better-for-you snack portfolio. This acquisition includes a leased production facility and 300 employees, enhancing Second Nature’s presence in the US and Canada. CEO Victor Mehren said the deal broadens their cookie category and opens new growth opportunities. Voortman is expected to generate around $150 million revenue in fiscal 2025.

Dehydrated Veggie Chips Are Not Necessarily A Healthier Snack Option

Dehydrated vegetable chips are gaining popularity as a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips. They use dehydration instead of frying, preserving nutrients and offering a crunchy texture with minimal oils or sodium. However, some brands add sugars, salt or artificial ingredients, compromising any health benefits. Nutritionists recommend choosing varieties with minimal seasoning and watching portion sizes, as these chips are less filling than whole foods.

Kellogg's Faces Backlash Over Chemicals In Cereals

Kellogg’s is under increasing pressure for using artificial ingredients in its cereals, as a petition spearheaded by influencer Vani Hari, known as the Food Babe, gains traction with over 120,000 signatures. It demands the removal of harmful additives like artificial dyes and preservatives banned or restricted in other countries, such as butylated hydroxytoluene. Hari says, “Europe takes a ‘precautionary principle’ approach towards food additives that are potentially unsafe…The US does not remove additives from our food supply until they have been proven dangerous.”

Organix Launches New Campaign For Healthy Snacks

Organix, a brand of baby and toddler snacks, unveiled its new campaign, “Keep the Good Times Rollin,” backed by a £1 million investment. The initiative aims to engage 95 percent of parents through various platforms, including TV, YouTube and social media, showcasing the fun of everyday outings with children. Featuring the “Lil Ballers,” the campaign highlights organic options. Marketing Director Mandy Bobrowski said the campaign aims to increase awareness of the products and keep them top of mind when shoppers are in-store or online.

Global Snacks Bring Bold And Nutritious New Flavors

The SIAL Innovation Observatory highlights diverse new snack innovations, from gluten-free, fiber-rich Apple Crisps with ginger by Hungary’s Nobilis Zrt, to Korea’s spicy mayo pollock fish chips by Lotte Wellcome, containing 3.3g of protein in a serving. Dr. Karg’s high-protein, low-carb thins, Vegan Rob’s beet and dragon puffs and CHAZZ’s energy drink-flavored chips showcase innovation with health-focused ingredients and bold flavors for global snackers. With offerings like snEco’s crunchy cheese bites and Feel FIT’s Royal Coconut Protein Balls, the lineup reflects rising demand for sustainable, nutrient-dense snacks that deliver both flavor and function.

Flahavan's Brings New Muesli And Porridge To Market

Irish oat brand Flahavan’s launched Hi8 muesli range and two porridge varieties in Waitrose. Hi8 muesli, in Original and Fruit & Nut flavors, includes eight natural ingredients including oats, dates and seeds, with no added sugar. New Real Fruit Apple & Raisin Porridge and Organic Porridge Oat Sachets join the lineup, reflecting Flahavan’s focus on sustainable, fiber-rich, protein-packed offerings. Expansion follows Flahavan’s significant revenue growth, despite rising operating costs.

Mission MightyMe Expands Nut Allergy Prevention Snacks

Driven by a personal mission to prevent food allergies, Catherine and JJ Jaxon created Mission MightyMe’s nut butter puffs, inspired by research showing early peanut exposure can reduce allergies. Launched online in 2020, the quick-dissolve puffs are now debuting in 200 Target stores nationwide. Developed with allergy expert Dr. Gideon Lack, the puffs are designed for easy introduction of peanuts and tree nuts, aiming to protect more children from severe allergies and reduce allergy rates nationwide.

Tata Soulfull Launches Millet-Powered Corn Flakes+

Tata Soulfull introduces Corn Flakes+, a high-fiber, millet-powered cornflakes blend in Original and Honey Almond flavors. It combines corn with jowar for a crunchy, cholesterol-free breakfast option tailored to the Indian palate. Corn Flakes+ aligns with Tata Soulfull’s mission to make millets a staple in modern diets while targeting health-conscious consumers. It joins Tata’s growing lineup of millet-based snacks, including Millet Muesli and Ragi Bites.

Gimme Seaweed Launches Korean BBQ Seaweed Snacks

Gimme Seaweed introduced a new Korean BBQ flavor to its lineup of organic roasted seaweed snacks, becoming the line’s ninth flavor. Inspired by traditional Korean flavors, this snack blends garlic, soy sauce, miso and gochujang for a spicy-sweet kick, and uses seaweed sourced sustainably from Korea. Available at major retailers like Whole Foods and Target, the Korean BBQ snack follows the successful launch of Gimme’s Chili Lime flavor, reflecting the growing demand for bold, spicy snacks in the US market.

Swees In Thailand Launches World’s First Vegan Rice Cheese Stick

Swees, a plant-based cheese brand, introduced what it claims is the world’s first vegan rice-based cheese stick, supported by the Thai government. Head of R&D Sirinapa Thasak explains that the cheese sticks target convenience store consumers in Thailand. Featuring nutritional yeast and soy protein isolate, they are cholesterol-free and a source of vitamin B12. Despite the challenges of promoting cheese in a country where cheese consumption is relatively less common, Swees focuses on enhancing taste and texture to attract consumers.

Growth Opportunities In German BFY Savory Snacks Market

A report from Mintel says rising demand for salty snacks in Germany is driving retail volume growth, despite inflation challenges. Consumers increasingly seek better-for-you products with added benefits like high fiber, rather than those focused simply on reducing negatives. Environmental sustainability and packaging innovations present opportunities, as consumers prefer transparent supply chains and eco-friendly options. With increased focus on blood sugar monitoring, low glycemic index snacks may benefit, alongside fun and novel flavors that appeal to younger demographics. Morning commutes are an ideal occasion for healthy eating with BFY snacks.

Sweden's Grain Innovation Towards Healthier, Sustainable Snacking

Sweden's Mineralskiftet project is transforming healthy snacking with innovative hydrothermal treatments that unlock essential minerals in grains like rye, barley and wheat. It breaks down almost all the phytic acid and increases the bioavailability of key nutrients like iron and zinc by up to four times, paving the way for healthier snacks and baked goods. Products like the mineral-rich Råggyberry snack, which combines enriched rye with cheese and fruit compote, are gaining popularity for their taste and nutritional value. This initiative promotes sustainability and supports Sweden's goal of reducing meat consumption and boosting whole grain intake, but it could also herald a new era for snacks and bakery, using grains to provide nutrients naturally rather than through fortification.

Snacking Trends Include Indulgence, Meal Replacement And Generational Differences

Snacking habits in the US in 2024 saw indulgent snacks like chips and cookies growing in popularity at the expense of healthier, driven partly by concerns over price. Consumers are increasingly "snackifying" meals, especially breakfast, with items like snack bars and salty treats. Snacking behaviors vary across generations, with Gen X leading in in-home snacking, while Millennials, despite snacking less, are forming brand loyalties that will shape future spending. Gen Alpha’s parents seek healthier snacks, offering brands opportunities to market nutritious yet tasty products. Snack makers can respond by balancing indulgence with healthier, convenient options.

Gen Z Favors Premium Groceries Including Healthy Snacks

Gen Z is redefining luxury through health-conscious snacks and drinks, favoring high-end over traditional status symbols. Rising grocery prices haven't deterred this generation from indulging in expensive, trendy food items, often showcased on social media. Erewhon, an upscale grocery store, epitomizes this trend, with celebrity-endorsed products. A Whole Foods survey conducted by YouGov found almost three-quarters of Gen Z respondents would pay more for high-quality foods. With fewer young people owning homes or cars, groceries have become an accessible way to signal affluence and personal values.

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