News for professionals in the food business

Seven Sundays Launches Upcycled Oat Granola

Seven Sundays introduced a new granola line made with upcycled oat protein and whole food ingredients. Oat Granola comes in two flavors: Good Day, with peanut butter, chocolate and banana; and Bright Side, featuring mixed berries. Unlike typical granolas, it’s free from refined sugars and additives, and naturally sweetened with dates and maple syrup. The small-batch recipe uses coconut oil and sea salt, offering twice the protein and a third of the sugar found in conventional granolas. Designed for clean-label seekers, it supports both health and sustainability. Seven Sundays' Oat Granola is available online and through Thrive Market in the US, offering a BFY option for breakfast or snacking.

Khloé Kardashian Launches Protein Popcorn Brand

Khloé Kardashian is entering the BFY snack space with Khloud, a new brand launching April 29. Khloud’s first product line features protein-packed popcorn in three flavors: White Cheddar, Olive Oil & Sea Salt and Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn. Each serving contains 7g of protein from milk protein isolate and is non-GMO, gluten-free, kosher and free from seed oils. Designed for busy people, the snacks aim to deliver functional benefits without compromising taste. Kardashian teamed up with food scientist Chandra Richter.

Snack Show Sparks Pretzel Or Pita Debate

PRETZELIZED™, a snack brand blending pretzels with classics like pita chips and crackers, is taking a fresh, humorous approach to marketing. Instead of the usual flavor-first focus, it launched a four-part sketch comedy series that poses one question: is their Pretzel Pita Chip a pretzel or a pita chip? Starring NYC comedians, the series turns snack identity into an amusing debate, inviting viewers to pick a side and join the conversation. The campaign mirrors the brand’s playful tone while introducing its oven-baked, twice-baked and boldly flavored snacks.

SimplyProtein Unveils New Snack Innovations

SimplyProtein will debut its refreshed branding and new products at CHFA NOW Vancouver. The B Corp-certified brand, known for plant-powered protein snacks, will showcase a category-innovating snack bar, Stacked Bars, and two bold new flavors for its popular protein tortilla chips. The new chip flavors, Jalapeno Ranch and Fiesta Taco, join the existing lineup in providing protein-rich, flavorful alternatives to traditional snacks, and will be available in Canada and the US later this year.

Kallø Launches Organic Gluten-Free Cornflakes

Kallø, a natural food brand in the UK, is expanding its breakfast range with the launch of Organic Gluten-Free Golden Cornflakes, which are low sugar, low fat and a source of fiber, featuring 94% organic corn and raw cane sugar. Kallø's cornflakes are available in Waitrose, Morrisons and select health food stores in the UK and Ireland for £2.49.

Infuzions Revamp Targets Health-Conscious Snackers

Australian brand Majans refreshed its Infuzions brand with a bold new look, clearer positioning and updated flavours to better connect with health-focused consumers. Working with creative agency Asprey, the refresh includes updated packaging and refined messaging that highlights Infuzions’ commitment to flavourful, better-for-you snacks. It also included an improved Veggie Straws Sour Cream & Herb flavour and a new Salt & Balsamic Vinegar option. Available at major retailers like Woolworths and Coles, the updated range aims to appeal to both loyal fans and new shoppers.

Kindling Launches High-Protein Pretzel Snacks

Kindling, a new snack brand from the makers of Kodiak Cakes, launched a line of protein pretzels baked with 100% whole grain. Each serving provides 8 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber. Free from artificial flavors and additives, there are four varieties: Sea Salt, Honey Mustard, Garlic Parmesan and Dill Pickle. Kindling was initially available only on Amazon and in select Costco and Hy-Vee stores but it expanded its reach with new retail placements in 105 Hy-Vee and 90 Harris Teeter locations.

Chicago-Inspired Chips Hit City’s Shelves

Local Style, a new potato chip brand founded by former Foxtrot executive Laura Gardner, launched this week with flavors inspired by iconic Chicago foods—deep-dish pizza, Italian beef and Chicago-style hot dogs. The kettle-cooked chips are vegetarian and free from artificial flavors and colors. Gardner, a longtime CPG veteran, developed the brand after being laid off, drawing on inspiration from international snack trends. Local Style chips are available at 15 local shops, with plans to expand citywide. A new Hot Giardiniera flavor is coming soon, and the chips will appear at upcoming street festivals. Gardner self-funded the venture and is working to establish Local Style as a uniquely local snack brand.

Kellogg’s Expands Free Summer Football Camps

Kellogg’s is launching its second year of Football Camps, offering over 30,000 free spots for children aged 5–15 at more than 70 clubs across Great Britain. Partnering with the English Football League, Premier League club Manchester City and Scottish clubs Celtic and Rangers, the initiative helps families keep kids active during summer holidays. Parents can claim camp places through a special on-pack promotion on Kellogg’s cereals. Kellogg’s is also introducing an exclusive football shirt, created with PUMA, available as part of the promotion. Additional prizes include football experiences like match tickets and meet-the-team events. The campaign is supported by in-store displays and digital marketing, with expanded retail activations at Tesco, Sainsbury’s and in wholesale.

Kellanova Uses Data To Revive Special K

Kellanova reversed the decline in Special K sales in the UK by shifting from broad demographic marketing to a data-driven strategy using ‘clean room’ technology. Partnering with LiveRamp, the company combined postcode and purchase data to better target two key groups: loyal buyers and price-sensitive fans. Tailored messaging across platforms like Meta and YouTube boosted sales, with a 36% lift among loyalists and 9% among lapsed, price-conscious shoppers. The approach also increased brand consideration beyond industry benchmarks.

Hain Expands Veggie Straws To Dollar General

Hain Celestial is expanding distribution of Garden Veggie Straws® to over 20,000 Dollar General stores nationwide. By entering the dollar store channel, Hain aims to strengthen its market presence and reach a wider audience. The expansion aligns with its long-term strategy, Hain Reimagined, which focuses on growing core categories and building purpose-driven brands. Garden Veggie Straws® in Sea Salt began appearing in stores in late March, with full distribution expected by the end of April.

Zixin Launches New Sweet Potato Snacks

Zixin Group in China launched sweet potato chips and fries. It uses a novel production method that improves texture and retains nutrients. By selecting specific sweet potato varieties and applying vacuum low-temperature dehydration, Zixin achieves a crisp, light and non-greasy result. The method also helps preserve vitamin C, fiber and selenium. Initial distributor orders placed in February 2025 reflect strong interest in these snacks.

General Mills Introduces Four New Cereal Options

General Mills is offering more choices for people looking for protein-rich or naturally sweetened options. Cheerios Protein Cookies & Crème joins the Cheerios Protein lineup, providing 8g of protein per serving; Nature Valley Cereal debuts in Honey Almond and Apple Cinnamon flavors, featuring crunchy granola clusters with real fruit and nuts; and Cascadian Farm No Added Sugar Cinnamon Apple Cereal offers a 100% organic option with no added sugar, artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols. They will be available nationwide in May, and in select retailers from this month.

Biovit Launches Naturally Fortified Instant Porridge

Biovit, in partnership with Purition, launched Build & Restore, an instant porridge range fortified with natural vitamins and minerals from organic sources like curry leaf and seaweed. Designed for individuals with appetite loss or difficulty eating, the porridge comes in Classic Unflavored, Banana & Cinnamon, Strawberry Jam and Golden Syrup flavors. Biovit prioritizes whole food nutrition and plans to expand its product line and collaborate with organic and natural food brands on future innovations.

Bonvie Expands Healthy Snack Options In India

Bonvie Snacks’ options include corn snacks and air-fried chips, using advanced freeze-drying and air-frying techniques to retain nutrients and reduce oil content. All products are gluten-free, MSG-free and made with clean-label ingredients. With a variety of flavors, including tropical fruits and light chips, Bonvie caters to a wide range of tastes and lifestyles. Available direct-to-consumer and on major e-commerce platforms in India, the brand focuses on accessible, shelf-stable snacks.

Earth's Best Launches Organic Finger Foods For Babies

Earth’s Best is introducing a new line of organic finger foods designed to support motor skill development during weaning. The lineup includes Crunchy Sticks for ages 6+ months, Melty Hoops for 8+ months and Munchy Fingers for 10+ months. Each product is shaped to encourage different grasp techniques, helping little ones learn to self-feed. Made with simple ingredients like corn, quinoa and chickpeas, they contain no artificial flavors or preservatives and dissolve easily. Available in flavors such as Garden Veggie, Strawberry Banana and Mango Carrot, the new finger foods will be available this spring at major retailers, including Amazon, Target and Walmart.

Snackpure Aims To Lead India’s Shift Toward Healthy Snacking

Health-conscious snacking is rising in India, with 58% of urban consumers seeking nutritious options, led by younger generations, especially Millennials and Gen Z, who are checking labels and choosing snacks that support heart health, energy and satiety. Snackpure says it’s responding with a range of roasted, gluten-free products like makhana, oat chips and moong chips, all made without palm oil. Its makhana snacks use Himalayan pink salt and offer benefits like antioxidants and omega-3s.

BFY Snacks Face R&D Challenges from Reformulation, Regulation Hurdles

BFY snacks sales are growing globally, expected to reach $75 billion by 2030. However, SNAXPO25 hosted an expert discussion about the challenges snack makers face as they develop healthier products. Reformulating with functional ingredients like fiber and whole grains often impacts taste, texture and shelf life. Consumers increasingly expect snacks to meet personal health needs while maintaining flavor, and brands are turning to AI and data to better understand shifting preferences. Regulatory uncertainty around new ingredients like adaptogens complicates marketing claims and at the same time, scrutiny of ingredients is intensifying at both federal and state levels. New FDA rules and bipartisan support for tighter food standards signal further pressure on snack makers to balance health claims with consumer satisfaction.

Pladis Backs Start-ups To Shape Future Snacks

Pladis launched an accelerator program to collaborate with start-ups in food technology, health and sustainability. A four-month program focuses on mentoring rather than equity investment, aiming to foster innovation and cultural exchange. Pladis hopes to gain insights into emerging trends, such as AI-driven personalization and gut health’s role in well-being, while helping start-ups refine their ideas. Chief R&D officer Jennifer Moss highlights the importance of adapting to generational shifts and learning from smaller, more agile companies in a bid to ensure its snack brands remain relevant through 2035 and beyond.

Texas Probes WK Kellogg’s “Healthy” Claims

Texas is investigating WK Kellogg’s “healthy” marketing claims for cereals like Froot Loops and Frosted Flakes. Officials allege these products contain petroleum-based artificial dyes linked to health issues such as hyperactivity and hormonal imbalances. Although WK Kellogg announced plans to remove artificial dyes and the preservative butylated hydroxytoluene BHT), these changes have not yet happened in the US. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently urged food companies to eliminate such ingredients and called on the FDA to close loopholes that let firms self-approve ingredients. His goal is to remove artificial dyes from the food supply by 2028.

Post Set To Close Two US Cereal Plants

Post Holdings will close cereal manufacturing plants in Cobourg, Ontario and Sparks, Nevada by the end of 2025 in a decision affecting around 300 employees. It reflects declining demand for traditional breakfast cereals, as more consumers choose lower-carb, lower-sugar and more portable options like protein bars and yogurt. Post reported a 2.3% drop in cereal volume in its most recent quarter and plans to shift production to other facilities in its network. CEO Nicolas Catoggio said the move is part of a broader effort to align production with changing consumer habits.

Hershey To Acquire Organic Snack Brand

Hershey plans to acquire LesserEvil, which makes organic snacks like popcorn, Paleo Puffs and Power Curls, for around $750 million. This move supports Hershey’s ongoing strategy to grow its better-for-you snacking portfolio, which already includes SkinnyPop and Dot’s Pretzels. LesserEvil posted $103 million in gross sales in 2023 and will continue to operate under its current leadership. Hershey cited the brand’s strong growth and added manufacturing capacity as key benefits of the deal. The transaction is expected to close by year-end, pending regulatory approval.

Challenges For The Growing BFY Snacks Market

The global market for BFY macro-snacks is expected to grow from $47 billion to $75 billion by 2030, a CAGR of 7.6%, according to one research firm. North America leads the market, driven by demand for functional ingredients like fiber, protein and probiotics. However, snack producers face challenges in reformulating products to meet these demands, particularly in ingredient substitutions and maintaining taste. At SNAXPO25, experts discussed how to navigate these challenges, including the need for personalized snack options and better use of consumer data. Regulatory hurdles also persist, as federal agencies have not kept pace with new ingredients or BFY claims. Despite these challenges, snack makers must balance health benefits with consumer enjoyment and taste.

Hain Celestial Refocuses On Better-For-You Foods

Hain Celestial is streamlining its business to better compete in the growing market for health-focused foods. CEO Wendy Davidson is prioritizing simplifying the company’s portfolio, divesting non-core brands and improving supply chains. It’s also investing in product innovation, such as better-for-you snacks like Garden Veggie tortilla chips. Hain sees opportunities in rising health trends, including GLP-1 medications, and is aligning its products to meet evolving consumer needs.

Bonvie Innovates In Snacking With Freeze-Dried Foods

Bonvie Snacks, a growing healthy snack brand in India, offers freeze-dried fruit and air-fried chips designed for nutrition and convenience. Using advanced freeze-drying technology, Bonvie retains up to 98% of the original nutrients in its fruit snacks without added preservatives or artificial ingredients. Its air-fried chips offer a crispy texture with less oil than traditional fried snacks. All products are gluten-free, MSG-free and clean-label. Lightweight and shelf-stable, the snacks are designed for on-the-go eating and are sold through its website and online marketplaces like Amazon.

Saffola Masala Oats Redefines Savory Snacking

Saffola Masala Oats from Marico Limited is hoping to reshape India’s snacking habits by blending bold flavors with BFY ingredients. Its new cricket-themed campaign, featuring Sanjay Manjrekar, uses humour and nostalgia to promote oats as a savoury anytime snack and not just a breakfast food. The ad, set in a podcast studio, highlights Saffola’s spicy new flavours and convenient formats like the Cuppa. With a focus on younger, health-conscious audiences, Saffola is aiming for smarter snacking through innovation, storytelling and partnerships across digital and quick-commerce channels.

Niramaya Foods Expands With Naan Pretzels

Niramaya Foods is extending its product line with the launch of Naan Pretzels, a grain-free, plant-based snack. Made from cassava flour, chickpea flour and avocado oil, they come in four flavors inspired by Indian street food: Himalayan Pink Salt, Jalapeno Chutney, Sweet Jalebi and Tandoori BBQ. The pretzels are baked for a crunchy texture and a balanced mix of savory, spicy and sweet flavors, and are free from the top nine allergens.

Smart Snacking: India’s Healthy D2C Brands

India’s snacking scene is evolving as more consumers seek BFY options. A new wave of direct-to-consumer brands is responding with clean-label snacks from real ingredients like oats, millets, nuts and seeds. They avoid artificial additives and focus on high-protein, high-fibre content, often catering to gluten-free, vegan or diabetic-friendly diets. From breakfast cereals to on-the-go treats, they offer nutritious alternatives without sacrificing flavor. With strong online presence and doorstep delivery, these start-ups make healthy choices more accessible. Brands include Too Yumm!, which offers baked potato chips, veggie sticks and multigrain snacks; Snackible’s sea salt quinoa puffs and baked cheese rings; TagZ Foods chips; and Snaqary’s high protein snacks based on millets including crunchy sticks and roasted puffs made using ragi, jowar and bajra.

Surreal Cereal Challenges Breakfast Norms

UK start-up Surreal is rethinking cereal with a high-protein, zero-sugar and low-carb product that appeals to health-conscious consumers. Surreal focuses on taste and texture while cutting sugar and using quality ingredients. A fun, quirky but authentic voice—especially on social media—helps the brand stand out. As demand for BFY breakfast options rises, Surreal continues to grow through supermarkets, online sales and direct-to-consumer channels. The brand also emphasizes sustainability and transparent sourcing. Surreal positions its premium product as a good-value protein source, especially when compared to snacks like bars or shakes.

Weetabix Launches New Crispy Minis Flavour

Weetabix brings a new Caramelised Biscuit flavour to its Crispy Minis range. High in fiber, it’s made from wholegrain wheat and HFSS-compliant. To promote the launch, Weetabix partnered with 16-year-old Olympic skateboarder Lola Tambling for a playful ad campaign, aimed at both kids and adults, including a 30-second video and a live event at Bay 66 skate park, where Tambling will meet fans and offer product samples. Available at retailers including One Stop, Nisa, Booker, Spar and Unitas, the cereal has an RRP of £3.49.

Zesty Z Enters Pita Chip Market

Family-run startup Zesty Z unveiled a new line of BFY pita chips offering a high-fiber, lower-carb alternative to market leader Stacy’s. Co-founders Alexander Harik and Lorraine George-Harik developed the chips using real pita bread, double-baked for texture and marked with flame-grill lines. With 6 grams of fiber and 100 calories per serving, they come in two flavors, Sea Salt and Parmesan Garlic, and an initial focus on the Midwest.

Eat Real Adds New Plant-Based Chip Flavors

Eat Real launched five new plant-based snack flavors to the UK as part of its Hummus and Lentil Chips range: Lime, Chilli & Sea Salt; Caramelised Onion & Balsamic; Italian Cheese & Black Pepper; Chargrilled Red Pepper & Smoked; and Greek Cheese, Tomato & Herb. All are gluten-free, contain no artificial ingredients and contain 30% less fat than regular potato chips. The hummus-based options are also HFSS compliant. Eat Real claims to be the UK’s fastest-selling free-from snack brand.

Fuller Takes Protein Overnight Oats To NZ

Fuller Food launched its ready-to-eat Overnight Oats in New World supermarkets across New Zealand after previously focusing on the US market, where it sold protein-packed overnight oats for three years. After winning the start-up category at the Foodstuffs Emerge competition in 2024, Fuller gained the opportunity to bring its product to shelves nationwide.

Natural Grocers Launches Non-GMO Peruvian Chips

Natural Grocers added three non-GMO Peruvian chip varieties to its private-label lineup. Made with simple, plant-based ingredients, the Sea Salt Sweet Potato, Kettle Potato and Cassava Chips are vegan, kosher and free from artificial additives. Sourced from Peru, known for its potato biodiversity and GMO moratorium, they are available nationwide at $3.49 for a 5 oz bag.

Kettle Studio Debuts Air-Fried Chips In Indian Cities

Kettle Studio introduced a new range of Air-Fried Chips, offering 50% less oil than regular potato chips while keeping the same bold crunch and flavor. Available in Lime & Chilli, Spicy Dill Pickle and Sweet & Smoky BBQ, the new snacks meet growing demand for lighter, better-for-you options. Alongside this launch, the brand has released a Tabasco Sauce Kettle-Cooked Chip, made with real Tabasco for a spicy kick. Priced at Rs. 99, the chips are sold online through platforms like Amazon and at premium retail outlets in major Indian cities.

Bio&Me Launches Protein-Packed Porridge Pots In The UK

Bio&Me brings protein-rich porridge pots in Blueberry and Caramel flavors to market in the UK. Containing over 12g of plant-based protein, they are made with up to nine natural ingredients, including almonds, linseeds and sunflower seeds, and have no added sugars, artificial sweeteners or emulsifiers. They are designed for busy lifestyles, offering a nutrient-dense breakfast or post-workout snack, and will be available in Sainsbury’s starting March 29.

Weetabix Gains US Popularity After Basketball Boost

Weetabix is enjoying a surge in popularity in the US after Kentucky Wildcats basketball player Amari Williams credited the cereal for boosting his energy before a game. Following his press conference, where he shared his long-time habit of eating Weetabix, sales spiked, pushing past Cheerios and Cinnamon Toast Crunch on Amazon. Local stores in Kentucky also reported selling out of the cereal. Coach Mark Pope even announced mandatory team breakfasts featuring Weetabix. The high-fiber, low-sugar cereal, fortified with folic acid and iron, is known for its nutritional benefits, including supporting digestion and reducing fatigue.

Slurrp Farm Expands Millet-Based Cereal Options

Slurrp Farm in India launched its “New Flavours, Yes Please!” campaign to help parents introduce millet-based cereals with real fruit and no added sugar to their children’s diets, building on the brand’s focus on early childhood nutrition by encouraging flavor variety to reduce picky eating. For every cereal pack purchased, families receive a free Ragi cereal pack, supporting access to nutrient-rich options. Slurrp Farm offers a range of millet-based cereals, snacks and breakfast items with no artificial additives.

Past Issues

Companies, Organizations