News for professionals in the food business

West Virginia School Food Ban Affects Grain-Based Snacks

A new West Virginia law prohibiting certain synthetic food dyes in public school meals is affecting many popular grain-based items, including some reduced-sugar cereals. School nutrition directors report finding suitable substitutes without incurring additional costs. However, industry groups express concern over the removal of fortified grain products that provide essential nutrients for children. In response, major food manufacturers such as WK Kellogg and General Mills are reformulating their products to comply with the new regulations. Several other states are expected to adopt similar legislation in the coming years.a

PROPER Launches Nut-Free Crunch Corn In The Nuts Aisle

UK snack brand PROPER is launching PROPER Crunch Corn, a new product line aimed at innovating the nuts category. Made from regeneratively farmed corn, this high-fiber, nut-free snack is available in four flavors: Sea Salt, Crispy Chilli Oil, Barbecue, and Maple Bacon. As the fastest-growing major snacks brand in the UK, PROPER intends to attract younger consumers to the nuts aisle, a segment that has seen its relevance decline with this demographic. The launch is supported by a major marketing campaign and features vibrant, eye-catching packaging designed by artist Andreea Robescu to ensure the product stands out on retail shelves and captures the attention of modern snackers.

Founder Puts His Name On New BFY Snack Brand

Entrepreneur Mark Samuel is launching a new snack brand, Mark's Snacks, featuring his name on the packaging to symbolize personal accountability and build consumer trust. It’s debuting with kettle chips cooked in avocado oil, targeting health-conscious consumers by avoiding seed oils. Samuel, who previously founded IWON Organics, believes that naming the brand after himself creates a direct and authentic connection with customers. He advises other founders to become public figures for their brands, emphasizing that genuine storytelling is crucial for standing out in the crowded consumer packaged goods industry and resonating with today's shoppers.

Costco Introduces New Pickle-Flavored Cucumber Crisps

Costco is now offering DJ&A Pickle-Licious Cucumber Crisps. Unlike traditional pickle-flavored potato chips, these crisps are made from air-dried cucumber slices, delivering a unique texture and tangy taste. The product is plant-based, non-GMO and not fried in seed oils.

Brekki Launches New Apples & Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Brekki is introducing a new Apples & Cinnamon flavor to its line of ready-to-eat overnight oats. This seasonal addition offers a convenient, plant-based breakfast option made with wholesome ingredients. Each single-serve cup contains a blend of whole grain oats, almond milk, chia seeds and flax seeds, providing a good source of protein and fiber. The product is sweetened with organic coconut nectar and is free from dairy, gluten and GMOs.

Bonvie Snacks Joins Mumbai Retail Market

Bonvie Snacks entered the Mumbai retail market through a strategic partnership with the luxury gourmet food chain, Food Square. This collaboration makes Bonvie’s line of freeze-dried and air-fried snacks available to health-conscious consumers in two prime city locations. Bonvie uses advanced technology that preserves up to 98% of nutrients while minimizing oil content, offering clean-label alternatives to traditional processed snacks.

Harvest Snaps Adds Organic Multipack

Calbee’s Harvest Snaps brand launched a new Organic Sea Salt Baked Veggie Snack multipack. Made with whole green peas milled in-house, the snacks provide 5g of protein per serving and are a good source of fiber. Compared with other veggie snacks, they contain 50% less sodium and are certified organic, gluten-free and allergen-friendly. Available nationwide this fall, the launch builds on Harvest Snaps’ multipack offerings, which already include popular flavors like Lightly Salted, Tomato Basil, and Crunchy Loops Sour Cream and Onion.

Que Pasa Launches Organic Rolled Chips

Nature’s Path brand Que Pasa introduces organic rolled tortilla chips in Chile & Lime and Spicy Queso flavors. Made with heirloom corn and organic ingredients, the chips avoid artificial colors and flavors while emphasizing bold taste and crunch. A rolled format offers a new twist within the BFY snack space. Available in Canada and select US retailers, the chips expand Que Pasa’s snack portfolio and target shoppers seeking both strong flavors and trustworthy ingredients.

Chickpea Cereal Hits Target Shelves

Two college roommates turned entrepreneurs are selling ChiChi, a chickpea-based hot cereal, in more than 150 Target stores across Southern California. Developed as a protein- and fiber-rich alternative to oatmeal, the cereal comes in four flavors and retails at $5.99 for five servings. Founders Chiara Munzi and Izzy Gorton refined their product through testing and competitions before gaining retail traction. Backed by early sales growth and positive feedback, they now face a trial period at Target.

Eat Happy Kitchen Enters Snack Aisle

Eat Happy Kitchen expands into snacks with the launch of Cheese Bites. Available in three flavors - Cheddar & BBQ, Monterey Jack & Ranch and White Cheddar & Onion - the baked bites deliver 10–11g and are gluten-free, sugar-free and free from fillers and artificial ingredients. Designed for convenience, the resealable packs aim to meet demand for high-protein, clean-label snacks that fit into daily routines.

Patang Launches Across India With Regional Flavors, Healthier Snacks

Patang, a new Indian snack brand, has launched nationwide with a portfolio of eight preservative-free regional specialties, including Kolhapuri Bhadang, Tamil Seeval, and peppered cashews. Patang avoids commonly used refined palm oil and artificial additives, focussing on small-batches (60–90 kg) and healthier oils like cold-pressed groundnut and mustard. Patang plans to scale to 50 flavours by 2026 and is building distribution via D2C, e-commerce, quick commerce, and gifting channels.

Kerry Turns BFY Snack Reformulation Technology into Margin Growth

Kerry Group’s salt and sugar reduction solutions help brands meet regulatory and retailer requirements without sacrificing taste and its Half-Year 2025 results show growing uptake with volumes up 3%. Demand is strongest in the Americas (+3.7% volumes), led by snack reformulation to meet sodium and sugar reduction targets. Latin America’s nutrient warning laws and APMEA’s sugar taxes are also driving growth. Kerry’s technologies are used in branded and private label lines, and it says manufacturers are prioritising upgrading top-selling SKUs rather than launching entirely new BFY ranges, enabling faster compliance and better ROI.

BFY Products Accounts For 22% of TreeHouse Foods Sales

TreeHouse Foods reports that BFY and organic products generated $729M, or 22% of 2024 North American sales, underscoring growing consumer demand for nutritional transparency and health-driven snacking. Non-GMO products contributed 6% of sales. TreeHouse sees sustained appetite for BFY pretzels and other snacks as consumers increasingly link diet to long-term health.

BFY Snacks Getting Mainstream As Functional Ingredients and Bold Flavors Gain Acceptance

The BFY snack category is rapidly mainstreaming, fueled by demand for functional, craveable, and visually appealing options. Millennials and Gen Z are driving adoption, seeking snacks that serve as self-care, performance fuel, and social currency. Brands are responding with nutrient-rich innovation: New York Bakery’s functional bagel range, Catalina Crunch’s high-protein, low-sugar granola, and Good Foods x Taylor Farms’ protein-packed street corn snack packs. BFY snacks is expected to surpass $150B globally by 2030, as companies balance taste, health, and premium positioning.

Boulder Canyon & Power Brands Drive Utz Above Category Trends

Utz Brands delivered Q2 2025 organic net sales growth of 2.9%, with Branded Salty Snacks up 5.4%, outperforming a category decline of 1.5%. Its Power Four brands – Utz®, On The Border®, Zapp’s®, and Boulder Canyon® – rose 5.7%, supported by geographic expansion and volume share gains. BFY-aligned Boulder Canyon remains a key driver, benefiting from healthier positioning.

PeaKaPop Offers Plant-Based Crisps

PeaKaPop’s popped veggie crisps are made from chickpeas, lentils and peas. The brand emphasizes clean ingredients, bold flavors and plant-based protein, with 6g per serving. New flavors like Chili Lime and Tomato & Italian add color and variety. Produced in Virginia and available in over 1,500 stores, PeaKaPop targets snackers looking for both nutrition and fun, with crisps that are gluten-free, non-GMO and are good for snacking, post-workout or as toppers.

SnackPure Chips Blend Tradition And Health

SnackPure launched five new chip varieties: Makhana, Black Chana, Mix Veg, Corn Tikka and Brown Rice. They are aimed at health-conscious Indian consumers and each flavor blends local tastes with nutritional value, using ingredients like legumes, rice and vegetables. The chips are gluten-free, clean-label and free from artificial additives.

Samuel L. Jackson Backs Seaweed Snacks

Samuel L. Jackson partnered with energy company Vattenfall to promote snacks made from seaweed grown at offshore wind farms. The campaign highlights how renewable energy spaces can also support food production and marine regeneration. Although the snacks won’t be launched commercially, a limited number were made available to Vatenfall employees. The campaign will run in European markets such as the UK, Sweden Finland, Germany and the Netherlands, on TV, at cinemas, print, online video and outdoors.

Tasty Vibes Introduces Bold Puff Snacks

Tasty Vibes is expanding into the snack aisle with gluten-free Giant Puff Snacks in four flavors: Pickled Onion, Blazin Hot, Sweet Chilli and Really Cheesy. Made in the UK and targeting Gen Z and millennial consumers, the snacks aim to deliver strong taste and better margins for retailers. The puffs will be available through convenience wholesalers and supported with in-store and digital promotions.

Uncle Saba’s Global Rise With Lentil-Based Poppadoms

From a heritage-inspired Singaporean snack, Uncle Saba’s Poppadoms are now sold in 25 countries. Using lentils and chickpeas, both rich in protein and fiber, the brand offers an alternative to traditional chips. Co-founder Sreenivas Saba emphasizes that “better-for-you” is about relative improvement, not perfection. The brand balances clean-label ambitions with local taste preferences, producing flavorful snacks that meet vegan, gluten-free and Halal standards.

Cornitos Launches Monsoon-Friendly, Healthier Crunchy Snacks

Indian brand Cornitos responds to seasonal snacking demand with its Monsoon Crunch range. These health-forward alternatives to fried snacks include a revamped Crusties Puffs line, which are baked, gluten-free and cholesterol-free, using ingredients like corn, rice grits and potato flakes. Flavor options like Honey Chilli, Peri Peri, and Cheeseballs combine comfort and nutrition. With comic-style packaging and suggested tea pairings, Cornitos positions itself as a go-to for guilt-free indulgence.

Four Drivers Are Shaping Functional Snacking

ADM highlight four driving forces behind snacks: life stage needs, the influence of weight-loss medications, mood and enjoyment, and new eating occasions like “girl dinner” and breakfast bites. Consumers increasingly want snacks that balance health and indulgence, with interest in nutrition, convenience and novel flavors, but price remains a factor too. This convergence is opening space for innovation, from snacks that act as meal replacements to options tailored for people using anti-obesity drugs.

Nestlé JV Plans Plant Sales To Ecco

Cereal Partners Worldwide, the Nestlé–General Mills joint venture, is in talks to sell two breakfast cereal plants in France and the UK to Ecco Group. The potential disposal includes facilities at Itancourt, which makes products like Fitness and Crunch, and Bromborough, which produces Cheerios and private-label cereals. Both sites faced internal review due to declining cereal sales across Europe. CPW says protecting jobs is a priority as the industry faces structural shifts away from traditional cereals. The deal would expand Ecco’s role in European private-label supply.

BFY Breakfast Market Shows Protein, Nostalgia, and Portability Drive Innovation

Consumers want breakfast to be quick, flavorful, and nutritionally functional, creating openings for crossover snack/breakfast formats. Nostalgia sells, but it’s best paired with whole grains, reduced sugar, and high protein. Brands gaining momentum are those innovating in both flavor and format, swapping bread for flapjacks, creating seasonal shapes, or rolling out handheld items with substantial protein. For snack brands, opportunities lie in positioning BFY breakfast products as all-day snacking solutions, expanding into indulgent-yet-functional formats, and leveraging seasonal launches to maintain shopper engagement year-round.

Botani Chips Turns Potato Breeding Into Healthy Snacking

Indonesia’s IPB University launched Botani Chips, a BFY snack made from their own high-yield, disease-resistant Katineung potato variety. Developed by agricultural researchers, these MSG-free chips are available on campus and poised for broader rollout. With a sea salt flavor and quality-controlled production, the chips have been developed in a way that bridges the gap between scientific innovation and commercial snack food success.

Court Dismisses UPF Lawsuit Against Major Food Companies

A lawsuit filed against 11 major food producers was dismissed. The case alleged that these companies deliberately engineered ultra-processed foods to be addictive to children, leading to significant health issues. A US District Judge dismissed the case because the plaintiff failed to identify which specific products were responsible for the medical conditions. The lawsuit claimed that food companies adopted marketing tactics from the tobacco industry to target children with products, including Doritos.

Non-UPF Seal Targets Food Transparency

The Non-UPF Verified pilot aims to create a third-party standard for verifying foods as non-ultra-processed. Led by the Non-GMO Project’s founder, the initiative works with 16 brands to define achievable yet meaningful criteria. It uses ingredient bans, EU guidance and state policies to guide development, complementing federal attempts to define ultra-processed foods.

FDA Eyes Definition For Ultra-Processed Foods

In the US, the FDA is working to define “ultra-processed foods” to inform future regulations as part of a broader public health push to address chronic illness linked to highly processed snacks like chips and packaged baked goods. A clear definition would influence labeling and research, helping brands differentiate themselves in the BFY space.

GLP-1 Drugs Making Little Impact On Snack Sales

While appetite-suppressing drugs are viewed as a significant threat to the snack industry, the actual impact on sales appears to be limited. Consumer surveys indicate users are snacking less, yet major companies like Hershey and Mondelez report minimal financial disruption. The industry is adapting by introducing "GLP-1 friendly" products that are high in protein and fiber, suggesting a shift in consumer spending rather than a collapse of the snack market. The central question remains whether this trend represents a long-term revolution in eating habits or is simply an overstated scare amplified by media attention.

Ezdehar Invests In Egyptian Snack Maker

Private equity firm Ezdehar Management acquired a majority stake in Egyptian snack producer Kemet, known for brands such as Pretzo and Mixy. Ezdehar said the partnership will help Kemet expand into healthier snack options and grow internationally. Kemet already exports to markets across Africa, Europe, Asia and beyond. Company leaders described the deal as a chance to accelerate innovation while maintaining strong operational foundations. Ezdehar emphasized its confidence in Kemet’s management and the long-term potential of Egypt’s food and beverage sector.

Proper Adds Fun To Snack Promotions

UK snack brand Proper launched a voice-activated on-pack promotion. Running through October 2025, customers can win snacks or wellness prizes by submitting a voice note repeating Proper’s claims. The promotion includes new and existing flavors like Cheese and Sweet & Salty.

Kellogg’s Commits To Removing Artificial Dyes

WK Kellogg Co. signed a binding agreement to eliminate petroleum-based artificial colors from all US cereals by 2027, becoming the first US food manufacturer to sign a legally binding Assurance of Voluntary Compliance. The deal follows legal challenges over misleading health claims. Reformulating cereals like Froot Loops and Frosted Flakes with plant-based colors will affect costs but may strengthen trust with health-conscious shoppers. Analysts note the decision sets a precedent, potentially pushing competitors toward similar action.

Good Food Collective Pushes For Clearer Labels In Grocery Aisles

BFY snack brands like Quinn, LesserEvil and GoodPop formed the Good Food Collective to push for better transparency in food labelling. Their first major move was to submit a proposed alternative nutrition label to the FDA, aiming to highlight added sugars, sodium and saturated fat more clearly. With ambitions to grow to 30 members by 2025, the coalition offers BFY brands a platform to influence policy and drive consumer trust by making healthy choices easier to identify.

Gimme Seaweed Expands Flavor Lineup

Gimme Seaweed added two limited-time flavors, Korean BBQ and Chili Lime, to its Grab & Go organic seaweed snack line. The launch coincides with a back-to-school campaign and responds to consumer interest in bold, globally inspired tastes, especially sweet-spicy blends favored by Gen Z. Like the rest of the range, the new options are USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified and made with sustainably harvested seaweed. They join core flavors including Sea Salt and Teriyaki. Offered in five-pack formats at $5.99, the products are available online and at retailers nationwide, broadening seaweed’s appeal as a convenient BFY snack.

Quinn Debuts Filled Pretzel Sticks

BFY snack company Quinn launches gluten-free Filled Pretzel Sticks in Peanut Butter and Peanut Butter & Honey varieties. The new format features a crunchy baked shell with a creamy filling, delivering 3g of protein per serving with minimal sugar. Made with clean, “intentionally sourced” ingredients, the pretzels are free from gluten, dairy, corn, soy and GMOs. Quinn, a Certified B Corporation, emphasizes transparency and sustainable sourcing in its products. The pretzels combine salty-sweet flavor with convenient portioning, appealing to consumers looking for balanced, shareable snacks that avoid artificial ingredients.

LesserEvil’s Rise From $250K to $225M BFY Snack Brand

LesserEvil has been named Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery’s 2025 Snack Producer of the Year, driven by rapid growth in the BFY segment. Acquired in 2011 for $250K, the brand transformed from a niche player into a $225M projected 2025 business. Product innovation has been central, pioneering popcorn popped in BFY oils, extruded puffs for all ages, and unexpected flavors inspired by seltzer trends (e.g., Pink Lemonade, Watermelon Hibiscus). The company expanded to 13 production lines and a wide pack-size strategy that enables grocery, mass, and club distribution in over 40,000 outlets. Frugal early investment in used equipment, rapid product testing, and in-house manufacturing gave LesserEvil control over quality and speed to market. Also important is its people-first culture: pet-friendly, brightly decorated workspace, internal promotions and strong local hiring that delivered a 90% retention rate.

UFIT Brings Protein Focus To Breakfast

Protein drink brand UFIT is entering the cereal category with a new line of high-protein breakfast products. Launching in Morrisons and expanding across UK retailers, the line includes cereal hoops, granolas and porridge pots with 15g of protein per serving. Flavors include chocolate, honey oat and caramel biscuit.

Infuzions Launches Veggie Rings

Australian brand Majans launched Infuzions Veggie Rings in Woolworths, delivering a fun, BFY snack made from 100% Aussie-grown yellow split peas. With 54% vegetable content, 30% less fat than standard chips, and 72 calories per cup, these air-baked rings blend health and nostalgia. Positioned under the revamped Infuzions brand, they reflect Majans’ vision of snacks that support wellness without sacrificing taste.

UPFs Dominate UK Baby Foods

A University of Leeds study found most UK baby cereals and snacks are ultra-processed and often high in sugar, despite being marketed as healthy. Researchers flagged puffs, bars and biscuits as particularly concerning, with some fruit-based snacks deriving two-thirds of calories from sugar. Parents feel misled by weak regulation and call for clearer labeling, with 70% supporting front-of-pack sugar warnings. Experts argue early exposure to sweetened UPFs can set long-term taste preferences and health risks.

Japanese Cuisine Is Reshaping UK BFY Foods With Matcha, Yuzu & More

Japanese flavours are moving from niche to mainstream in the UK. Matcha, yuzu, black sesame, and miso are most prominent, driven by cultural crossover, travel, and social media virality. Younger consumers (Gen Z, Gen Alpha) are drawn to visual appeal, diverse textures, and perceived health benefits of matcha, fermented vegetables (miso, nukadoko, umeboshi), and citrus flavours like yuzu. Japanese flavours are seen as offering a route to premiumisation, storytelling, and a healthy-but-indulgent positioning aligned with broader Asian food trends

Asia’s Snack Market Rebounds With Health, Value, and New Channels Driving BFY Growth

After two years of contraction, Asia Pacific’s snack market returned to growth in 2024, up 0.7% to USD 160 billion, with 2025 forecast at +4%. For BFY snack brands, three value strategies are emerging: premium health, affordable indulgence, and channel diversification. Consumers are increasingly willing to pay for healthier options; 60% of Indonesians consider health properties when buying, and 52% will pay more. Brands like Lemonilo (high-fibre snacks) and Lotte Zero (no-sugar range) illustrate the shift from “snacks with health claims” to “healthy food brands with snack portfolios.” Affordable indulgence is also key with emerging markets seeing rising demand for budget-friendly treats and new channels, such as Busy For You and e-commerce platforms are making BFY offerings more accessible, especially in lower-tier cities.

GLP-1, Mini-Meals, and Protein Are Reshaping C-Store Snacks

The U.S. c-store snack market faces declining salty snack sales (potato chips -4.5% in c-store sales), yet BFY opportunities are accelerating as consumers seek high-protein, functional, and low-sugar options. Driven by health concerns, GLP-1 weight-loss drug usage, and the rise of “mini-meals,” shoppers are shifting from traditional confectionery toward savory protein sources; 41% of consumers actively seek more protein and are open to brand and format switching. Notably, once male-centric meat snacks are diversifying to attract broader demographics, with innovation in sticks, bites, and cleaner-label products (Slim Jim Bites: +19% growth in bites).

Next-Gen Snacking With Protein, Fiber, AI

The snacking industry is shifting toward function and personalization, driven by consumer demand for more than just low-fat or sugar-free options. Manufacturers are using plant-based proteins, prebiotic fibers, and AI tools to meet evolving needs. Companies like Samyang, ADM and Ingredion are responding to calls for snacks that support digestive health, energy and metabolic wellness. “Fibermaxxing” and GLP-1 medication trends are influencing portion sizes and ingredient choices. Innovation includes nostalgic flavors with a health-centric twist, customized sweetener blends and texture solutions. AI plays a key role in optimizing sugar reduction and flavor.

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