News for professionals in the food business

Boulder Canyon Debuts New Avocado Oil Snacks At Expo West

Boulder Canyon will showcase its latest better-for-you snacks at Natural Products Expo West 2025. They include tortilla chips made with avocado oil in Sea Salt, Blue Corn and Lime & Sea Salt flavors, launching in May, and Mike’s Hot Honey® potato chips, arriving in April. Wavy Potato Chips, introduced at Whole Foods in 2024, offer a softer bite and are available in Sea Salt and Cheddar Sour Cream. Bestsellers like Canyon Poppers® and Hickory Barbeque Kettle Chips will also be featured. Boulder Canyon continues to expand its lineup with bold flavors and convenient variety packs for its non-GMO verified portfolio.

Biena Launches Crispy Edamame Snack With Avocado Oil

Biena’s Crispy Edamame is a high-protein, plant-based snack made with 100% avocado oil. Each serving contains up to 13g of protein, offering a crunchy, minimally processed alternative to traditional snacks. Available in Himalayan Pink Salt, Ranch and Chili Lime flavors, the snack is gluten-free, low-carb and free from artificial ingredients. Biena aims to meet growing demand for high-protein, plant-based options while expanding its better-for-you snack lineup. Single-serve and larger bags will launch in March, with Kroger stores adding them in June.

Snacking Is Now A Lifestyle, Not Just A Habit

More people are turning to snacks for comfort, connection and convenience. Mondelez International’s 2024 State of Snacking report shows 71% of consumers view sharing snacks as a form of emotional expression, with Millennials and Gen Z leading this trend. 81% say they snack as a means of escaping daily stress. Social media plays a role, with 60% of consumers trying snacks based on online recommendations. Snacking patterns are also shifting, with 62% preferring to graze throughout the day instead of eating full meals. While indulgence remains important, 74% of consumers prioritize nutritious ingredients. Demand for functional snacks is growing, but convenience continues to drive choices and 76% want indulgent snacks without guilt.

Cornitos Crusties Relaunches With Bold Flavors And Crunch

Indian Snack brand Cornitos relaunches Crusties, a baked corn- and potato-based snack. New flavors include Korean Chili, Fiery Peri Peri and Sour Cream & Onion. Cheese Balls are also available in Classic Cheese and Honey Chili Potato varieties. Made with corn oil, Crusties aim to balance taste and health. Each pack now features a comic strip to add a fun, nostalgic touch. Cornitos developed these flavors based on market research and consumer trends, focusing on bold and globally inspired tastes.

Harvest Snaps Scoopers Introduces Crisps For Dipping And Snacking

In Australia, Harvest Snaps Scoopers offer a new take on veggie crisps. Designed for dipping or enjoying on their own, they are made with real beans and are gluten-free. They also provide a source of fiber and contain under 100 calories per serving. Available in Jalapeño Cheddar, Loaded Taco, Sour Cream & Chives and Supreme Cheese (exclusive to 7-Eleven), they cater to a variety of flavor preferences. A “Don’t Dip, Scoop” marketing campaign supports the launch with influencer collaborations, sampling programs and paired dip recipes. Scoopers are now available at Coles, 7-Eleven and independent retailers.

Seaweed Crackers Combine Solein Protein For Healthy Snacking

KelpEat launched a seaweed cracker made with EU-farmed dried kelp and Solein protein, offering over 35% protein with a complete amino acid profile. Solein, produced by Solar Foods using air and electricity, is rich in protein, fiber and minerals. It’s also vegan, non-GMO and free from dairy, gluten and soy. The crackers are high in vitamins B12 and B9, calcium and magnesium. This product is positioned as a sustainable, climate-positive snack with minimal environmental impact. Initially showcased at the Pitti Taste food fair in Florence, the product will be introduced to the US market, targeting high-protein snack consumers. Solein has already been approved in Singapore and is on track for EU approval in 2026.

Seven Sundays Launches Sorghum-Based Little Crispies Cereal

Seven Sundays introduces Little Crispies, a cereal made with sorghum, a supergrain known for its high protein content and low environmental impact. Available in Cinnamon Toast, Honey Almond and Cocoa Crunch flavors, these gluten-free cereals are crafted from real ingredients like coconut oil and honey, with no refined sugar, GMOs or artificial additives. Little Crispies aim to offer a nostalgic breakfast experience while promoting sustainability. The brand, which already uses upcycled ingredients, focuses on making breakfast healthier for both people and the planet. Little Crispies are available for $7.99 at Whole Foods, Sprouts and online.

Super Bowl Snacking Trends Include Healthier Choices

Super Bowl Sunday is a major snacking event, with Americans spending $670 million on snacks in 2024. Chips, pretzels and cheese snacks remain popular, but healthier options are gaining traction. More consumers are choosing air-popped popcorn, vegetable chips and plant-based dips, while supermarkets expand low-sodium and lower-fat alternatives. Price remains a key factor, though taste and quality drive decisions. Advertising influences choices, with studies highlighting high sodium level options in game-day food ads.

Hain Celestial Expands Distribution For BFY Brands

Hain Celestial is opening a new distribution center in Savannah, Ga., to improve efficiency and support its better-for-you brands. The expansion is part of the company’s “Hain Reimagined” strategy, which focuses on snacks, beverages meal prep, and children’s food. By adding this fourth facility, the company aims to cut delivery distances by 66% annually and enhance responsiveness to market demands. It will also double the company’s US network capacity, complementing existing locations in California, Pennsylvania and Chicago.

FamBam Foods Launches Caulitos Healthy Snack Chips

FamBam Foods, known for gluten-free Caulipuffs, launched Caulitos, a new line of healthy chips. Made from a blend of lentil, rice and cauliflower, Caulitos are non-GMO, vegan, dairy-free and baked with avocado oil. These organic chips come in two flavors: Sea Salt and Dairy-Free Nacho. Caulitos feature a triangular shape and a unique, wavy texture. The company’s first product, Caulipuffs, has already gained significant success, with over $1.5 million in revenue in the first 15 months, and retail placement in major stores like Costco, Sprouts and Safeway. After debuting at the Winter Fancy Food Show, Caulitos will also be showcased at Expo West in March.

Jans Introduces Cassava Sweet & Spicy Chili Chips

Jans Enterprises introduced Cassava Sweet & Spicy Chili Chips, a gluten-free, fiber-rich alternative to traditional chips. Made from cassava, a non-GMO root vegetable, these chips offer a lighter and crispier texture with a sweet and spicy flavor. Cassava is known for its high fiber content, antioxidants and digestive health benefits. The chips are low in saturated fat and suitable for individuals with dietary sensitivities. Their versatile flavor makes them ideal for standalone snacking or as meal enhancers. Jans Enterprises aims to provide health-conscious consumers with tasty and nutritious snack options, with these chips now available in select retailers and online platforms.

Love Crunch Brings Protein-Packed Granola To Market

Nature’s Path introduced two protein-rich Love Crunch Granola flavors: Organic Dark Chocolate & Almond Butter Protein Granola and Organic Peanut Butter Protein Granola. Each serving contains 10g of pea protein and 21g of organic whole grains. Made with Fair Trade ingredients, both varieties are USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project verified. Love Crunch is committed to giving back, donating at least $2 million worth of food annually through its Bite4Bite Program. They are now available at Target, Walmart, Kroger and online.

Bhuja Launches Desi Snacks At Woolworths In Australia

Majans-owned brand Bhuja is introducing its Desi Snacks line at Woolworths in Australia. All three South Asian-style street snacks - Aloo Bhuja, Murukku and Papdi Gathiya – come in convenient ‘Tear’n’Share’ bags. Aloo Bhuja is a plant-based, gluten-free noodle snack with no artificial colors or flavors. Murukku offers a crunchy texture with a blend of spices and chili, while Papdi Gathiya features crispy chips with fragrant spices. Majans, an Australian-owned company founded in 1960, continues expanding its snack offerings, following last year’s launch of Air Fries.

Jackson’s Sweet Potato Chips Now At Pret A Manger

Jackson’s introduced its Farmhouse Ranch Sweet Potato Chips at all US Pret A Manger locations. This expansion into the quick-service restaurant category brings the brand’s kettle-cooked, avocado oil chips to 67 Pret locations across New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago and Los Angeles. Already available at Costco and on Amazon, Jackson’s focuses on minimally processed ingredients and bold flavors.

Seven Sundays Cereal Available On Target Shelves

Seven Sundays introduced three of its upcycled cereals at Target. Made with whole ingredients and no refined sugars or artificial additives, the cereals retail for $7.99 per 8-ounce bag. Flavors include Real Cocoa Sunflower, made with real cocoa and sunflower seeds; Maple Sea Salt Sunflower, featuring pure maple syrup; and Simply Honey Oat Protein, packed with oat protein and wildflower honey.

Nutrition Trends Shaping Savory Snacks And Cereals In APAC

A panel at the Kerry Health and Nutrition Institute event in Singapore explored key nutrition trends influencing food innovation. Experts discussed accessible nutrition, emphasizing affordability, convenience and sustainability. With Asia Pacific’s population aging, there is a need for protein-rich options to support muscle health. Women’s health was another focus, with experts stressing the importance of calcium and magnesium for bone health. Reducing sodium intake also remains a priority, with innovations exploring ways to enhance taste without added salt.

AI Helps Create Healthier Snacks Without Sacrificing Taste

AI is shaping the future of better-for-you snacks by improving nutrition and efficiency. Rivalz Snacks uses AI in the cooking process to create nutrient-dense, vegan and low-fat salty snacks while reducing development time and costs. Ingredion applies AI-aided predictive modeling to refine sugar reduction solutions, lowering sugar content by up to 50% without compromising on taste. Consumers value natural ingredients but remain cautious about AI’s role in food production. Transparency is key, with companies like Rivalz sharing their AI use through digital channels.

Boulder Canyon Chips Drive Growth For Utz

Utz Brands’ Boulder Canyon potato chip brand surpassed $100 million in annual retail sales, two years ahead of target. Strong demand for better-for-you snacks, including chips fried in avocado oil instead of seed oils, contributed to the brand’s growth. Boulder Canyon’s sales rose 110% in traditional retail and 34% in the natural foods channel, helping offset declines in Utz’s non-branded and non-salty snacks, dips and salsas. Utz plans to expand distribution in new US markets while adjusting pricing and packaging to remain competitive.

Agthia Increases Stake In Egyptian Snack Brand

Agthia Group acquired an additional 10% stake in Abu Auf, an Egyptian retailer specializing in healthy snacks, bringing its ownership to 80%. Since Agthia’s initial investment in 2022, Abu Auf expanded rapidly, opening over 100 new stores and achieving 33% revenue growth in 2024 despite currency challenges. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Post Adapts To Changing Cereal Market Trends

Post Holdings faces declining cereal sales as younger consumers shift toward protein-rich alternatives like yogurt and cottage cheese. In its latest quarter, Post’s cereal volume dropped 2.3%, reflecting broader challenges in the category. Niche brands offering better-for-you ingredients are gaining market share, offering more flexibility and innovation than larger manufacturers. Post is responding by focusing on premium cereals, including a new chocolate flavor of Honey Bunches of Oats. Other major players, including WK Kellogg Co and General Mills, are also seeing declines in volume as they navigate a changing market.

Hain Celestial Eyes Growth In Snacks And Breakfast Offerings

Hain Celestial expects organic sales to rebound in the second half of the year, despite recent declines. The company sees opportunities in marketing select beverages, soups and yogurts to consumers that are using GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. CEO Wendy Davidson remains confident in the performance of baby foods, beverages and meal prep products but expresses caution about snacks. Organic snack sales fell 13% in the second quarter, impacting North America revenue. Supply challenges and marketing effectiveness contributed to the decline, though expanded retail distribution may improve results. Hain Celestial has adjusted its full-year revenue outlook downward but remains focused on long-term growth through its transformation strategy, which would see it move towards a “pure play” food and beverage company by exiting its personal care operations.

Lidl Sells Out TikTok Shop In 18 Minutes

Lidl became the first UK supermarket to launch on TikTok Shop, selling out 3,000 high-protein product bundles in just 18 minutes. Each £5 bundle contained protein-rich snacks like Snacktastic High Protein Pop Chips, as well as a pancake mix and whey protein powder. The promotion aimed to engage TikTok’s growing shopper base and highlight Lidl’s expanding product range. Marketing director Joanna Gomer emphasized the importance of meeting customers where they shop and showcasing new offerings in an innovative way.

How Food Labels Affect Consumer Choices

Front-of-package food labels intended to promote healthier choices may sometimes reduce consumer interest, according to a University of Florida study. Researchers found that products labeled as “healthy” lowered consumers’ willingness to pay, possibly due to concerns about taste. When paired with an FDA-backed explanation, that negative perception diminished. The study suggests that clear, credible information improves label effectiveness.

Arnott’s Expands Better-For-You Snacks With New Facility

The Arnott’s Group opened a new 45,000-square-metre manufacturing facility in Rowville, Victoria, to support its better-for-you snack and cereal business, Good Food Partners. The site will produce muesli, protein bars and oat sachets for brands like Freedom Cereals, Messy Monkeys and Heritage Mill. It includes an allergen-free zone, an R&D center, and logistics warehouses. The expansion follows acquisitions of Freedom Foods, Diver Foods and Prolife Foods’ brands in recent years, strengthening Arnott’s position in the growing better-for-you market.

Quinn Expands Leadership to Support Growth and Innovation

Better-for-you snack brand Quinn is strengthening its leadership team to drive sustainable growth and expand its presence in the better-for-you snack market, with a new chief sales officer, focusing on retail expansion. There’s also a new VP of marketing to enhance brand strategy and consumer engagement. CEO Al Matulis sees these changes as key to scaling the brand while staying true to its mission.

Whole Grain Consumers Seek Fiber And Natural Ingredients

Consumers who prioritize whole grains focus on other healthier carbohydrate sources like vegetables and legumes, according to a 2024 Health Focus International study. About 37% of surveyed consumers actively seek whole food carbohydrates, while 33% follow a balanced diet without focusing on carb types. Health concerns, including digestion, inflammation and cancer, drive these choices. Fiber remains a key interest, with 76% of whole grain consumers valuing it for gut health. Other sought-after ingredients include prebiotic fiber and beta-glucan from oats and barley. Whole grains such as oats, barley, and quinoa are widely perceived as “good” carbohydrates, but grains like millet need more consumer education.

Kellanova Expands Snack And Cereal Production In Brazil

Kellanova is investing $61 million in its São Lourenço plant in Brazil to boost production of Pringles, Cheez-It and Choco Krispis, bringing total funding to around $100 million in three years. The company, formerly part of Kellogg and soon to be a part of Mars, aims to improve processes, technology and infrastructure while supporting local communities.

Crispy, Low-Calorie Snacks Made With Simple Ingredients

SNACKLINS offers a light, crunchy snack made from simple, plant-based ingredients like yuca, mushrooms and onions. With only 90 calories per serving, it provides a satisfying and healthier alternative to traditional chips. SNACKLINS is baked, not fried, making it a lower-fat option that supports weight management and mindful eating. It is also vegan, gluten-free and free from soy and dairy, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

Saffola Cuppa Oats Offer A Quick, Better-For-You Snack

Marico in India launches Saffola Cuppa Oats, a convenient, high-fiber snack ready in four minutes. Available in Magic Masala and Spicy Mexicana flavors, it blends oats, millets and crunchy multigrain bites, free from maida, artificial flavors, colors, preservatives and palm oil. Designed for busy consumers, it offers a quick, flavorful option for mornings, midday breaks, or late-night cravings.

Healthy Indulgence: Balancing Taste And Nutrition In Snacks

Consumers are increasingly looking for snacks that satisfy cravings while offering health benefits. This shift toward “healthy indulgence” is reshaping the snack food industry, with demand growing for products that balance taste with better-for-you attributes like high protein and reduced sugar. Major brands and emerging companies alike are responding by launching new products that align with this trend. ConAgra recently announced a number of new snack food products focusing on health benefits. Regulatory changes may further encourage cleaner ingredient labels, but likely changes from the incoming head of the Department of Health and Human Services creates new uncertainties. Challenges such as maintaining flavor and managing costs also remain.

Get’ems! Snacks Offer Wholesome, Fun Options For Kids

Gerber offers Get’ems!, a snack line designed to make snack time enjoyable and nutritious for kids. Made with real fruits, vegetables and whole grains, the products include Ocean World Cookies, Space Crackers and Roundos Puff Snacks. Each snack contains essential nutrients like iron, vitamin E and calcium, with no synthetic coloring or high fructose corn syrup. Fun shapes and characters encourage kids to explore new flavors. They are available at Walmart and Amazon, with more retailers to follow in 2025.

Howdah Expands Indian Snack Line To US, Netherlands

Howdah, a family-owned Indian snack brand, is launching its vegan products in the US and the Netherlands. Starting in February, its Bombay Mix will be available in 109 Costco stores across the Midwest, followed by the launch of Tandoor Chilli Chips and Bombay Sweet Chilli in 300 Jumbo stores in the Netherlands. Howdah’s expansion aligns with its mission to introduce authentic Indian flavors to global markets.

Go Raw Launches Crunchy Sprouted Seed Snacking Granola

Go Raw introduces Snacking Granola, a crunchy, cluster-packed snack made with sprouted seeds and puffed whole grains. Available in five flavors, including Dark Chocolate Chunk and Cranberry Almond, it offers a satisfying texture and balanced taste. Certified organic, non-GMO, gluten-free and vegan-friendly, Snacking Granola caters to various dietary needs. Launching in February 2025, it will be available at Wegmans and Sprouts Farmers Market nationwide.

Upcycled Sweet Potato Peels Offer Nutritious Crunch

Japanese companies Nagai Nougei Center and Yamato Plan Co Ltd commercialized hoshimo peels, an upcycled snack made from dried sweet potato skins. Traditionally discarded, these peels contain high levels of dietary fiber and natural sweetness without added sugar. Advances in drying technology extend shelf life, supporting wider distribution. The companies are partnering with food manufacturers to explore new product applications and expand into Asian markets. Hoshimo peels were recently featured in chocolates sold at Japan’s Takashimaya department stores, highlighting their potential in both snacks and confectionery.

Horlicks Introduces Malted Porridge For Breakfast

Horlicks launched a malted porridge in the UK, bringing its signature malty flavor to breakfast time. Designed for families, the new product features baked jumbo oat clusters with a creamy, malty taste. Now available at Morrisons for £3.50 per 400g, the porridge was developed in response to consumer interest in enjoying Horlicks beyond its traditional drinks and follows recent brand expansions, including functional powdered shakes, dessert-inspired drinks and the return of chewable tablets.

Balanced Energy Snacking With Hananomi’s Power Chips

Hananomi’s Power Chips offer a balanced approach to snacking with soy protein-based chips designed for consumers seeking sustained energy. The chips provide a mix of fat, protein and carbohydrates to support. Formulated to include 11g of protein and reduced fat, they align with modern nutrition trends. Made from reprocessed defatted soybeans, the chips are gluten-free and additive-free. With bold packaging featuring samurai and shinobi warriors, and flavors like salt & garlic pepper and yuzu pepper, the product caters to regional tastes in the Asia Pacific market, starting with Singapore.

Yukon Curls, A Savory Snack From Local Grains

Hinterland Flour Mill, a Yukon-based company known for flour products, launched its first savory snack, Yukon Curls. Made from locally grown wheat and barley, these puffed snacks come in four flavors: barbecue, sour cream and onion, salt and vinegar and cheddar cheese. Co-owner Trevor Amiot found the inspiration in grocery shopping habits and worked with Saskatchewan’s Agri-Food Innovation Centre to develop the product. Yukon Curls are now available in Whitehorse grocery stores and select Yukon gas stations.

India’s Snack Revolution Means Healthier, Tastier And More Diverse

India’s snacking habits are evolving, driven by social media and changing consumer preferences. Traditional options like namkeen and puffed rice are making way for innovative, better-for-you snacks. Pioneers like Snackible and MOM are popularizing millet-based snacks and makhana, catering to health-conscious consumers. BRB is tapping into Gen Z’s love for global flavors with popped chips made from pulses and lentils. Quick-commerce platforms are further fueling this shift, making new-age snacks more accessible. Despite these changes, taste remains a top priority, ensuring that healthier alternatives still satisfy cravings.

Consumers Shift Toward Healthier Snacks And Breakfast Options

PepsiCo’s latest earnings report might indicate changing consumer preferences, with sales of Frito-Lay snacks and Quaker Foods declining. Rising health awareness, economic pressures and a shift toward fresh, whole foods are influencing purchasing decisions. A 2024 survey from the International Food Information Council found that 79% of consumers consider food processing levels, and 63% actively avoid processed foods. Younger generations prefer snacks with short ingredient lists and plant-based options. Despite these trends, snacking remains popular, but with more consumers choosing nuts, seeds and protein-rich foods over traditional salty and sugary options.

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