News for professionals in the food business

Granola Reaches Beyond Breakfast

Granola is evolving into an all-day snack, driven by demand for more protein, lower sugar and functional benefits. At Expo West, brands highlighted innovative flavors and formats. Clusterbucks is adding savory flavors using coco aminos, while Granology offers snackable granola clusters sweetened with monk fruit. Kodiak launched high-protein granola with 17g of protein per serving and Nana Joes focuses on high-quality ingredients and unique flavor blends. Purely Elizabeth expanded its cookie-inspired granola line and committed to using more regenerative ingredients while Seven Sundays introduced high-protein granola from upcycled oats, boosting fiber and sustainability. Brands are reducing sugar with natural sweeteners like honey and maple syrup, and crunchy textures are becoming a key selling point.

Proper Snacks To Expand On Innovation And Sustainability

Warp Snacks, which owns the Proper brand, rebranded as Proper Snacks. Plans for 2025 include new flavors, product launches and brand partnerships to boost market presence and “lead the European snacking industry into a new era of innovation, taste, health and purpose”.

B-Sides Launches Upcycled Crunch Puffs On Amazon

B-Sides Crunch Puffs, containing upcycled oats from oat milk production, are now available on Amazon. Each bag contains 10g of plant-based protein and no gluten, dairy, soy or top nine allergens. They come in three flavors: Cheddar, Ranch and Jalapeño flavors. B-Sides aims to reduce food waste by repurposing overlooked ingredients into flavorful, nutritious snacks.

Kallø Launches New Puffed Oat Cakes

Kallø in the UK introduced a new range of Puffed Oat Cakes. Available in Strawberry and Honey flavors, the cakes are gluten-free, high in fiber and contain fewer than 37 calories per cake. Each serving includes beta glucan, a fiber that may help lower cholesterol. Made using puffed oats rather than rice, the cakes have a light, crunchy texture. Kallø Puffed Oat Cakes can be eaten on their own or with toppings. They are in Morrisons stores nationwide at £2.99

Report Urges Expanding UK Sugar Tax To Food

A new report from the University of Reading recommends extending the UK’s sugar tax to all processed foods to reduce obesity and improve public health. The report highlights the success of the soft drinks levy, which cut sugar content in beverages by 44%, and suggests similar action for products like biscuits, milkshakes, and cereals. It also calls for a salt tax to address high blood pressure and heart disease. The authors say voluntary measures have been ineffective and mandatory changes are necessary for improving health outcomes and reducing environmental damage.

Catalina Crunch Refreshes Look And Taste

Catalina Crunch is refreshing its brand with new packaging and improved recipes for its cereal and cookies. An updated design features a sunburst logo, bold colors and real food photography to highlight nutrition and taste. The brand also improved flavor and balanced sweetness while maintaining strong protein and fiber content. A new "Love Every Bite Guarantee" aims to reduce hesitation among new customers. Catalina Crunch exceeded $100 million in sales in 2024 and expanded to over 22,000 stores, including Target, Whole Foods and Walmart.

STARFIELD In China Expands With New Plant-Based Snacks

STARFIELD launched a new snack lineup in China featuring bagel crisps, alkaline bread crisps and plant crisps to meet growing demand for better-for-you snacks. Bagel crisps are baked, trans fat-free and come in flavors like chia seed and garlic. Alkaline bread crisps offer a sweet-salty option, while beetroot and pea crisps deliver crunch and fiber using vacuum-frying technology. STARFIELD focuses on taste and nutrition through R&D, developing plant-based textures and enhancing flavor, and it has plans for global expansion targeting APAC, Australasia and the Middle East.

Oat Cult Launches Ready-To-Mix Overnight Oats

Oat Cult launched single-serve overnight oats in the UK with added probiotics in Cinnamon Mix, Cacao Chip and Strawberry flavors. Each 60g sachet can be mixed with milk, water or yogurt and left to soak for an hour. Co-founder Ben da Costa highlighted the product's convenience, addressing the hassle of preparing overnight oats from scratch. Each sachet contains a billion healthy gut bacteria, supporting digestive health. With 70,300 monthly TikTok searches for “overnight oats,” Oat Cult aims to meet rising demand for easy, better-for-you breakfast options. Priced at £2.20 for a pack of nine, the oats feature bold packaging designed to stand out in the cereal aisle.

France Updates Nutri-Score For Clearer Choices

France approved an updated version of Nutri-Score, the five-color nutrition label, to help consumers make healthier choices based on salt and sugar content. While the health ministry supports the update, Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard raised concerns about its impact on traditional French products like cheese and charcuterie. Brands using Nutri-Score have two years to update their packaging. The system, introduced in 2017, remains voluntary, though the EU continues to debate making it mandatory.

Garden Veggie Launches New Flavor Burst Chips

Garden Veggie™ Snacks introduced two new Flavor Burst™ Tortilla Chips: Smoky BBQ and Sweet Tangy Chili. Smoky BBQ offers a rich, smoky taste; Sweet Tangy Chili combines sweet and spicy flavors with a satisfying crunch. Both varieties are gluten-free, made with non-GMO corn and five vegetables, and contain no artificial flavors or preservatives. Smoky BBQ is available at Walmart in 12oz. packs and Sweet Tangy Chili at Kroger in a 6oz. format. Ed Kaiser, Senior Director of Marketing, said the new flavors meet growing demand for better-for-you snacks without sacrificing taste.

Bob’s Red Mill Launches Overnight Protein Oats

Bob’s Red Mill brings Overnight Protein Oats to market in Blueberries & Cream and Vanilla Almond flavors. Each serving provides 10g of protein and 8g or less of sugar, with no added protein powder or fillers. Made from hull-less oats naturally higher in protein and with a lower carbon footprint, the product is Certified Gluten-Free and Non-GMO Project Verified. They also contain whole grains, real fruit or nuts and chia seeds. Preparation is simple: just mix with milk and refrigerate overnight. Each box contains four 2oz. packets with a suggested price of $6.59. The launch coincides with Bob’s Red Mill’s reformulated Instant Oatmeal Packets, expanding the brand’s convenient breakfast options.

GoodSAM Secures $9M For Regenerative Food Growth

GoodSAM Foods raised $9 million in Series A funding to support regenerative agriculture and farmer empowerment. Led by Alive Ventures and Desert Bloom, the round brings GoodSAM’s total funding to $10.5 million. Funds will help expand the team, launch new products and strengthen direct trade with smallholder farmers in nine countries, including Colombia, Mexico and Kenya. GoodSAM aims to make regenerative farming a core part of the American food market.

Protein Snacks And Breakfasts Gain Popularity

More food brands are adding protein to snacks and breakfast products to meet growing consumer demand as the nutrient moves from sports nutrition to mainstream. At Expo West, companies like Chomps and Kodiak Cakes highlighted how protein-packed options are becoming popular for on-the-go eating. Chomps reported over 200% sales growth last year. SimplyProtein recently expanded into restaurant-style tortilla chips. Consumers seek better-for-you options that combine nutrition with indulgent flavors and research shows that 36% of snacking occasions now involve a search for protein, with demand fueled partly by the rise of GLP-1 medications.

Crispy, Better-for-You Chips With Less Fat

Go Free Mini Fries and Potato Chips offer a crispy, flavorful snack with 80% less fat and 47% fewer calories than traditional chips. Their Pure Crisp Technology replaces deep frying with air, minimal oil and water to maintain crunch while reducing environmental impact. The company emphasizes the importance of balancing indulgence with wellness and maintaining integrity in food production.

Zambos And Tajín Launch Plantain Chips

Zambos and Tajín teamed up to create a new snack: Zambos with Tajín premium plantain chips. These chips combine Zambos' crunchy plantains with Tajín's signature chili-lime seasoning, offering bold flavors. They are coated with a blend of chili, lime and sea salt, making them ideal for dipping or enjoying on their own. Both companies aim to bring vibrant Latin American flavors to the snack market. They are available at major US retailers.

Pom-Bear Returns To TV With Family-Focused Ad

Pom-Bear, KP Snacks’ £35 million bear-shaped snack, is back on TV with a six-week campaign to boost brand awareness. First launched in September 2024, the ad highlights a playful father-daughter moment, reinforcing Pom-Bear’s fun, family-friendly appeal, and it features the tagline “Put a little Pom in your Day.” After its initial run, Pom-Bear saw 17% year-over-year growth.

Affordable Indulgence: Smarter Snacking With Bold Flavors

Consumers seek indulgent snacks without high prices, pushing brands to innovate with bold flavors and creative textures. Economic pressures shape purchasing habits, but demand for small, affordable luxuries remains strong. AI-driven tools help brands predict flavor trends, personalize snacks and streamline product development. Spicy, umami-rich and multi-textured snacks are gaining popularity, offering layered taste experiences. Clean-label expectations also drive innovation, with brands using botanical extracts, fermentation and culinary techniques to enhance natural flavors.

M&S Corn Flakes Reflect Shift To Simplicity

In the UK, Marks & Spencer launched a new line of cereals with minimal ingredients and simple packaging, including Corn Flakes made only with corn. The move reflects growing consumer demand, driven by social media, for transparency and fewer processed ingredients. Influencers on social media continue to highlight the benefits of whole foods and gut health, encouraging consumers to choose simpler options.

Where Indulgence Meets Health And Functionality In Snacks

Savoury snacks are evolving to balance indulgent flavours with better-for-you ingredients. Consumers want bold, authentic flavors like umami-rich parmesan, paprika and adventurous blends such as truffle popcorn and pickle seasoning, as well as global flavours, including Korean bulgogi, Mexican Tajín and Japanese wasabi. Health-focused options like high-protein chickpeas and low-sodium alternatives are becoming more common. Functional ingredients like probiotics, adaptogens and choline add nutritional benefits. Advanced flavour modulation and AI-driven manufacturing help brands reduce salt and sugar without losing taste. The rise of “swicy” (sweet and spicy) reflects growing demand for complex flavours.

Wales Restricts Placement And Promotions For Unhealthy Snacks

New regulations in Wales, narrowly passed in the Senedd, will limit where high-fat, sugar and salt foods can be placed in stores and restrict promotional offers on these items. Supermarkets must keep the products at least two meters from checkouts and queuing areas, while "buy-one-get-one-free" and similar deals will be banned. The rules, effective later this year, will apply to businesses with 50 or more employees. Products affected include crisps and other savory snacks, and breakfast cereals.

FDA Delays New "Healthy" Food Label Rules

The FDA postponed a rule change affecting "healthy" food labels, from February 25 to April 28. It would prevent many cereals and yogurts from using the label due to high saturated fat, sodium or added sugars while allowing nuts, oils and certain seafood to qualify for the first time. Originally set in 1994, the current definition excludes foods now recognized as nutritious. Reformulation costs for companies could reach $403 million over 20 years.

Bidco Expands Into Cereals And Snacks

In Kenya, Bidco Africa Group acquired Groupaco Holdings Ltd, adding popular brands like Fillows, Shapies, Elbbin and Nibble to its portfolio. Executive Chairman Vimal Shah said the deal aligns with Bidco’s mission to provide high-quality, locally produced food products. The acquisition will leverage Bidco’s manufacturing and distribution network to improve efficiency and expand reach. GHL’s CEO expressed confidence in Bidco’s ability to grow the brands. This move follows Bidco’s recent approval to fully acquire Suntory Beverage & Food Kenya Limited, the maker of Ribena and Lucozade.

Alpen Refreshes Brand With New Campaign

Alpen launched a new £2 million campaign, “Alpen, it’s The Grown Up Thing To Do,” to promote an updated brand identity and recipe with 30% more fruit. The campaign features Ralph, a new mascot highlighting the balance of health and taste in Alpen’s muesli. Ads will air on UK TV and social media, targeting up to 20 million viewers. Alpen aims to reconnect with cereal lovers looking for a nutritious but flavorful breakfast. The investment follows the success of parent company Weetabix’s category growth. Louise Vickers, Head of Brand, said the campaign reflects Alpen’s commitment to revitalizing the muesli category with better ingredients and fresh branding. Alpen’s muesli is HFSS-compliant and remains high in fiber and made with only natural ingredients.

Palse Launches Healthy Crunchy Snack Range

Palse is introducing a range of three healthy snacks to the UK convenience market in £1.19 price-marked packs. The lineup includes Jalapeño Crunchy Peas, Salt & Vinegar Crunchy Peas and Sweet Paprika Crunchy Broad Beans. Each variety is non-HFSS, high in fiber, low in saturated fat and a source of protein. Distributor House of Britannia is managing the launch, with new listings expected later in March.

Hippeas And Grillo’s Launch Dill Pickle Puffs

A collaboration between Hippeas and Grillo’s Pickles created Dill Pickle Puffs, a plant-based snack made from chickpea, rice and yellow pea flour. Seasoned with white vinegar powder, dehydrated dill and garlic, the puffs offer a tangy, crunchy option for health-conscious consumers. Each serving provides 3-4g of protein and 3g of fiber. They are also gluten-free and vegan. Dill Pickle Puffs will launch on March 30 at retailers like Sprouts and Stop & Shop, as well as online.

Healthier Kids’ Cereals Gain Market Share

Nielsen data show sales of kids’ cereals in the US fell 5% overall in the past year, as parents shift towards healthier options for their children, but BFY cereals recorded double-digit sales growth. BFY brands are entering the market with cereals that are lower in sugar, higher in fiber and made with natural ingredients. While traditional brands still dominate the market, smaller competitors use social media and influencer marketing to attract health-conscious buyers.

All Nutrition Expands Nutlove Cereal Line

All Nutrition from Poland introduced Fluffy Puffs, a new addition to its Nutlove cereal range. Unlike its Protein Muesli and Crunchy Flakes, Fluffy Puffs features chocolate-flavored square puffs with a crispy texture, providing 12g of protein per 100g serving as well as 57g of carbohydrates, 13g of sugar and 446 calories per serving. Fluffy Puffs are not packed with as much protein as the other Nutlove options, but are focused on offering a lower-sugar option.

Uncle Tobys Launches Milo Quick Sachet Oats

In Australia, Uncle Tobys introduced Milo Quick Sachet Oats, combining locally-grown oats with Milo cereal pieces for a quick, chocolate-malt-flavored breakfast. Ready in 90 seconds, the product offers a four-star health rating and a source of fiber, appealing to those seeking a convenient and familiar option. Kimberley Finsten, Uncle Tobys’ marketing manager, said the product was inspired by the popular habit of mixing Milo with oatmeal. Available at Coles, Woolworths and select independent supermarkets, the oats retail for $6.30.

Campbell’s Plans New Goldfish And Snack Options

Campbell’s Snacks segment saw a drop in organic sales in Q2, driven by weaker Goldfish and Snyder’s pretzel sales. To address this, Campbell’s plans to launch new Goldfish flavors and introduce better-for-you items, including Kettle chips made with avocado oil. New pack sizes and price points aim to improve accessibility and value. CEO Mick Beekhuizen expects improved margins in the second half of the fiscal year through better product mix and operational adjustments.

Our Home Showcases Better-For-You Snacks

Our Home brings its portfolio of better-for-you snacks to Natural Products Expo West 2025, featuring brands like Good Health, Popchips, ParmCrisps and Food Should Taste Good. Attendees can sample new products like Good Health’s avocado oil veggie snacks and Popchips’ Sweet Heat flavor. The exhibit highlights snack innovations, including options from veggie-filled snacks to spicy treats.

Unique Snacks Launches Knead ‘Ems Mini Pretzels

Unique Snacks introduced Knead ‘Ems, a new line of mini pretzels made with simple ingredients and no preservatives. Non-GMO verified and vegan-friendly, the snacks aim to offer a better-for-you option in the mini pretzel category. The launch features a new sourdough recipe, delivering a distinct savory taste and signature crunch. Knead ‘Ems are available in 11-ounce bags with a suggested retail price between $3.79 and $3.99.

Art-Inspired Pretzels With Better Ingredients

Stellar Snacks is reimagining pretzels with bold flavors and sustainable ingredients. Its pretzels, made with non-GMO, vegan and kosher ingredients, feature flavors like Maui Monk and French Dijon. Packaging plays a key role in the vision, incorporating artwork from emerging artists through the Stellar Artist Universe program. Each flavor is paired with a unique design, creating a multi-sensory experience for consumers. They are sold in 5-oz bags for $3.99 and 12-oz bags at $6.49, and are available in retail stores, online and also on flights with Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Emirates.

Brent Rivera Unveils LEVELS Snack Brand

Brent Rivera, a YouTube star, will introduce his new snack brand, LEVELS™, at Expo West 2025. Offering flavors like sweet cinnamon churro, nacho cheese and chili lime, the chips are made with a unique 4D corn and potato base for a satisfying crunch. Made with 100% avocado oil, the chips are gluten-free, Non-GMO Verified and free from artificial colors and flavors. LEVELS™ aims to combine bold tastes with health-conscious ingredients.

SimplyProtein Expands Tortilla Chip Line With New Flavors

SimplyProtein is adding two flavors to its Restaurant-Style Protein Tortilla Chips: Kickin’ Jalapeno Ranch and Fiesta Taco. These plant-based chips provide 7g of pea protein per serving and aim to deliver a zesty, satisfying crunch. Existing flavors include Sea Salt, Hint of Lime and Hint of Habanero. The new options will be available in the US starting in July and in Canada this fall. SimplyProtein is also rolling out refreshed branding to highlight its plant-based, protein-rich snacks.

BFY Snacks See Growing Demand In India

Health-conscious consumers in India drive demand for BFY snacks with nutritious ingredients and clean labels. Estimated by one research company to be worth US$47 billion in 2023, the Indian market is growing rapidly as awareness of nutrition and sustainability improves. Popular snacks like makhanas, with bold flavors and portion-controlled packaging, are seeing higher demand despite higher prices. Simple ingredient lists and swaps, such as millet flour and natural sweeteners, make these snacks appealing across urban and rural markets. Increased accessibility through online and physical stores also fuels growth.

Protein And Gut Health Lead Snack Trends At Expo West

New product trends at Expo West highlight growing consumer interest in high-protein snacks, gut health and natural ingredients. Protein callouts are driving sales growth, with brands like Quest and Chomps seeing significant increases. Avocado oil is gaining ground as a preferred fat source. Gut health claims, including probiotics and fermented ingredients, are expanding beyond drinks into snacks and supplements. Lower sugar options using fruit-based sweeteners are also on the rise. Consumers are increasingly drawn to smaller portions, driven by the GLP-1 trend, and crunchy textures, while flavors like dragon fruit, lemon and "swicy" (sweet and spicy) are growing in popularity.

Fruit Layer Expands With Healthy Dried Fruit Chips

Fruit Layer, a Flemish company specializing in air-dried fruit chips, is growing as demand for healthy snacks rises. Developed with the University of Leuven, its drying process avoids frying, creating a unique and nutritious product. The company started with apple chips and expanded to pineapple and sweet potato varieties. Belgian retailer Colruyt was an early partner, and Fruit Layer now supplies all Colruyt and Okay stores. Recent partnerships include Brussels Airlines and Hanos in the Netherlands.

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