News for professionals in the food business

Consumers Demand Smarter, Healthier Snacks

Snacking is evolving into a $30 billion global trend shaped by health, convenience and sustainability. About 75% of shoppers now examine ingredient lists, pushing brands to offer snacks that are functional, flavorful and transparent. Clean labels, plant proteins, low sugar and gut-friendly ingredients are central to product development, meeting demand from health-conscious Gen Z and Millennial consumers. Regulatory pressures and rising public health costs also fuel reformulation. Companies like Balchem are exploring satiety-boosting snacks that pair indulgence with science, including GLP-1 companion snacks, as BFY snacks grow toward a projected $55 billion market by 2033.

Shredded Wheat Celebrates Simplicity In Breakfast

Shredded Wheat launches a new campaign, It Simply Does It, its first in six years, to promote the value of simplicity in healthy eating. Running across TV and radio until the end of the year, the campaign highlights the brand’s long-standing commitment to using just one ingredient - 100% whole grain wheat – with a message that shows Shredded Wheat as a trustworthy, high-fiber breakfast option in a world of increasing food complexity. The campaign’s tagline, “You go be amazing, we’ll stick to the simple stuff,” is brought to life in a 20-second ad featuring Rudy, a character balancing complex engineering tasks with a simple breakfast routine.

Blue Tribe Launches Protein Puffs in India

Blue Tribe Foods launched a new baked snack range under the brand KLAW, aiming to meet the rising demand for healthy, high-protein snacks in India’s metro cities. KLAW Supergrain Protein Puffs contain 9g of protein per pack and feature a blend of grains and legumes like jowar, quinoa, moong daal and chickpeas. Available in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru through platforms like Zepto and Swiggy Instamart, the snacks come in flavors like Sweet Chilli, Spicy Guava, and Pudina Blast, to appeal to Gen Z consumers. They are baked using rice bran and olive oil.

Korean Brands Tap Gen Z With Bold Flavors

Korea’s snack and beverage makers are embracing unusual flavor combinations to appeal to Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers, who value novelty and social media–worthy experiences. Recent product launches include milk banana–flavored potato chips and curry-flavored crisps. Industry observers say younger consumers are driving demand for experimental, limited-edition products. Brands are responding with bold recipes and playful designs to stay relevant in a competitive and fast-moving snack market.

General Mills To Ditch Artificial Colors By 2027

General Mills is to eliminate artificial colors from all its products by 2027, starting with cereals and school-sold foods by next summer, marking its second major push to go dye-free, following a partial attempt in 2015, which was reversed after consumer backlash. CEO Jeff Harmening says consumer expectations around transparency have since shifted significantly, and the company now feels confident it can deliver better-tasting, naturally colored products. The move aligns with growing pressure from regulators; the FDA banned Red Dye No. 3 earlier this year, and California passed legislation banning certain synthetic dyes in schools by 2027. Kraft Heinz made a similar commitment this week. General Mills sees the change as a strategic evolution rather than a marketing risk.

LesserEvil Launches Clean-Label Cheese Puffs

LesserEvil introduced Cheezmos, a new line of cheese puffs made with organic avocado oil and real organic cheddar. Available in Cowboy Cheddar and Blazin’ Hot Cheddar, the snacks offer a nostalgic flavor experience without artificial dyes, preservatives or additives. The launch marks LesserEvil’s entry into a new snack category and supports its focus on clean-label, better-for-you products. Cheezmos will debut at Whole Foods Market in June, followed by a rollout to Kroger in September.

Garden Veggie Straws® Launch Splash Pack

Garden Veggie Straws® is celebrating summer with the launch of its limited-edition Splash Pack, combining better-for-you snacking with playful poolside fun. The kit includes pool noodles shaped like oversized Veggie Straws®, a tote bag that doubles as a towel, and family-friendly snacks made with real veggie ingredients, no artificial flavors, and naturally sourced colors. Available for $5.99 starting June 10, the Splash Pack aims to bring joy to families during outdoor activities. Alongside this launch, consumers can also enter the Savor Your Summer Sweepstakes for a chance to win themed gear and shopping sprees.

Joyfull Bakery Launches Parmesan Snack Line

Joyfull Bakery, part of Raison D’etre bakery, is introducing a new line of oven-baked snacks, called Parmesan Thin Crisps. The 2.2-oz snacks are made with 100% aged Parmesan and come in five varieties: Original, Five Seed, Cracked Pepper, Pretzel Crunch and Cheddar. They are gluten-free, high in protein, and low in carbohydrates. Alongside the product launch, Joyfull Bakery is updating its packaging with a more refined, artisanal look that reflects its heritage in craftsmanship and baking. The new products will roll out this spring in both natural and conventional grocery stores across the US.

Texas Bill Seeks Warning Labels On Processed Snacks Banned Abroad

A proposed Texas bill, Senate Bill 25, would require warning labels on snacks containing any of 44 ingredients banned in countries like Australia, Canada, the EU or the UK. Targeted additives include food dyes, bleached flour, oils and preservatives found in products including Ruffles and Doritos. Rather than banning these ingredients, the bill mandates disclosure labels stating the product is “not recommended for human consumption” by certain international health authorities. State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, who introduced the bill, says it's about transparency and empowering Texans to make informed choices, aligning with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” campaign. If signed by Governor Greg Abbott by June 22, the law would take effect in 2027 and could influence nationwide packaging.

Keya’s Chips Blend Indian And American Flavors

Pastry chef Keya Wingfield launched Keya’s Snacks in January 2025. The kettle-cooked potato chips come in two flavors - Bombay Spice and Black Salt – and are made with clean ingredients, seasoned with single-origin Indian spices. They are also vegan, gluten-free and kosher. In just three months, the chips reached 84 retail stores across the US, and Wingfield’s goal is to bring culturally inspired snacks to mainstream grocery aisles, reflecting the blended identities of many American households. Committed to quality, she avoids additives and highlights cultural heritage through branding and flavor. Keya’s Snacks will showcase its products at Newtopia Now in August, with plans to expand into new flavors and categories.

Nestlé Expands Cereal Production In Zimbabwe

Nestlé is investing $7 million to expand its breakfast cereal plant in Harare, Zimbabwe, adding a fourth roller dryer to boost production of its wheat-based brand, Cerevita, an upgrade that will raise the facility’s output by over 35%, expanding supply to local markets and exports to Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. This move is part of Nestlé’s broader “Africa for Africa” strategy, which emphasizes local manufacturing, sourcing and talent development to build self-reliant food systems across the continent. Operational for over 60 years, the Harare site is central to a $40 million regional investment plan covering cereal and coffee production.

NuTrail Welcomes New CEO, Private Equity Support

Granola brand NuTrail secured strategic investment from EagleTree Capital, alongside the appointment of Sheila Stanziale as CEO. Based in Miami, NuTrail is known for its no-sugar-added granola in flavors like chocolate, honey nut and cinnamon pecan. Stanziale, a seasoned food and beverage executive with leadership experience at PepsiCo, Mighty Leaf Tea and Diageo-Guinness USA, will lead the company’s next growth phase, working closely with co-founders Ilya and Roni Avshalumov. EagleTree, which also owns Summit Hill Foods, sees NuTrail as a promising addition to its portfolio of consumer brands. The firm aims to support NuTrail’s expansion, including in the better-for-you snacking space.

Healthier Hot Chip YIKES Launches In June 2025

Set to hit shelves nationwide in June 2025, YIKES is a new rolled tortilla chip brand delivering intense flavor and better-for-you formula. YIKES chips are made without artificial dyes and offer multiple heat levels to suit all spice lovers. Launching with flavors like Honey BBQ Extreme, YIKES aims to disrupt the snack aisle with premium ingredients, cultural credibility and affordability. The founders bring a mix of hip-hop, cannabis and logistics expertise to build a snack brand to resonate with wellness-driven, flavor-focused consumers. YIKES will be available at major retailers including Target, 7-Eleven and Circle K, with global expansion already in the works.

Bonvie Snacks Expands With Makhana Line And New Air-Dried Chips

Health-first Indian snack brand Bonvie Snacks expands its product portfolio with the May 2025 launch of a Makhana range featuring globally inspired flavors like Wasabi, Cheese & Herbs and Coffee Caramel, available exclusively through Bonvie’s website. Bonvie is also introducing new variants of air-dried chips, with flavors Mixed Vegetable, Broccoli, Oats and Millet chips.

Research Shows Nutritional, Public Health Potential Of Cereals

Despite rising sugar and sodium levels in some children’s cereals, new research shows that ready-to-eat cereals can play a meaningful role in improving public health. A comprehensive review in Nutrients, co-authored by public health nutritionist Dr. Emma Derbyshire, links regular cereal consumption with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and obesity across age groups. The study also found cereals help bridge nutritional gaps, delivering fiber, iron, B vitamins and vitamin D, especially among children. While a recent JAMA study flags concerns over nutritional quality in newer children’s cereals, Dr. Derbyshire urges clearer labelling and smarter choices, like picking wholegrain options with 3–5g of fiber and under 8g of sugar per serving.

Minimally Processed Snacks Gain Ground In Europe

Within a European snacks market worth €234 billion, minimally processed snacks are seeing growth as consumers look for healthier, more intentional choices. While ultra-processed snacks like doughnuts and crisps remain popular, shoppers are increasingly turning to snacks with fewer, more familiar ingredients. Products including cereals as well as dried fruits, nuts and breakfast bars, are seeing growth in a shift that is part of the broader "snackification" trend. High-protein, gut-friendly and plant-based options are also rising in popularity.

Flavor Innovation Drives BFY Snacks

Manufacturers of BFY snacks are stepping up flavor innovation to appeal to health-conscious consumers who also crave bold taste. Classic snacks like pretzels and popcorn are being reinvented with unique seasonings, co-branded flavors and plant-based ingredients. Companies are experimenting with vegan dairy alternatives, spicy-sweet (“swicy”) combinations and nutrient-dense bases such as chickpeas and sweet potatoes. Protein-packed options such as plant-based pretzels and puffed legumes continue to grow.

Scotland Revises HFSS Promotion Restrictions

The Scottish government revised its proposed rules on promoting foods high in fat, salt, and sugar, aligning them more closely with existing regulations in England and Wales. Originally planning a full ban, the government scaled back its approach after consulting with stakeholders. The updated policy targets the major contributors to calorie, fat, sugar and salt intake, such as confectionery, crisps and sugary drinks, and particularly those linked to childhood obesity. Businesses with 50 or more employees are expected to comply by the end of next year.

Uncle Jerry’s Pretzels Sees 35% Sales Growth

Uncle Jerry’s Pretzels, known for its simple, five-ingredient recipe, reported a 35% increase in sales so far this year. The family-owned company positions itself as a BFY snack by avoiding oils, sugars, additives and preservatives. Each hand-rolled pretzel contains 90 calories and is made fresh in small batches at the company’s Pennsylvania bakery. Uncle Jerry’s is expanding through retail and direct-to-consumer channels, and it’s also exploring gluten-free and high-protein options to meet evolving dietary trends, including interest from consumers using GLP-1 weight loss medications. New retail distribution in the southern US states and California is helping broaden its reach without compromising quality or simplicity.

Harvest Snaps Launches National Sampling Tour

Harvest Snaps hits the road with its “Veg Up & Go” campaign, a nationwide sampling tour designed to introduce consumers to its baked veggie snacks. Stops include Houston, Dallas, Cincinnati, Chicago and Portland. Teams will hand out samples through street events, pop-ups at farmers’ markets, gyms, coworking spaces and more. Harvest Snaps aims to distribute 470,000 samples and raise brand awareness through in-person interactions. Crunchy Loops Sour Cream & Onion is the spotlight product, alongside popular items like Tomato Basil and White Cheddar Jalapeño Crunchy Puffs. All snacks feature vegetables such as red lentils, green peas or navy beans as the main ingredient.

Hain Celestial Launches Summer Snack Sweepstakes

The Hain Celestial Group brings back its "Savor Your Summer" Sweepstakes, encouraging consumers to enjoy healthier snacking while entering seasonal competitions. Running through July 10, the promotion offers instant-win rewards and $1,000 grocery gift cards to shoppers who purchase qualifying Hain snacks or enter online. Featured brands include Garden Veggie Snacks™, Terra® chips, and Garden of Eatin’®, all offering better-for-you snack options with natural ingredients and no artificial additives. The campaign targets the seasonal rise in snack consumption, especially during summer gatherings and on-the-go moments, and combines retail displays, influencer promotion and digital engagement.

Calbee Eyes Asian Breakfast Market With Frugra Granola Expansion

Japanese snack giant Calbee is expanding its Frugra granola brand across Asia to become the region’s top healthy breakfast option. While dominant in Japan with a 52% market share, Frugra is gaining recognition overseas, especially in China. Calbee aims to grow its overseas business beyond the current 25% share by promoting Frugra’s taste, convenience and satiety, while strengthening its health credentials. The company will localize products to suit regional breakfast habits, such as hot cereal in China or sweetened versions in the Philippines. Limited-edition flavors and IP collaborations will help drive trial.

Protein Snacks On The Rise, But Are They Healthy?

Protein-packed chips, puffs and popcorn are crowding store shelves, promising guilt-free snacking. But food policy expert Darin Detwiler of Northeastern University warns many of these products prioritize marketing over nutrition. While protein content claims may be accurate, many snacks are ultra-processed and high in sodium, saturated fat or additives. Detwiler urges consumers to scrutinize labels and understand protein sources, which often lack the fiber and nutrients found in whole foods. Though convenient, he cautions against overconsumption and suggests opting for whole-food alternatives like nuts, Greek yogurt or eggs for truly healthful protein snacking.

Mondelēz Report Highlights Mindful Snacking

Consumers are embracing mindful snacking, with a growing emphasis on portion control and savoring each bite, according to Mondelēz International’s 2024 State of Snacking™ report. Conducted with The Harris Poll across 12 countries, the survey reveals that 96% of global consumers engage in mindful snacking behaviors and 79% say they enjoy their snacks more when consumed mindfully. Sensory enjoyment is a major driver, with 81% of respondents paying attention to flavor, texture and taste. Over two-thirds actively seek portion-controlled snacks to balance indulgence and wellness.

Kettle Chips Updates Recipe, Launches Promotion

Kettle Chips reformulated its Mature Cheddar & Red Onion flavour to meet non-HFSS guidelines, making it compliant with UK regulations for healthier snacks. The improved recipe balances cheddar with sweet red onion, without using artificial ingredients, and is now available in all standard pack sizes nationwide. Alongside the recipe update, the brand is running a 14-week on-pack promotion called “Enjoy a Summer,” offering shoppers the chance to win one of 98 daily £200 cash prizes. It’s aimed at supporting participation in summer sports and inspired by Kettle Chips’ role as Official Crisp Supplier of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, set to take place in England later this summer.

Unilever Considers Selling Graze Snack Brand

Unilever is exploring a sale of its healthy snack brand Graze as new CEO Fernando Fernandez shifts focus toward beauty, personal care and wellness. Graze, known for oat bars and roasted snacks, saw revenue fall 11% to £40 million in 2023, mainly due to weaker direct-to-consumer sales, and the brand has operated at a loss since its acquisition for £150 million in 2019. A potential sale could value Graze at £50–80 million.

Eat Real And Belazu Partner On Limited-Edition Chips

In the UK, Eat Real launches a limited-edition chip in partnership with ingredient experts Belazu. Rose Harissa Hummus Chips blend Eat Real’s signature hummus base with Belazu’s smoky, spicy Rose Harissa paste, balanced by a cooling yogurt note. Part of Eat Real’s globally inspired flavor lineup, this release follows recent launches like Lime, Chilli & Sea Salt, and Greek Cheese, Tomato & Herb. The range targets rising demand for snacks with bold, recognizable food-led profiles. HFSS-compliant and made with 30% less fat than standard chips, the 110g sharing bags contain no artificial colours or ingredients. Available now at Ocado and Waitrose, they will also be available at other retailers from July.

SimplyProtein’s Tortilla Chips Win Top Awards

SimplyProtein’s Restaurant Style Protein Tortilla Chips earned major honors this spring: Best Overall Plant-Based Snack Product of the Year 2025 from the Mindful Awards, 2025 Editors’ Pick from Progressive Grocer, and finalist in 2025 Sweets & Snacks Expo’s Most Innovative New Products Award. They’re available in Sea Salt, Hint of Lime, and Hint of Habanero, with Kickin’ Jalapeno Ranch and Fiesta Taco launching this fall.

Calbee America Refreshes Harvest Snaps Brand

Calbee America updates its flagship Harvest Snaps brand to highlight its healthier ingredients and appeal to produce aisle shoppers. Packaging now features a bold “Made with Real Veggies” seal, protein and fiber callouts, and a “crispy” label. A graphic explains how the snacks start with whole legumes milled in-house. Sub-brand Crunchy Loops also gets refreshed packaging to emphasize family and fun. New flavors include Zesty Ranch replacing Wasabi Ranch, Mango Chili Lime made with red lentils instead of black beans, and a new Crunchy Loops Original flavor with 4g protein and 2g fiber per serving. All products are Non-GMO and gluten free.

Love Child Organics Launches Oaty Bites, Toddler-Friendly Snack

Nature’s Path Organic Foods brand Love Child Organics introduces Oaty Bites, a new oat-based snack designed for kids aged four and up. Each serving contains 5g of sugar and 12-14g of whole grains. They are made with gluten-free oats, sunflower seed butter, quinoa and chia, and are vegan and Non-GMO Project Verified. There are three flavors - strawberry and kale, blueberry and carrot, and chocolate and banana – and are available across Canada and at NaturesPath.com and Amazon.ca.

Purely Elizabeth Debuts Protein-Packed Oatmeal Line

Purely Elizabeth is bringing a new Protein Oatmeal line to market, offering 10 grams of plant-based protein per serving. Available nationally and online for $6.49, the oatmeal is made with organic whole grains such as oats, quinoa and buckwheat, and is flavored by real fruit, cinnamon and maple. It’s vegan, gluten-free, Non-GMO Project Verified and free from artificial flavors. Protein Meal is based on the brand’s “Purely Protein” blend, derived from pea, fava and chocho proteins.

Brice Launches Truffle-Flavored Snack With A K-Pop Twist

In Malaysia, SW Food’s Brice snack brand unveiled a new truffle flavor under its ecoBrown’s label, promising indulgent taste with nutritional benefits. It launched at Sunway Pyramid in an event featuring K-pop boy band Treasure. Using brown, red and black rice, the baked rice snack is rich in dietary fiber and vitamins B3, B6 and E. It joins existing flavors Spicy Cheese and Seaweed.

GLP-1 Drugs Shift Food Preferences, Reduce Snack Spend

A new study from ingredients supplier IFF shows that over 80% of US users of GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic experience significant shifts in food and drink preferences. These medications often reduce cravings for fatty, sweet or dense foods, while increasing appeal for fruits, lean proteins and plant-based options. Side effects such as dry mouth also influence textural preferences. Cornell University research found GLP-1 users cut grocery spending by 5.5%, including an 11% drop in savory snack purchases.

Healthier Snacks See Stable Growth In Canada

Despite economic pressures, snacking continues to grow in Canada, supported by stable consumer habits and evolving preferences. Mintel reports that Gen Z and Millennials are driving trends toward convenience, frequent snacking and snacks with health benefits. These younger consumers prefer small, functional snacks with added nutrients like protein and fiber, while Boomers focus on heart health. Interest in local, Canadian-made snacks is also rising, driven by consumer desire for transparency and national support. Innovation remains key, with brands using exotic flavours, plant-based ingredients and alternative sweeteners.

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