News for professionals in the food business

Oh So Healthy! Kimchi Crisps Earn sofi™ Recognition

Philippines-based Oh So Healthy! Corporation’s Kimchi Baked Crisps was named a finalist in the Specialty Food Association’s 2026 sofi™ Awards. Made from real fermented kimchi, the baked crisps deliver umami-rich flavor while staying free of artificial additives. It’s the only Filipino brand among the finalists as it continues to expand internationally, positioning itself as a global representative of BFY snacking rooted in Asian flavors and craftsmanship.

Harvest Snaps Refreshes Look And Adds Flavors

Calbee America’s Harvest Snaps brand is rolling out refreshed packaging and new flavors to highlight its real veggie ingredients and nutritional benefits. The update introduces a “Made with Real Veggies” seal, clearer protein and fiber callouts, and the word “crispy” across its line. New flavors include Mango Chili Lime made with red lentils, a new Original Crunchy Loops, and Zesty Ranch, which is replacing Wasabi Ranch. The design refresh aims to boost shelf appeal and emphasize farm-grown ingredients. All products remain Non-GMO and gluten-free.

Hawkesbury Brewing Co Expands Into Snack Foods

Australia’s Hawkesbury Brewing Co. enters the snack market with its first non-beverage product, Hawkesbury Naturally Roasted Salted Peanuts, branded as “Wally the Wombat’s Nuts.” The new line extends the brewery’s focus on authentic, approachable products and will be promoted alongside its beers in a limited-time offer. Available in sharing and single-serve packs, the launch introduces the Hawkesbury Naturally sub-brand, which will expand into additional snacks. With a playful identity and focus on sociable enjoyment, the range aims to complement the brewery’s beverages.

Blue Diamond And Oppy Spotlight Protein Almond Snacks

Oppy and Blue Diamond Growers are showcasing their protein-rich almond snacks, including Oven Roasted Honey and Toasted Almonds & Cherries, at the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show. Packaged in resealable bags, the products cater to shoppers seeking convenient, heart-healthy snacks on the fresh aisle. The partnership includes trade support, a healthy-eating sweepstakes and samples at the event, with a refreshed Blue Diamond brand debuting in 2026. Emphasizing protein, clean ingredients and strong branding, the line reflects ongoing growth in produce-based, BFY snacking options.

Goodness Plant Debuts Thai-Inspired Protein Snacks

Goodness Plant’s Bangkok Bites is a line of Thai-inspired, plant-based protein snacks featuring Tom Yum and Sriracha chips, and Pad Thai and Thai BBQ vegan jerkies. Each variety offers 10-18g of soy protein with clean, low-fat ingredients. Developed through in-house R&D in Thailand, the products blend authentic flavors with modern nutrition and texture innovation. Available on Amazon US, Bangkok Bites marks the company’s move into high-protein, global-flavor snacking. The women- and AAPI-owned brand plans to showcase the line at the Winter Fancy Food Show 2026, highlighting how heritage and wellness can coexist in the snack aisle.

Infuzions Air Fries Arrive At Coles In Australia

Majans’ Infuzions brand expanded its BFY range with new Air Fries 90g sharepacks, now available in Coles stores across Australia. Made from 100% Australian-grown split peas and given a 4-star health rating, the Tomato Sauce and Aioli Air Fries cater to families seeking healthier snack options. The larger sharing pack format helps Infuzions to strengthen its presence in major retailers and meet growing demand for plant-based, baked alternatives.

Song Hwa Bets On Original Seaweed Flavor

Korea’s Song Hwa Food is expanding across Asia with a focus on premium, minimally processed seaweed snacks that preserve their natural flavor and crispness. Song Hwa found that consumers prefer original flavors over heavily seasoned varieties, aligning with traditional eating habits that pair seaweed with rice. By using clean ingredients and less oil, Song Hwa delivers a crisp texture while maintaining a clean-label profile. The firm is also innovating in packaging to preserve freshness in humid markets like Singapore and Malaysia. With premium sourcing from Korea’s southern coast and child-friendly packaging, Song Hwa is positioning its seaweed as a high-quality, healthy snack choice for both everyday meals and on-the-go consumption.

Grind And Surreal Create Tiramisu Protein Cereal

In the UK, coffee brand Grind and cereal brand Surreal teamed up to launch a limited-edition Tiramisu-flavored cereal combining the flavors of coffee and dessert in a high-protein, low-sugar format. Each vegan-friendly, gluten-free serving provides 15g of protein and less than 1g of sugar. Available online and in select UK retailers, including Whole Foods and Selfridges, the collaboration offers a creative twist on traditional cereal.

Kellogg’s Debuts High Protein Granola Range

Kellanova’s Kellogg’s brand launched its first High Protein Granola range in Australia, available in Forest Berries, Honey Nut, and Apple Crumble flavors. Each serving delivers 10g of protein, less than 5g of sugar and a Health Star rating of 5. It targets consumers seeking nutritious, convenient breakfasts that support active lifestyles. Kellogg’s says the new range meets growing demand for foods that balance taste, texture and functional benefits. Available in major supermarkets for RRP $8.99, the launch reinforces Kellogg’s strategy to expand its BFY portfolio.

Ready® Debuts Protein Innovations At NACS

Protein-focused brand Ready® will unveil new snacks and drinks at the 2025 NACS Show in Chicago. Highlights include the Iced Oatmeal Cookie Protein Bar, Movie Theater Popcorn and Maple Sea Salt Protein Puffs. The products reflect Ready’s commitment to clean, functional nutrition with high protein, fiber and no artificial additives. Designed for active consumers, the new formats expand Ready’s reach in convenience retail. Ready® Protein Puffs offer 25g of protein per bag and are available in both plant-based and whey protein varieties.

Casa Arte Sano Debuts NOPALLI Baked

Casa Arte Sano expands its NOPALLI line with NOPALLI Baked, a lighter version of its cactus tortilla chips. Made from nopal cactus flour and nixtamalized corn, the new chips are non-GMO, gluten-free and crafted with 100% natural ingredients. The baking process includes a touch of extra virgin olive oil for added flavor. Founder Gerardo Galván said the new range continues the brand’s commitment to authentic, better-for-you snacking inspired by traditional Mexican ingredients.

Colman’s Launches Honey Mustard Nuts

Known for its English mustard, Colman’s launched Honey Mustard Nuts across UK retailers, blending the brand’s signature product with honey for a sweet-spicy flavor. The product enters stores just ahead of the festive season, when nut sales typically surge. This “swicy” combination builds on growing demand for bold flavor pairings in savory snacks. Marketing Director Claire Racklyeft said the launch reflects Colman’s focus on taste trends and consumer curiosity for innovative snacking options.

WellBe Launches Vacuum-Cooked Snack Range

WellBe Foods’ new range of vacuum-cooked snacks expands its clean-label portfolio with 14 products made from legumes, tubers and traditional Indian recipes. The launch includes Peanut Chikki Bites, Flower Murukku, Banana Chips and Poha Chivda. Using vacuum-cooking technology, WellBe aims to retain natural flavors while reducing oil absorption. The rollout supports the brand’s goal of reaching over 38,000 stores across India by March 2026.

Chipoys Launches Potato Chip Line

Rap artist Berner, along with fellow entrepreneurs James Lindsay and Michael Berro, reintroduced Chipoys with a new potato chip line available online at Chipoys.com. Known for its spicy rolled tortilla chips, the brand now enters the potato chip category with the same focus on flavor and cultural authenticity. The relaunch pairs high-quality ingredients with contemporary packaging and marketing rooted in street culture. Partnering with hot sauce brand Tapatio, Chipoys aims to bring authentic Mexican-inspired flavors to a broader audience. The team describes the new offering as a bold evolution in better-for-you snacking with a distinct cultural edge.

Craize Launches Fire-Griddled Crackers

Craize introduces fire-griddled crackers made with a proprietary slow-cooking process using open-fire griddling rather than baking, frying or puffing. The crackers feature a chip-cracker hybrid format made with fruits, vegetables and spices mixed into the dough. Products are seed oil-free and allergy-friendly, vegan, non-GMO, Kosher and gluten-free. The launch included five variants with a suggested retail price of $5.49 per 4 oz bag. Craize is distributed to over 14,000 US retailers. Products are available nationwide and online at gocraize.com.

Mauna Loa Adds Dill Pickle Flavor

Mauna Loa Macadamia Nuts launched Dill Pickle Dry Roasted Macadamias, combining zesty dill and savory garlic with macadamias. The flavor responds to growing pickle popularity, with 63% of global consumers sharing positive sentiment toward pickle flavors. The new flavor is available at Albertsons, Safeway and Vons. Two new flavors will launch early next year. Macadamias are the fastest-growing nut category within US households, with Mauna Loa leading in dollar and unit sales growth, and they are gluten-free and heart-healthy, suitable for Keto diets, and contain more omega-7 than other types of nuts.

Utz Phases Out Artificial Colors

Utz Brands will eliminate all FD&C certified colors from its product portfolio by the end of 2027. 80% of its products are already free from artificial colors and it will highlight its commitment to simple ingredients on select packaging starting later this year. Utz joins other major food companies including Nestlé USA, JM Smucker, Kraft Heinz and General Mills in removing artificial colors, decisions that reflect emerging consumer preference for cleaner labels and transparency.

Ferrero Completes Kellogg Cereal Acquisition

Ferrero Group closed its $3.1 billion acquisition of WK Kellogg Co, shifting the ready-to-eat cereal maker from public to private ownership. The acquisition includes brands like Frosted Flakes, Special K, Raisin Bran, Froot Loops, Corn Flakes, Krave, All-Bran, Smart Start, Kashi cereals and Bear Naked granola. WK Kellogg's fiscal 2024 net sales were $2.71 billion.

US Healthy Snacking Maintains Growth

Healthy snacking in the US is forecast to see 18.4% year-over-year sales growth into 2026, driven by consumer demand for functional benefits. Protein remains the top functional ingredient, with searches up 99.2% year over year. TikTok drives much of the conversation, with healthy snack searches on the platform up 28.6% annually. Consumers seek portion-controlled options, with 69% globally looking for appropriate serving sizes. Emerging ingredients like collagen are migrating from supplements into snack foods. Rice snacks have seen some growth in popularity.

Rising Confusion Around Ultra-Processed Foods

A new Non-GMO Project survey finds that 72% of US consumers try to avoid ultra-processed foods, even though many can’t clearly define them. It highlights four main disconnections: knowledge, behavior, trust and agency. People feel uneasy about food systems but lack confidence in how to act. The Non-GMO Project plans to launch a “Non-UPF Verified” certification to help shoppers identify minimally processed foods. With 47% of respondents claiming little or no trust in food brands, experts urge brands, retailers and policymakers to close these gaps through education, reformulation and transparency to rebuild consumer trust in healthier food options.

Americans Seek More Whole Grain Consumption

A new Whole Grains Council survey finds nearly three-quarters of Americans believe they should eat more whole grains, mainly for health reasons. Forty-nine percent report increasing intake in the past five years, and 57% choose whole grain options more often than not. Taste and cost remain both motivators and barriers, though more consumers now view whole grains as flavorful and affordable. Bread, cereals and snacks are top choices, with breakfast the main mealtime for consumption.

Bundaberg And Kettle Relaunch Ginger Beer Chips

Bundaberg Brewed Drinks and Kettle Chips renewed their collaboration to bring back Ginger Beer Chips in Australia. The limited-edition crisps blend Kettle’s signature crunch with the sweet and spicy taste of Bundaberg’s ginger beer. Available nationwide from November in 90g and 150g bags, the product targets consumers seeking bold, summer-inspired snack flavors. Both companies say the relaunch responds to strong consumer demand after the chip’s earlier success in 2023.

Utz Expands California Snack Distribution

Utz Brands is strengthening its US distribution by acquiring Insignia International’s direct-store delivery network in California and parts of the Midwest. The deal supports Utz’s plan to grow in California, the nation’s largest salty snack market, and adds to earlier expansion initiatives in Florida. In its Q3 update, Utz reported a 3.4% increase in both reported and organic sales, led by branded salty snacks, and raised its full-year organic sales growth outlook to 3%, citing stronger revenue trends.

Thrive Market Adds GLP-1 Friendly Filter

Online grocer Thrive Market will launch a GLP-1 Friendly filter to help members using GLP-1 weight-loss medications find suitable foods. It highlights protein- and fiber-rich options while excluding products with refined carbs, sugar alcohols or excess fat. More than 1,000 items qualify.

Utz Highlights New Flavors, Clean Labels

Utz Brands is introducing a range of new snacks at the 2025 NACS Show in Chicago, emphasizing bold flavors and simple ingredients. Featured launches include Cheddar Bacon Ranch Cheese Balls, Sizzlin’ Summer Burger Chips, and new kettle chip flavors like Jalapeño and Salt & Malt Vinegar. The company’s brands, including Utz, Zapp’s, Boulder Canyon, Golden Flake and TGI Fridays, are expanding into convenience stores with flavors inspired by regional tastes. Starting in 2026, Utz will add front-of-pack “No Artificial Colors or Flavors” labels on its core potato chip lines.

Float Debuts Oat-Pulp Upcycled Cereal

Bristol-based Float, an oat milk delivery service, introduced what it calls the UK’s first cereal made from leftover oat milk pulp, a byproduct of oat milk production, turning it into crunchy, fiber-rich clusters available in two flavors: GranOatla and Cocoa Rocks. Founder Josh Coppersmith-Heaven developed the cereal to reduce food waste and offer a nutritious, lower-sugar breakfast option. Using oat flour as a natural binder, the cereal avoids added sugars while delivering a satisfying texture. Sold in reusable glass jars, the launch aligns with Float’s sustainable approach to local food production and zero-waste operations.

Color Manufacturers Challenge West Virginia Dye Ban

The International Association of Color Manufacturers filed a lawsuit against West Virginia over its new law banning several FDA-approved food dyes, including FD&C Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5. The IACM argues the legislation violates both state and US constitutions by interfering with interstate commerce and undermining FDA authority. The group says the dyes have also been deemed safe by global regulators, including the European Food Safety Agency and Health Canada.

Calbee Launches $100M Food-Tech Fund

Japanese snack maker Calbee’s new $100 million venture fund with Pegasus Tech Ventures will invest in food and agricultural technologies, to explore innovations that can shape future snack and cereal products, including healthier formulations and more sustainable sourcing. Targeting startups across the US, Europe, Israel and Asia, the initiative builds on Calbee’s August 2024 partnership with Pegasus.

California Pistachios Launch New Campaign In India

Wonderful® Pistachios launched its second India campaign, “The Better Snack,” to promote California Pistachios as a protein-rich, guilt-free option. Following the success of “The Better Nut,” the campaign spans billboards and newspapers across six major cities, using playful 3D visuals to emphasize strength and nutrition. The Wonderful Company says the campaign reflects growing interest in healthy snacking in India and underscores its mission to make pistachios a top choice for mindful eaters seeking natural, protein-forward snacks.

Kellanova Focuses On Scale In India

Kellanova plans to grow its share of India's breakfast market by emphasizing its operational scale and expanding categories like muesli, chocos and cornflakes. The company tested an upma product and received positive feedback but chose to prioritize faster-growing segments instead. India's breakfast options segment is valued at ₹4,000 crore, with consumers favoring traditional or savory alternatives. Kellanova reported double-digit growth in early 2025 after single-digit growth last year.

Weetabix Joins Free UK School Breakfast Program

Weetabix partnered with Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and the UK government to expand free breakfast clubs to 750 schools, with plans to reach 2,000 by 2026, providing nutritious morning meals like porridge, fruit and wheat biscuits to children who might otherwise miss breakfast. Retail partners offer discounts and free deliveries to support the program. Leaders from participating schools say the scheme makes breakfast clubs more sustainable while improving access to healthy food. A recent study found that many parents struggle to provide a healthy breakfast before school partly because of time constraints and fussy eating.

Craize Corn Snacks Named sofi™ Finalist

Craize® Corn Snacks Everything Flavor is a finalist for the Specialty Food Association’s 2026 sofi™ Awards, recognizing innovation in specialty foods. Made through a unique fire-griddling method instead of frying, Craize’s snacks combine the crunch of chips with the versatility of crackers. The brand emphasizes clean, plant-based ingredients that are vegan, gluten-free, allergen-friendly and include fruits, vegetables and spices.

Cedar’s Foods Launches Mediterranean Salsa Pita Chips

Cedar’s Foods introduced Mediterranean Salsa Pita Chips, a baked snack seasoned with tomatoes, bell peppers and herbs inspired by coastal Mediterranean flavors. Each 100-calorie serving delivers a crisp, zesty bite made with simple, wholesome ingredients. The new flavor extends Cedar’s Pita Chips range and reflects refreshed packaging launched earlier this year. Known for its hummus and dips, the company focuses on authentic Mediterranean recipes and real ingredients to meet consumer demand for flavorful, BFY snacks.

Sprouts Adds 30 BFY Fall Products

Sprouts Farmers Market expands its own-brand lineup with over 30 new fall-inspired items made with BFY ingredients. The seasonal range includes snacks and breakfast options such as Pumpkin Granola Bites, Pumpkin Spice Yogurt Covered Pretzels, Maple Yogurt Covered Pretzels, Avocado Oil Herb Stuffing Kettle Chips and Avocado Oil Maple Kettle Chips.

Lotte Wellfood Expands Rice-Based Ssallo Chips Globally

Lotte Wellfood is launching its rice-based “Ssallo Chip” snacks in South Korea and Pakistan, marking its first overseas production, with a US debut planned next month. They are gluten-free and HALAL-certified, catering to consumers seeking wheat-free and health-oriented options. Flavors vary by market, including Flaming Hot and Smoked Paprika for Pakistan. Lotte collaborated with its local research teams to tailor taste and texture.

KP Nuts Promotes New Cashew Range With TV Ad

KP Snacks launched a national TV campaign, “A Handful of Happiness,” to promote its new KP Signature Cashew range, featuring a playful group of rapping woodland animals celebrating the joy of snacking. The premium range includes Sea Salt & Rosemary and Smoked Chilli & Red Pepper flavors, made with ethically sourced jumbo cashews through the Honest Cashew initiative. Aimed at at-home sharing and relaxation moments, the campaign highlights how high-quality, flavorful nuts can elevate everyday snacking. Available across major UK retailers, the launch strengthens KP’s position in the growing premium and BFY nut segment.

Pip Organic Expands Fruit Snack Range On Ocado

Pip Organic launched its Pipsticks snacking range on Ocado, offering 100% organic fruit sticks in Mango and Pineapple & Mango flavors. Each stick provides one of a child’s five-a-day portions and contains no added sugar, sweeteners or preservatives. Made from sliced, dried and chopped fruit, the ambient snacks support the brand’s “Pip Promise” of clean-label, family-friendly products. Available in 4-pack multipacks, Pipsticks offer a convenient, sustainable option for parents seeking wholesome snacks.

Rollagranola Launches Kids’ Granola Range

Rollagranola is entering the children’s breakfast market with Little Rollas, a new line of naturally sweetened granolas made for young palates. The three flavors are Vanilla, Berry and Cocoa, with each providing 4g of protein from chickpeas, fortified with vitamin D. The gluten- and dairy-free recipes feature over 25% nuts and seeds with no artificial ingredients. The launch builds on Rollagranola’s expansion from local markets to national retailers.

Be Happy Snacks Expands Into Costco Business Centers

Be Happy Snacks, the BFY popcorn brand created by the D’Amelio family in partnership with SNAX-Sational Brands, is now available nationwide at Costco Business Centers. This expansion marks the brand’s first move into wholesale and foodservice channels, adding to its presence at Walmart and Albertsons. Known for fun flavors like Sweet & Salty and White Cheddar, Be Happy aims to combine joy and mindful snacking with quality ingredients. SNAX-Sational, the maker of Cookie Pop and Candy Pop, is driving distribution and innovation.

Hershey Expands Salty And Protein Snack Portfolio

At the 2025 NACS Show, The Hershey Company showcased updates across its BFY and salty snack portfolio. SkinnyPop gains refreshed packaging and reformulated flavors, Pirate’s Booty adds Cheddar Blast with more real cheese and Dot’s Pretzels debuts a Buffalo variety. Hershey also expands its protein bar range with One Hershey’s Double Chocolate and Fulfil bars featuring Reese’s peanut butter. The company reports strong growth in convenience-store sales and continues supporting retailers with data-driven merchandising strategies.

Family’s Food Allergy Journey Inspires Teddy’s Tallow Chips

Teddy’s Tallow Chips began when Katherine Horvath created safe snacks for her son, who had severe food allergies. Made with beef tallow instead of seed oils, the chips offer a clean-label alternative that’s rich in flavor and free from common allergens. What started in a church kitchen in Grafton, Wisconsin, quickly became a local success story. After an early retail breakthrough, the chips are now sold in major Wisconsin grocers and across multiple states through Faire. The Horvath family blends their own spice mixes and avoids additives, staying true to simple, wholesome production.

Pip’s Heirloom Snacks Rebrand

Pipcorn, known for its heirloom corn-based snacks, rebranded as Pip’s Heirloom Snacks™ to reflect its expanded range and evolving identity. Its updated packaging and name highlight the brand’s roots in heirloom ingredients and its broader portfolio, which now includes cheese balls, dippers and fries made with non-GMO corn. 90% of the product line will now use avocado oil.

Kii Naturals Rebrands, Adds Organic Crisps

Kii Naturals, part of NuStef Baking, refreshed its brand with new packaging and a certified organic artisan crisp line. The updated look features transparent windows, bold visuals and realistic product photography to highlight texture and quality. The new organic crisps are available in flavors like cranberry cashew, fig olive, raisin rosemary and multigrain date orange. They are double-baked, non-GMO, kosher and made without artificial ingredients. The brand positions its “Nothing but Nature” crisps for both entertaining and everyday snacking.

Venus Wafers Debuts South Shore Puffs

Venus Wafers launched South Shore Puffs made with ancient grains, in three flavors: Agave Cocoa BBQ, Savory Chedda & Paprika and Fuego Mango Queso. They are non-GMO, dairy-free and Kosher, positioned as mindful snacking in the BFY segment. Venus Wafers is launching a Better4YOUth initiative, with proceeds from a local flavor benefiting community programs.

Chifles Reaches 2,200 Kroger Stores

Chifles announced national availability for its 12 oz Original Plantain Strips in more than 2,200 Kroger stores, bringing the family-owned brand to over 15,000 points of sale nationwide. Chifles has roughly 25% of the fast-growing US plantain chip market and Chifles is growing faster than the category. Its products are made from hand-selected green plantains, kettle-cooked within 24 hours. Products are naturally gluten-free and free from artificial ingredients.

Bold, Nostalgic Flavors Drive Snack Trends

At the 2025 NACS Show, RaceTrac’s Anna Kjerrumgaard highlighted two major snack trends: bold flavors and nostalgia. Hot and spicy options like buffalo ranch and dill remain popular, while retro-inspired snacks appeal to Gen Z consumers seeking connection and shared experiences. Gen Z’s focus on digital engagement and ethical values shapes snacking habits, encouraging brands to blend fun, flavor and meaning. Kjerrumgaard noted that convenience stores now outperform other channels in innovation and variety.

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