News for professionals in the food business

Genius Gourmet Launches High-Protein Protein Puffs

Genius Gourmet’s new Protein Puffs in Buffalo and Cheddar Cheese will expand its BFY snack lineup. Each serving provides 15g of protein and a gluten-free, GMO-free formula designed for families and active consumers looking for snacks with a high crunch and bold flavor. They are available at HEB, online and through additional retailers in early 2026.

McVitie’s Trademark Filing Suggests New Savory Non-HFSS Line

Pladis filed a trademark for “McVitie’s Grain Joy,” indicating potential development of a savory, non-HFSS product under the McVitie’s brand. The trademark covers crisps and crackers, suggesting a move into high-fiber or whole-grain formats that support stronger nutrient profiling scores. McVitie’s currently offers HFSS-compliant sweet biscuits, but a savory extension would broaden its healthier portfolio alongside Pladis’ existing non-HFSS Jacob’s products.

To Be Honest Launches Mix Veggie Chips

India’s To Be Honest expands its clean-label snack range with Mix Veggie Chips made from vacuum-cooked sweet potatoes, jackfruit, beetroot and okra, using rock salt and no palm oil. The process retains over 90% of vegetable nutrients while reducing fat by about 40%. TTBH positions the product as a natural, flavor-focused option for consumers seeking variety and simple ingredients.

KIND Launches Choose Kind Campaign

KIND Snacks launched its “Choose Kind” campaign on World Kindness Day, encouraging consumers to practice small daily acts of kindness that support personal well-being and positively affect others. KIND named TV personality Dylan Efron, athlete Justin Herbert and chef Kristen Kish as “Choose Kind Champions”. The campaign includes social media engagement, college campus activity and opportunities for consumers to nominate organizations for contributions.

Snak King Pursues Private-Label Leadership

Snak King CEO Michael Axelrod says private-label salty snacks are becoming more sophisticated and increasingly shaped by shopper data and category management rather than simple low-cost brand imitation. The company aims to become the largest US manufacturer of salty snacks, building on investments in automation, packaging flexibility and manufacturing capacity. Growth is driven by changing consumer preferences, including demand for protein-rich snacks, smaller package sizes and oils such as avocado and coconut. Axelrod notes that GLP-1 weight-loss medications may be reducing snacking frequency but also boost interest in high-protein and higher-quality options. Snak King sees strong potential for organic growth while remaining open to acquisitions.

RIND Debuts Raspberry Granola Squares

RIND Snacks moves beyond dried fruit with the launch of Raspberry Almond Granola Squares, available exclusively at Sam’s Club, blending whole fruit, oats, nuts, seeds and Greek yogurt. They offer 5g of protein in a portable format designed for sharing or on-the-go eating. The launch follows RIND’s acquisition of Small Batch Organics in 2023, providing new manufacturing capabilities and entry into the functional granola segment.

Easy Foods Enters Retail With Cassava-Based “Island Time Snacks”

Florida-based tortilla manufacturer Easy Foods is making its retail debut with Island Time Snacks, a line of cassava-based tortilla chips fried in avocado oil and free from preservatives. The clean-label chips are available in flavors like Surfin’ Salt, Simply Saltless, and Laid Back Lime, and offer a grain-free alternative that appeals to health-conscious snackers. Led by retail veteran Steve Allen, the company already secured distribution on Walmart.com and is targeting additional grocery chains. Island Time’s strategy combines premium ingredients, short shelf life and transparent storytelling to differentiate in the tortilla chip category.

Hain Celestial Refocuses On Core BFY Brands

Hain Celestial Group is stabilizing after several weak quarters through its “Hain Reimagined” turnaround plan. It’s streamlining its North American portfolio by eliminating about 30% of SKUs and concentrating on high-potential BFY categories, including snacks, beverages and kids’ foods. Despite a 17% drop in organic snack sales in its latest quarter, new launches like sweet potato veggie straws and organic children’s snacks aim to revive growth through flavor innovation and cleaner profiles. Hain’s strategy combines portfolio simplification, digital capability building and product renovation to better meet evolving wellness expectations.

LesserEvil Expansion Still On Track

Despite a recent zoning setback, LesserEvil plans to move forward with expanding its New Milford, Connecticut factory, adding 30 new jobs. Now owned by Hershey, it aims to increase production of its organic popcorn and snacks by converting a nearby warehouse into additional manufacturing space. The company’s commitment to staying local and sustainable remains unchanged, with CEO Charles Coristine confirming reapplication plans after the project was recently turned down. Hershey’s leadership emphasized that LesserEvil will continue operating independently, maintaining its focus on health, affordability and clean ingredients.

Cerealto Invests In Fresca Foods For US Growth

Cerealto acquired a majority stake in Colorado-based Fresca Foods, expanding into the US natural and organic snacking market. Fresca brings expertise in snack bars, granola, crackers and cookies, while Cerealto contributes global reach and manufacturing scale. Both expect the deal to accelerate innovation and private-label development for BFY snacks. Cerealto projects that about 20% of its future sales will come from the US as it builds a more international footprint in high-growth, health-focused snacking categories.

Bangers Adds Spicy Caffeinated Chips

San Francisco-based Bangers Snacks launched two new spicy flavors, expanding its line of caffeinated chips. Following the success of BBQ Charged and Paradise Charged, Hot Mamba and Hot Mamba Charged combine bold heat with an energy boost. The “Charged” version delivers the same caffeine as two cups of coffee, offering a functional snack for people seeking energy on the go.

Plant-Based Snacks Evolve From “Vegan” To Protein- And Flavor-Led

Plant-based snacks are shifting from “meatless” positioning to protein-forward, flavor-led innovation, according to New Hope Network. Brands like Bangkok Bites exemplify this evolution by blending Thai authenticity with high-protein, texturally appealing snacks such as vegan jerkies and protein chips. SPINS data shows “high-protein” and “low-sugar” callouts now outperform “vegan” in driving sales. Consumers are seeking foods that prioritize taste, texture and cultural authenticity over ideology. The new formula for success: pleasure plus purpose. Brands that pair nutritional credibility with global flavor storytelling are winning, showing that plant-based is maturing into a mainstream, performance-driven category.

Kellanova Navigates A Soft Snack Market

Kellanova posted stronger-than-expected adjusted earnings in its fiscal third quarter despite sluggish snack and frozen food sales, especially in North America. Net sales were 0.9% up, to $3.26 billion, and organic sales were down 0.5%. The company cited ongoing softness across snacking and frozen categories but noted operating income gains due to lower costs and disciplined spending. Internationally, snack sales grew in Latin America but dipped in Europe and Asia. CEO Steve Cahillane said Kellanova is focusing on innovation, productivity and emerging markets.

Novak Djokovic Backs Sorghum Snack Startup

Tennis champion Novak Djokovic co-founded Cob Foods, a company creating corn-free, sorghum-based snacks as a healthier alternative to popcorn. The brand’s first products are gluten-free, non-GMO and rich in prebiotic fiber. Sorghum’s sustainability and nutritional benefits make it ideal for consumers seeking plant-based, allergen-friendly snacks. Co-founder Jessica Davidoff developed the concept after discovering her son’s corn allergy and aims to reduce dependence on corn in everyday foods, with a vision extending to other snack items.

White’s Launches High-Protein And Fruit Oats

White’s Oats, Ireland’s largest oat miller, launched two new ranges: High Protein Oats and Real Fruit Porridge. Both use 100% Irish oats. High Protein Oats deliver 14g of natural protein per serving and come in Choco Boost and Berry Boost flavors. Real Fruit Porridge blends oats with whole fruit and seeds. Both lines are sold 30 Tesco stores in Northern Ireland, with more stores coming later, and packaged in recyclable packs with portion scoops for convenience and waste reduction. Designed for retail and foodservice, the launch follows White’s investment in expanded production.

Inclusions Elevate Taste, Texture, Nutrition

Consumers increasingly want snacks and baked products that deliver both enjoyment and health. Inclusions like nuts, seeds, fruit pieces and protein crisps are becoming vital tools for snack and cereal makers to meet this demand. They add texture, flavor and visual appeal while enhancing nutritional value with fiber, protein or natural ingredients. Experts note growing interest in clean-label, minimally processed inclusions that balance indulgence with wellness. Chocolate and fruit inclusions remain popular, with brands innovating around sugar reduction and sustainability. Technical advances also help manage challenges like moisture migration. Overall, inclusions are transforming snacks and breakfast items into multi-sensory, functional experiences bridging the gap between indulgence and BFY goals.

The Lancet’s UPF Series Reshapes Snack Debate

The Lancet’s new UPF Series calls for stronger regulation of ultra-processed foods, putting bakery and snack makers under closer scrutiny. Rather than focusing on individual ingredients, the report raises broader concerns about dietary patterns, equity and the environmental impact of commodity-based supply chains. Additives such as colors, flavors and non-sugar sweeteners may become regulatory flashpoints, increasing pressure for cleaner formulations. The report also ties UPFs to social issues, noting their high consumption among lower-income households. For snack manufacturers, the findings suggest that simple reformulation may not be enough and opportunities could lie in products built around clearer ingredients, heritage grains and more transparent sourcing.

Cape Cod Chips Faces Labeling Lawsuit

Cape Cod Potato Chips faces a class action lawsuit claiming it misleads consumers by advertising its products as free from artificial preservatives while using synthetic citric acid. Plaintiffs argue that the labeling influences health-minded shoppers seeking cleaner snacks and allows the Campbell’s-owned brand to benefit financially. The case highlights growing consumer attention on ingredient sourcing and the marketing of BFY salty snacks. Campbell’s declined to comment while legal proceedings are ongoing.

Graze Faces Losses As Integration Continues

Graze’s losses nearly doubled in 2024 as Unilever completed the brand’s integration within its UK food division. Operating losses reached £8.7m while revenue fell 9.9% to £35.6m, down from £55 million when Unilever took control six years ago. Graze, now part of a broader food divestment process by Unilever, discontinued its DTC channel in 2024 to simplify operations and reduce costs. Manufacturing is still delivered by Nature Delivered Ltd, while marketing and sales shifted to Unilever’s central team.

Hershey Completed LesserEvil Acquisition

Hershey finalized its acquisition of LesserEvil, strengthening its position in organic and BFY salty snacks. LesserEvil brings a portfolio of popcorn and puffs made with organic, non-GMO ingredients and unrefined oils, aligning with consumer demand for snacks that balance flavor and simple ingredients. Hershey wants the move to help it diversify beyond confectionery and build on the strong growth of its salty snack division, which includes SkinnyPop and Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels.

SuperYou Marks Year Of Protein Growth

Indian startup SuperYou, co-founded by actor Ranveer Singh, marks one year in the market with strong sales and broad retail expansion. It focuses on making protein snacks more fun and accessible for everyday consumers, rather than products aimed only at fitness users. In its first year, SuperYou launched protein wafers, multigrain chips, powders and mini wafers, selling more than 15 million units across online and brick-and-mortar channels. The brand now reaches over 4,500 retail outlets and major e-commerce platforms. SuperYou plans heavy investment in R&D as it works toward becoming a ₹1,000 crore brand within three years and a leader in functional snacking.

J&J Snack Foods Pursues Savings Through Project Apollo

J&J Snack Foods’ Project Apollo is a cost-saving program aimed at improving efficiency after a challenging fiscal year. The company plans to consolidate manufacturing by closing three facilities, redirecting production to other sites to generate an expected $15 million in annual savings. Additional savings will come from distribution and administrative changes. Despite the tough year, the company saw growth in its pretzel business and plans to introduce new products in 2026, including a protein pretzel and new SuperPretzel snack formats.

Indian Snack Brands Go Global

Indian snack makers are expanding worldwide, bringing authentic flavors and healthier innovations to new markets. Brands like Haldiram’s, Bikaji, Too Yumm!, TagZ and Cornitos are reaching supermarket shelves across the world, balancing traditional recipes with modern updates such as baked or popped formats and cleaner ingredients. Consumers abroad are embracing bold flavors, cultural identity and mindful formulations. Too Yumm! blends taste and health with baked chips, multigrain rings and veggie stix, and TagZ’s popped potato chips, with 50% less fat and desi flavors, embody India’s modern BFY snacking wave.

Garden Veggie Launches Snack Suit

Garden Veggie Snacks introduced a limited-edition “Snack Suit,” a novelty game-day garment designed for young fans to snack without leaving the couch for a cleanup. Supporting the brand’s updated product line, including snacks now made with avocado oil and free from artificial flavors and preservatives, the suit includes removable, washable fabric patches positioned where children commonly wipe their hands, and complements the lineup of Garden Veggie Straws and Puffs, sold exclusively at Target.

Grain Group Urges Science-Based UPF Definition

The Grain Foods Foundation urged the FDA and USDA to ensure any definition of “ultra-processed foods” is based on sound science and linked to measurable public health outcomes. GFF said broad UPF labels risk confusing consumers and overlooking the nutritional value of staple grain foods like bread and cereal, which help deliver key nutrients such as iron and folate, and warned against grouping refined staples with indulgent foods like cakes or cookies. GFF recommended focusing policy on nutrient quality rather than processing level, adding that processing can enhance safety, preservation and affordability.

WK Kellogg Co Expands School Offerings With BFY Cereals

WK Kellogg Co is expanding its K-12 offerings with Kashi® Strawberry Banana Loops™ and Kellogg’s® Frosted Mini-Wheats® Cocoa, designed to meet USDA Smart Snacks and school breakfast standards. Both deliver whole grains, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Kashi’s entry into the K-12 channel introduces plant-based, Non-GMO Project Verified nutrition to schools for the first time.

Good Eat’n Adds New Dairy-Free Savory Snacks

Good Eat’n, the plant-based snack brand founded by NBA player Chris Paul, introduces Spicy Nacho Cheeze tortilla chips and Dairy-Free White Cheddar Popcorn. Both are gluten-free, non-GMO and free from artificial dyes. They are available through H-E-B, Gopuff and the brand’s website.

Fi Europe 2025 Preview Highlights Sugar Reduction, Smarter Snacking

Fi Europe 2025, to be held in Paris in December, will showcase how brands are approaching sugar reduction and healthier snacking as regulation and consumer expectations tighten. Givaudan, ADM and Biolev will present tools that help developers cut sugar while preserving taste and texture, including synergistic botanicals, improved sweetener systems, fiber and umami-based yeast extracts, supporting trends for snacks that pair reduced sugar with added fiber, functional botanicals, postbiotics and upcycled ingredients.

Jacobs Adds New Savory Crackers In Malaysia

Jacob’s Malaysia expands its cracker portfolio with two new flavors, Smokey Barbeque and Veggie Crunch, enriched with calcium and fiber. The new options provide bolder flavor experiences while retaining Jacob’s positioning as a familiar, everyday snack. By combining flavor with more wholesome ingredients, Mondelez Malaysia aims to attract shoppers seeking BFY savory snacks without changing their eating habits.

Nature’s Garden Launches Granola Clusters

Nature’s Garden Clusters are large on-the-go granola pieces designed to be eaten directly from the bag without milk or yogurt. They contain nuts, oats and seeds, as well as other ingredients, and come in flavors such as Blueberry Muffin, French Vanilla and Peanut Crunch. All are non-GMO, gluten-free and made without artificial colors or flavors. With a resealable 32-ounce pouch, the product targets pantry stocking and multi-use eating occasions. After debuting online, Clusters will roll out to retailers in early 2026.

General Mills Cereal Strategy Evolves

General Mills is reshaping its cereal business to better align with shifting consumer preferences, particularly the growing demand for higher-protein breakfast options. CEO Jeff Harmening told investors that household penetration of cereal had been declining, though it has now stabilized, even as total pounds sold remain slightly down. To compete with alternatives such as protein drinks and yogurts, the company launched Cheerios Protein, which has rapidly grown into a $100 million product line across multiple flavors. General Mills also enhanced its marketing strategy, notably driving major gains for Cinnamon Toast Crunch with improved advertising and new product variations.

Yumi Oats Debuts In Australia

Canadian overnight oat brand Yumi launched in Australia, offering dietitian-designed, organic oat breakfasts for busy, health-conscious consumers. A starter kit includes shelf-stable sachets and a reusable glass jar marked with fill lines. Users add milk and refrigerate overnight for a ready breakfast that keeps for several days. Each serving contains around 210 calories, 6g of sugar and over 20% of the recommended daily amount of fiber for women. Yumi encourages shoppers to prep several breakfasts at once to streamline their weekly routine. The range includes several flavors and is available at IGA and independent grocery retailers.

General Mills Scales Kernza Grain In New Cascadian Farm Cereals

General Mills is accelerating adoption of Kernza, a climate-friendly perennial grain, by introducing four Cascadian Farm cereals that feature it. Kernza’s deep root system improves soil health, sequesters carbon and enhances water quality. The new 1% Kernza cereals are Honey Oat Crunch, Honey Oat Crunch with Almonds, Raisin Bran, and Hearty Morning Fiber, all of which are available at Whole Foods and Sprouts. This move supports US organic farmers through stable demand and regenerative agriculture partnerships with The Land Institute and University of Minnesota’s Forever Green Initiative.

Gimme Seaweed Expands Reach At Target And Walmart

Organic seaweed snack maker Gimme Seaweed is expanding its retail presence with new multipacks and broader distribution at Target and Walmart. Target will carry an eight-pack Variety Pack and new four-packs in Chili Lime and Korean BBQ flavors, with Sea Salt and Teriyaki varieties rolling out nationwide soon. Walmart will add four-packs of Teriyaki and expand Sea Salt distribution. The expansion supports Gimme’s mission to make healthy, sustainable snacking more accessible to families nationwide.

Michele’s Granola Achieves First-Ever NSF Vegan Certification

Michele’s Granola becomes the first brand certified under the new NSF P543: Vegan and Cruelty-Free Products standard, which ensures all ingredients, packaging and processes are free from animal-derived materials and testing. Michele’s Granola, known for its organic, GMO-free products, donates 1% of sales to food-focused nonprofits and incorporates extensive recycling and composting programs.

Target’s Fall Chip Tastes Like Thanksgiving

Target’s Good & Gather stuffing-flavored wavy potato chips were named the retailer’s best snack of fall 2025. They combine savory herbs and aromatics of Thanksgiving stuffing with a crunchy, buttery texture, and pair well with creamy dips or fall soups, offering a seasonal twist on a familiar snack.

Potato Chips: Looking Ahead To 2040

By 2040, potato chips will deliver a more immersive, healthier and customizable snacking experience. Advances in agriculture and processing will allow chips in new colors, textures and shapes, using improved potato varieties and precise frying techniques to achieve lighter, crispier results. Flavor and aroma will be enhanced through natural encapsulation and layered seasoning. Personalization will mean consumers choosing texture, flavor intensity and added nutrients like probiotics or vitamins. The future potato chip will combine pleasure, function and responsibility, redefining BFY snacking.

Hershey Builds BFY Snack Empire

Hershey is expanding beyond candy into BFY snacks, with recent acquisitions including SkinnyPop, Pirate’s Booty, ONE Brands, Dot’s Pretzels and LesserEvil. The added brands strengthen its position in popcorn, pretzels and protein snacks. Hershey also plans to remove synthetic dyes and diversify ingredients amid rising cocoa costs and health regulations. By focusing on functional, cleaner-label snacks, and the global BFY snacks market projected to grow 7.2% annually over the next decade, Hershey aims to meet growing consumer demand for healthier options while maintaining its leadership in the evolving global snacking market.

Kind Uses AI To Improve Creativity

Kind is using generative AI to reduce marketing costs and accelerate creative development as it works to regain relevance with younger consumers. Tools such as “synthetic audiences” and AI-driven personalization help the brand test concepts faster and tailor messages to individual use occasions, from breakfast to post-workout. Creative cycles that once took months now take days, and Kind views these tools as a way to compete more effectively with private label snacks.

Global Trends Redefine Wellness And Authenticity

Euromonitor International’s Global Consumer Trends for 2026 report highlights how holistic wellbeing, authenticity and advanced wellness solutions are reshaping consumer behavior. Stress and uncertainty drive demand for snacks and cereals offering comfort through simple, wholesome ingredients. The “Rewired Wellness” trend is a willingness to pay more for scientifically validated health benefits, and East Asian brands gain traction globally with affordable innovation and digital-first strategies.

Past Issues

Companies, Organizations