News for professionals in the food business

Permissible Indulgence Shapes Snacking Choices

Consumers are redefining indulgence by seeking snacks that deliver enjoyment while supporting everyday wellness goals. Analysts describe “permissible indulgence” as products that combine sensory appeal with perceived nutritional reassurance, often through simple ingredients, protein or whole-food associations. Minimally processed treats, nuts, seeds and high-protein snacks are gaining traction. Products built around restriction or heavy processing may struggle to meet evolving expectations. Researchers say consumers still value taste, affordability and emotional comfort, and many continue to buy traditional indulgent foods alongside BFY options.

Lasso Launches Two Functional Snack Brands

Lasso’s two new snack brands, Froobies and CronchClub, both use its SpinTech technology to physically combine protein and fiber within products. Froobies fruit snacks provide 4g of protein, 3g of fiber and no added sugar. CronchClub baked crisps focus on higher protein, delivering up to 23g of chickpea protein and 7-8g of plant fibre per serving. Lasso is a food-tech company expanding into consumer products. Its new products are available through its websites and in select New York City retailers.

Nutrifood Introduces Protein Collagen Granola

Nutrifood Indonesia introduced HiLo Protein Granola with Collagen, described as the first product of its kind in the country. It combines oats, nuts, dried fruit and honey with functional ingredients, delivering 8g of protein and 500mg of collagen per serving, as well as calcium and dietary fiber.

Cheerios Protein Sales Climb

General Mills reports that its Cheerios Protein cereal line is approaching $200 million in retail sales, roughly doubling sales during fiscal 2025, and linked growth to continued consumer interest in protein. First launched in 2014, it now includes multiple flavors and provides about 8g of protein per serving. General Mills also expanded its protein cereal portfolio with Wheaties Protein and plans to introduce two additional Cheerios Protein varieties later this year.

High Protein Snack Targets Active Kids

Cizzle Brands’ SnakStars Sport Bites are a nut-free snack designed for active children and families. Each bag contains 16 g of protein and 10g of fiber, in Apple Cinnamon and Frosted Vanilla flavors. Cizzle positions the product as an alternative to traditional granola bars, aiming to provide higher protein and fiber with real ingredients. SnakStars will be distributed through sporting goods retailers and other national outlets across Canada.

Weetabix Highlights Nutrients On Packs

Weetabix is updating packaging across its cereal range to emphasize key nutrients including vitamin D, fiber and iron. Refreshed packs will appear on more than 677 million products to address concerns about nutrient deficiencies, particularly low vitamin D levels. The redesign will cover core varieties such as Original, Protein, Chocolate, Banana, Organic and Oatibix, with rollout beginning in March. Brand representatives say the changes seek to encourage balanced diets and highlight the cereal’s contribution to daily nutrient intake.

McCoy’s Moves Into Flavoured Nuts

In the UK, McCoy’s is expanding beyond crisps with the launch of coated peanuts in Flame Grilled Steak and Salt & Malt Vinegar flavors. Rolling out from mid-March in £1.35 price-marked packs, they combine McCoy’s flavor profiles with KP Nuts peanuts, featuring a crunchy coated shell. McCoy’s says the launch aims to attract new shoppers to coated nuts while broadening McCoy’s presence in savory snacks. Marketing support and in-store visibility are planned to build awareness as the brand enters the nuts category.

Scrapples Seeks Growth Funding

Clean-label UK-based fruit snack brand Scrapples is raising £275,000 after growth linked to Tesco’s accelerator program. Scapples produces apple-based crisps made from surplus fruit with short ingredient lists, targeting families seeking alternatives to ultra-processed and HFSS foods. It has secured listings in multiple retailers and reported strong sales growth over the past year, with expectations of surpassing £1m in turnover. Funding will support distribution, brand development and new product plans.

Push for Mandatory Health Labels

Food ministers in Australia and New Zealand are considering making Health Star Rating labels mandatory after reviewing low voluntary adoption – 39% in Australia and 36% in New Zealand. The front-of-pack system rates products from half a star to five based on nutritional profile, but officials say limited uptake reduces effectiveness and creates confusion about how to use the labels. Regulators will develop a proposal and conduct public consultations before a final decision. Health groups support mandatory labelling; industry representatives highlight operational and supply-chain implications.

Twirtles Launches Fortified Protein Chips

Indian snack company Twirtles introduced Superpuffs, a protein-fortified puffed snack containing protein, vitamin B12 and zinc. They are baked rather than fried. Development involved multiple formulation trials to balance nutrient stability with taste and texture. Twirtles plans to distribute the product across major urban markets through retail and online channels. Industry observers note protein chips remain a small but emerging segment in India, often limited by pricing and flavor variety. Twirtles said the launch supports its longer-term expansion into nutrition-focused snacking categories.

Calbee Lunar New Year Pop-Up Hong Kong

Calbee opened a limited-time Lunar New Year pop-up at Citygate Outlets in Hong Kong, running until March 8 to mark 50 years in the local market. It features themed displays, interactive games and a pop-up store selling exclusive merchandise tied to its potato snack characters. Visitors can explore large-scale displays, participate in activities and collect limited items through in-mall missions and digital games. The event also includes promotional giveaways tied to membership registration and social media participation.

Purely Elizabeth Debuts Beauty-Inspired Granola

Purely Elizabeth’s new limited-edition Salted Vanilla Pistachio granola is part of its Purely Glow line, combining organic oats with collagen peptides and biotin. It draws on consumer interest in functional ingredients and beauty-related wellness trends. The granola contains pistachios, coconut sugar and fiber, and will be sold for a limited time through direct-to-consumer and retail partnerships. Pop-up events and a menu collaboration featuring dishes incorporating the granola are supporting the launch.

Ghost Expands Protein Cereal Line

Ghost’s new Cinnamon Toast Crunch-flavored protein cereal is part of a partnership with General Mills. It contains 17g of protein per serving and provides a source of calcium. Ghost said cereal has long influenced its product development, evolving from cereal-inspired protein powders to ready-to-eat cereals. The product is available through US retailers and the brand’s website.

Nestlé Introduces Shredded Wheat Raisin Wheats

Nestlé Cereals brings Raisin Wheats to the UK under its Shredded Wheat brand, combining whole grain wheat with a raisin filling, and no added sugar. It is high in fiber, low in fat and salt, and suitable for vegans. Raisin Wheats joins existing fruit-filled variants within the range. Nestlé Cereals said the product aims to provide a convenient option for boosting daily fiber consumption and it’s rolling out across UK supermarkets in February.

Kettle Brand Introduces New Chip Flavors

Kettle Brand launched two new potato chip flavors: Spicy Kimchi and Smoky Buffalo. The Spicy Kimchi variety is part of the brand’s avocado oil range, while Smoky Buffalo joins the classic line. The kimchi-inspired chips draw on fermented cabbage flavors and chilli heat, while the buffalo version reflects a smoky interpretation of the familiar sauce profile. They are rolling out nationally and appear set to join the permanent lineup rather than being limited editions.

Ferrero Resets WK Kellogg’s Cereal Strategy

Ferrero appointed longtime executive Jean-Baptiste Santoul to lead WK Kellogg following its $3.1 billion acquisition. Santoul will oversee legacy brands while expanding into areas such as protein- and fiber-forward cereals to better align with shifting breakfast habits. WK Kellogg has also been in the spotlight amid regulatory and consumer scrutiny around ingredients such as artificial colors.

Almonds Gain Ground As A Daily Snack In India

A new IPSOS study shows almonds are becoming a preferred everyday snack for Indian working women and homemakers. Results from a survey of more than 3,000 working women across eight cities found that 62% actively try to snack healthily and often reach for almonds and fresh fruit when energy dips. Many respondents said they want snacks that are nutritious, natural and convenient, especially given busy schedules that limit time for balanced meals. Nutrition experts interviewed in the study noted that snacks now play a functional role in managing hunger and energy throughout the day.

Sugary Cereals Shift To Treat Status

Sugary cereals are moving away from everyday breakfast toward occasional, nostalgia-driven consumption as public-health scrutiny of sugar, additives and ultra-processed foods influences how consumers view these products. However, some research groups continue to warn about ingredient concerns. Industry voices say brands now position classic cereals as indulgent snacks rather than balanced meals, competing emotionally with sweets and snack foods as marketing increasingly focuses on nostalgia, flavor and cultural relevance instead of health messaging.

Hain Exits Snacks To Refocus Portfolio

Hain Celestial is selling its North American snacks business for $115 million to Canadian snacks producer Snackruptors, stepping back from brands such as Terra and Garden Veggie Snacks to focus on higher-margin categories. It plans to concentrate on tea, yogurt, baby food and home-meal platforms, where it believes it has stronger competitive footing. Executives framed the sale as a necessary reset rather than a retreat from health-focused foods.

Texas Blocks Ingredient Warning Labels

A US federal judge issued an injunction preventing Texas from enforcing mandatory warning labels on foods containing certain ingredients. SB 25 would require products containing one or more of around 40 listed substances, including some dyes and bleached flour, to carry a warning statement from 2027. Industry groups challenged the measure, arguing it compelled misleading speech and the court said the state had not demonstrated the rule would directly advance public-health goals. The decision comes amid wider debate about food ingredients and labelling in the US.

FDA Updates ‘No Artificial Colors’ Rule

The FDA updated labelling guidance to allow food companies to claim “no artificial colors” if products exclude petroleum-based dyes but use plant-derived colourings. Previously, such claims required products to contain no added colours at all. Officials said the change may encourage manufacturers to shift toward natural colour sources. Some industry groups welcomed the move, but consumer advocates claim it confuse shoppers about ingredient safety.

Hershey Expands Salty Snacks Portfolio

Hershey reported strong growth in its salty snacks division, with sales rising 18% in Q4, led by Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels, which recorded more than 20% growth, while SkinnyPop popcorn also posted gains. Hershey expanded its savoury portfolio through acquisitions, including SkinnyPop and Dot’s Pretzels, and said it may pursue further deals, including protein-focused snacks.

Good Eat’n Expands Retail Distribution

BFY snack brand Good Eat’n is expanding its US retail presence with a rollout to 1,650 Kroger stores following earlier distribution through major retailers and direct-to-consumer channels. The Kroger rollout will feature three core products: Hot Hot Puffs, Nacho Cheeze Tortilla Chips and Big Dill Ranch Tortilla Chips. Good Eat’n says the move aims to make BFY snacks more accessible in mainstream grocery outlets and will be supported by regional marketing.

Raisin Bran Uses Fiber To Stay Relevant

WK Kellogg is spotlighting fiber with a new Raisin Bran advertising campaign, “Will Shat”, timed around the Big Game. It uses humor and actor William Shatner to draw attention to the gap between recommended and actual fiber intake in the US. Rather than introducing a new product, the brand reframes an existing cereal as a practical everyday solution for gut health with messaging that positions high-fiber cereal as a simple reset after indulgent eating occasions. The ad airs during the Big Game nationally across streaming channels and six regional markets.

Nature’s Path Marks Love Crunch Milestone

Nature’s Path marks 16 years of its Love Crunch granola with the “Sweet 16 Acts of Love” initiative in partnership with Feed the Children. The program includes volunteer events across 16 US cities and locations in Canada, where participants will help pack and distribute food to families. The effort builds on a long-standing partnership focused on addressing food insecurity, including donations through the brand’s BITE4BITE programme. The programme begins in Oklahoma City and will expand across North America throughout 2026.

Kroger Expands Protein-Focused Store Brands

Kroger expands its Simple Truth Protein line to more than 110 items, adding products that span breakfast, snacks and beverages. New entries include a high-protein cereal with added fiber and protein bars, all positioned as free from certain ingredients. The retailer is using its private-label scale to make protein-forward foods more affordable and widely available. Simple Truth™ High Protein Cereal offers 14g of protein, 6g of fiber and 1g of sugar per serving. It’s available in Cinnamon or Berry variants.

Smash Kitchen Expands Into Snacks

Smash Kitchen enters the salty snacks category while expanding distribution across more than 4,000 Walmart stores nationwide, introducing non-GMO kettle chips in several flavors, with additional tortilla chips and organic popcorn planned. Smash Kitchen’s stated aim is to maintain focus on clean ingredients and accessible pricing as it moves into everyday snack foods. The range, which includes 6oz formats in Rosemary, American Style BBQ, Classic Sea Salt and Hot Honey BBQ, uses US-grown potatoes and organic corn.

Hunter Foods Launches Spicy Range

Hunter Foods’ new Chilli Curated snack range in the Middle East targets consumers who prefer strong heat and layered flavors. The line includes Tangy Hot, Chilli Lime Pickle and Spicy Korean Gochujang, a super-hot variant, each designed to deliver multiple taste stages such as sweet, tangy and spicy. Hunter Foods said it continues to position itself in BFY snacking by using sunflower oil, reducing sodium and avoiding artificial additives.

Garden Veggie Adds Bold Kid Flavors

Garden Veggie Snacks expanded its range with Dill Pickle Ranch Puffs and Salt & Vinegar Straws, targeting children’s BFY snacking, extending puffed and straw formats while reflecting demand for bold, tangy flavours among younger consumers. Dill Pickle Ranch blends pickle seasoning with a ranch-style profile; Salt & Vinegar builds on the familiar flavor in a vegetable-based extruded snack.

Simple Mills Gains Non-UPF Verification

Simple Mills became one of the first brands verified under the new Non-UPF Verified Standard, covering 20 of its products across crackers and other categories. Simple Mills says it achieved verification without reformulating recipes and added that more of its products should receive verification later this year. Its products are made with minimally processed ingredients, avoiding artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or isolated gums. Sweeteners include coconut sugar, molasses, honey and cane sugar.

Pickle Puffed Snacks Add Protein Option

A new line of pickle-flavored puffed snacks is launching in the UK through a partnership between Whatever Brands and Van Holten’s. The baked snacks contain 15g of protein per 100g and are made without artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or palm oil. Flavors include dill, hot pickle and garlic, inspired by the brand’s existing pickle range. They launch nationwide in March in small, shelf-stable packs targeting convenience and grocery channels. The range has three flavors: Big Papa – Dill Pickle, Hot Mama – Hot Pickle and Garlic Joe – Garlic Pickle.

Cactus Crunch Builds BFY Snack Range

Cactus Crunch produces tortilla chips made with prickly pear cactus, positioned as a plant-based, clean-label snack option. Founder Diana Gonzalez developed the concept after personal health challenges and used cactus for its fiber content and role in traditional cuisine. The chips combine cactus with stone-milled corn and simple ingredients. They are naturally green and are baked then lightly fried to reduce oil use. Current flavors include Sea Salt and Jalapeño Citrus, with further retail expansion and new flavor development planned.

Bitchin’ Sauce Enters Chip Category

Bitchin’ Sauce is reaching beyond dips with the launch of Bitchin’ Chips, a tortilla chip made with expeller-pressed almond oil and simple ingredients, designed to pair with the brand’s dips and maintain structural strength for scooping. The formulation includes white corn, almond oil and sea salt, reflecting the company’s focus on straightforward ingredient lists.

Biona Launches Organic Spelt Cereals

Biona introduced three organic spelt breakfast cereals: Crispy Spelt Flakes, Spelt Puffs, and Honey Spelt Puffs. They are made from whole organic spelt and are naturally high in fiber and wholegrain. Two varieties contain no added sugar, salt or additives; the honey version provides mild sweetness without added syrups. They reflect growing interest in organic, minimally processed breakfast foods. Biona said the range offers a simple ingredient approach aligned with demand for less processed options.

SimplyProtein Adds Jalapeño Ranch Chips

SimplyProtein’s Kickin’ Jalapeño Ranch Protein Tortilla Chips expand its plant-based snack range, providing 7g of protein and 130 calories per serving, and combining jalapeño flavor with a ranch-style seasoning. SimplyProtein said the launch supports its focus on balanced, protein-forward snacks for active consumers and the chips are available through the brand’s website and major retailers including Meijer, Costco, Walmart and Kroger.

Kettle Chips Leans Into Fire-Cooked Flavors

In Australia, the new Kettle Chips’ FireMasters range draws inspiration from fire-based cooking methods such as wood-firing and chargrilling. While not positioned as a health product, the range taps into consumer interest in bold, savory flavors that feel crafted and intentional. There are three flavors: Firepit Beef Brisket & Smokey BBQ Sauce, Woodfired BBQ Chicken & Chimichurri and Chargrilled Red Pepper, Oregano & Sour Cream.

Clif Family Refreshes Organic Nut Mixes

Clif Family Winery & Farm’s relaunched organic nut mix line includes updated recipes, gluten-free certification and more sustainable packaging. Reformulation focuses on ingredient quality and flavor while keeping sugar levels low using organic coconut sugar. Packaging changes increase recycled content, reflecting growing expectations around environmental responsibility. All six variants now carry official Gluten Free Certified Organic certification. The line can be purchased at Erewhon as well as other retailers, and directly from the Clif Family website.

Eat Better Co Builds Clean Snacking Momentum

India-based Eat Better Co grew from a home kitchen experiment into a national BFY snacking brand by focusing on clean ingredients and familiar flavors. It offers snacks such as millet-based namkeens and nut mixes made without refined sugar or palm oil. After appearing on Shark Tank India, the brand saw a sharp rise in demand and later raised funding to expand distribution and product development.

FairPrice Brings Familiar Flavors To Festive Snacks

Singapore’s FairPrice supermarket chain launched a Chinese New Year snack range that blends festive flavors with accessible, everyday formats. The lineup includes limited-edition potato chips and seasoned nuts inspired by local dishes such as bak kwa, tomato hotpot, and mala spice.

FDA Reviews BHA Preservative Safety

The US Food and Drug Administration launched a reassessment of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), a preservative used in snack foods, cereals and other packaged products. The agency issued a request for information to evaluate whether BHA remains safe under current usage conditions. BHA has been classified as generally recognized as safe for decades but is also listed as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program. The FDA notes BHA use has declined but remains present in many foods, including products marketed to children.

Protein Becomes Standard At Expo West

Protein is no longer a trend but an expectation across snacks at Natural Products Expo West 2026 as brands compete more on taste, texture and how easily products deliver functional benefits. They highlight indulgent-style protein formats, cleaner labels and more precise functionality, including satiety, muscle support and blood glucose positioning. Texture innovation reflects efforts to make functional foods feel more natural. Snack makers also emphasized familiar formats with added protein, while some brands focused on clean-label positioning and retail expansion.

Gen Z Reshaping Snack Value

Gen Z is influencing snack strategies through a mix of wellness, value and indulgence priorities. Research shows the group represents a growing share of global spending and prioritizes personalization, trust and transparency in wellness. At the same time, many Gen Z consumers view snacks as convenient meal replacements and enjoy small, everyday treats. Studies also show they frequently make impulse snack purchases and respond to varied claims such as high protein, natural ingredients and price appeal. Three key drivers for wellness in 2026 will be personalization, trust and transparency, according to one industry observer.

Bio&Me Adds Pistachio Cereal Range

Bio&Me brings two pistachio-based breakfast products to Tesco: Pistachio & Vanilla Low Sugar Granola and Pistachio & Chia Overnight Oats. Developed by co-founder and gut health scientist Dr Megan Rossi, both contain multiple plant-based ingredients and are high in fiber. They contain no artificial ingredients, sweeteners or palm oil and carry an approved gut health claim. The products expand Bio&Me’s breakfast range, which focuses on digestive health and plant diversity.

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