News for professionals in the food business

Asian Spicy Peanut Brand Wa-Chaa Launches In The US

Wa-Chaa, the US face of popular Asian peanut brand Huang Fei Hong, is adding two new flavors for the American market. Sichuan Barbecue combines the brand’s mala spices with cumin and a sweet element; Salt & Sichuan Peppercorn uses green Sichuan peppercorns to deliver a floral, numbing effect without chili heat. Both new flavors contain 10g of protein per serving and are made with avocado oil. The brand says the new varieties draw on its kung fu heritage while introducing contemporary flavor profiles.

Laotian Entrepreneur Commercializes Traditional Riverweed Snack Kaipen

Buavan Dalavong, a government employee in Luang Prabang, Laos, founded NV Riverweed in 2022 to produce the first ready-to-eat version of kaipen, a traditional riverweed snack. Kaipen is made from riverweed hand-harvested from clean, fast-flowing rivers between October and April, seasoned with salt and sesame seeds, and then sun-dried. Previously, the product had to be fried before eating, but after three years of experimentation, Dalavong developed a roasted ready-to-eat product sold in 15g bags with a one-month shelf life. Products are distributed to convenience stores and supermarkets in Luang Prabang and Vientiane, with average annual production of approximately 180,000 bags. Dalavong registered the trademark in 2024 and plans to expand sourcing into other northern Lao provinces to increase production while creating local employment.

Harvest Snaps Adds Two Flavors And Switches To Avocado Oil

Calbee America’s Harvest Snaps brand is introducing two new baked veggie snack flavors, Sea Salt & Vinegar and Garlic Butter, while upgrading its entire product portfolio to avocado oil. Both new varieties list real vegetables as the primary ingredient and are Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free and free of common allergens. Calbee America says the full transition to avocado OIL represents a significant brand milestone in its BFY positioning. The new flavors and the avocado oil transition are both planned for nationwide retail availability in September.

pladis Launches New Mini Cheddars And Crinklys Formats

UK snacking company pladis extended two of its baked snack ranges with new products targeting younger consumers and sharing occasions. The new Mini Cheddars Cheeselets sub-brand launches in two flavors, Intensely Cheesy and Intensely Cheese & Onion, aimed at teenagers and young adults seeking bolder flavors. The Jacob's Crinklys BIG range adds a larger oven-baked format in Cheese & Onion, Salt & Vinegar and Prawn Cocktail flavors, designed for lunchtime consumption and evening sharing. Both come in 150g sharing bags at a recommended retail price of £2 and a price-marked pack at £1.25. They are rolling out across grocery, wholesale and convenience channels from March 16.

Lawsuit Claims KIND Granola Contains Unlabeled Toxic Lead Levels

A class action lawsuit alleges that KIND’s Healthy Grains Dark Chocolate Clusters contain more than four times California Proposition 65’s Maximum Allowable Dose Level for lead, set at 0.5 micrograms per day for reproductive toxicity. The suit argues that KIND failed to disclose the lead content anywhere on its product labels, and consumers would not have purchased the product or paid a premium price had they known, accusing KIND of unlawful business practices, deceptive advertising, breach of express warranty and unjust enrichment. It seeks compensatory damages, injunctive relief and a jury trial. The suit covers consumers who purchased the product within the past four years. KIND had not responded to a request for comment.

Daily Crunch Reaches 10,000 Stores Nationwide

Nashville-based Daily Crunch and its soaked and dehydrated nuts products reached 10,000 stores nationwide. Founded in 2020, the company ranked on Inc. 5000's fastest-growing companies list two years running: #270 in 2024 and #992 in 2025 after 431% growth over the prior three years. Daily Crunch grew 15% in 2025 and expects 50% growth this year. It’s expanding its grab-and-go range with a new Mediterranean flavor and aims to enter airlines and Costco this year. Using natural ingredients, it sources its almonds from Treehouse Almonds, a California-based family supplier also used by Kind Snacks.

Frankie's Organic Puffcorn Enters 600 Sam's Club Stores

Canadian family-owned Frankie's Organic Snacks is now in more than 600 Sam's Club locations across the US, marking its first national retail placement in the country. The Organic Puffcorn Variety Pack in White Cheddar and Himalayan Pink Salt flavors includes 15 individually wrapped mini bags of each at a suggested retail price of $12.98. The puffcorn is oven-baked using organic cornmeal and organic sunflower oil, with no artificial additives, and holds USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Gluten-Free and kosher certifications. The Sam's Club placement is available through April 25. In Canada, Frankie's products are distributed across more than 5,000 retail locations.

Functional Ingredients Help Shape Healthy Snack Market

A report from Innova Market Insights concludes that healthy snacking shifted from a niche market to a mainstream daily habit, with 79% of consumers snacking daily. Consumers increasingly seek functional benefits: 35% prioritize high protein and 33% prioritize fiber. Taste remains the top driver of snack choice, but shoppers also demand natural ingredients and reduced sugar. Over 40% of global snack launches now carry a health claim, consistent over the past five years. At-home healthy snacking accounts for 63% of consumption. Inflation is raising snack prices and makes consumers more selective. Governments are introducing front-of-pack labeling rules and restrictions on unhealthy product promotions. AI is increasingly used in product development to speed up formulation, reduce costs and enable personalization.

Genius Gourmet And Tapatío Launch Protein Puffs

Genius Gourmet partnered with hot sauce brand Tapatío to launch a new line of protein puffs called Tapatío Protein Puffs. They come in two flavors, Tapatío and Spicy Queso, each serving delivering 15g of protein in a gluten-free format. The launch extends Genius Gourmet's existing Protein Puffs line by pairing Tapatío's chili flavor profile with a crunchy puff snack format. Pete Vas Dias, president of Genius Gourmet, said the collaboration brings a well-known flavor together with the company's functional snack offering. Tapatío Protein Puffs were showcased at Natural Products Expo West 2026, held in early March in Anaheim, California.

Rawcology, From Health Blog To Allergy-Friendly Snacks

Canadian snack company Rawcology, once a health food blog, is now a brand available in more than 1,500 retail stores. Founder Tara Tomulka launched the company in 2017 after running a blog and culinary workshops in Toronto. It produces grain-free granola, granola snack bites and coconut chips from a manufacturing plant in Etobicoke, Ontario. Tomulka identifies protein as the top consumer trend she is tracking, and updated packaging to make protein content more prominent on the bag. In 2026, Rawcology plans a Costco rotation in British Columbia and intends to scale manufacturing and develop kid-friendly protein snacks.

Goldfish Brings Back Butterbeer Grahams

Campbell’s Goldfish brand is reintroducing Butterbeer Flavored Grahams as a limited offer. They feature butterscotch flavor with notes of vanilla inspired by the Butterbeer drink from the Harry Potter franchise. Campbell’s said it received strong consumer response to its initial launch. The snack contains 8g of whole grain per serving and can be purchased at major retailers including Target, Walmart and Amazon.

KP Snacks To Close Tyrrells Veg Plant

KP Snacks plans to close the Tyrrells vegetable snack factory in Uttoxeter, England, citing declining demand and lost export volumes. It produces vegetable crisps from root vegetables such as parsnips, beetroot and carrots. KP Snacks, owned by German company Intersnack, acquired Tyrells in 2018 from Hershey.

Lorissa’s Introduces Allergen-Free Protein Straws

Lorissa’s Organic Snacks is expanding its portfolio with Protein Straws made from organic cassava, brown rice protein and avocado oil. They contain 7g of protein per serving, come in 4-ounce bags with flavors such as Original, Salsa Fresca and Jalapeño Lime, and will debut at a major national retailer later this year, with broader distribution planned across grocery, club and specialty channels. The launch adds a plant-based option to the company’s existing lineup of meat sticks.

KIND Promotes Granola With Breakfast Giveaway

KIND Snacks partnered with reality TV personality Rob Rausch to promote its new Protein MAX Granola through a limited-edition RISE & KIND Breakfast Box giveaway. Each box includes two bags of granola in Peanut Butter and Sweet & Salty Caramel flavors, containing 15g of protein per serving and no sugar. The box also contains Scottish smoked salmon. Boxes are available online while supplies last. KIND said the promotion is part of its broader Choose KIND brand campaign and highlights breakfast as an opportunity to start the day with protein-focused foods.

SimplyProtein Debuts Protein Chips And Bars

Certified B Corp SimplyProtein’s new protein snack products, showcased at Natural Products Expo West 2026, include two flavors of plant-based Protein Tortilla Chips, Kickin’ Jalapeño Ranch and Fiesta Taco, each containing 7g of protein per serving. Company representatives said the products expand the SimplyProtein portfolio following a recent brand refresh and respond to consumer interest in convenient protein snacks.

HIPPEAS Unveils Packaging Refresh For 2026

HIPPEAS’s new brand identity and packaging design rolls out across the US this month, with a new logo, a chickpea mascot and updated graphics intended to highlight the brand’s chickpea-based snacks. It continues to feature the brand’s “Snack With PEAS of Mind” tagline and emphasizes plant-based ingredients that provide fiber and protein. HIPPEAS said the new design also prepares the brand for upcoming product launches and additional flavor introductions planned across its snack formats during 2026.

Sleep Market Opens New Doors For Functional Foods

Growing consumer concern about sleep deprivation is creating opportunities for food and beverage brands. The global sleep-focused food and beverage market was valued at $9.4 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $16.7 billion by 2033, according to one source. A survey of 9,500 consumers across 13 countries found that 57.6% saw getting better sleep as a key health goal. RTD teas are the most popular format for sleep-supportive products, with baked goods also ranked highly. Nutrition experts advise that brands should focus on supporting wind-down routines rather than making sleep cure claims.

Deliciously Ella Drives Double-Digit Growth For Hero Group

Plant-based brand Deliciously Ella delivered double-digit sales growth in 2025, following its acquisition by Swiss food group Hero Group in September 2024. Launches of Breakfast Bakes in late 2024 and subsequent new products, including protein bars and granola, helped drive demand. Hero Group’s Better Snacking division grew sales by 7% in the year to December 31, 2025, with Corny and Deliciously Ella cited as particularly strong contributors. Overall organic sales for Hero Group grew 2.2%.

Hain Celestial Sells North American Snacks Unit

Hain Celestial Group completed the sale of its North American snacks business to Snackruptors Inc., a Canadian snack manufacturer, in a deal that includes brands such as Garden Veggie Snacks, Terra chips and Garden of Eatin’ snacks. Hain’s North American portfolio will concentrate on areas such as yogurt, tea and baby and kids’ foods.

Jackson’s Launches Avocado Oil Snack Variety Packs

Jackson’s introduced new avocado oil snack variety packs at Natural Products Expo West 2026. The 30-count multipack includes single-serve bags of sweet potato chips, kettle potato chips and veggie straws, all cooked in avocado oil. They are gluten-free, vegan and free from the top nine allergens. The launch supports a broader strategy to expand single-serve and bulk formats for club, grocery and mass retailers, and the multipacks will roll out through Costco, Walmart, Whole Foods and others during 2026. Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery named Jackson's the Snack Producer of the Year for its innovation, retail expansion and BFY snack leadership.

Campbell's Works To Recover After Snacks Margin Falls

Campbell's Company reported a 390bps decline in its snacks division margin to 7% in the quarter ending February 1, a result that analysts described as "alarming" and a "shock." Salty snack brands including Kettle and Snack Factory lost market share in the period amid increased competition. Organic snack sales fell 6% to $914 million for the quarter. CEO Mick Beekhuizen said the recovery is "taking longer than anticipated" and identified three priorities: improving pricing competitiveness, in-market execution and innovation focused on premium, BFY products and flavor. It’s lowering organic sales outlook, even without the impact of potential disruption from events in the Middle East.

Hershey's Salty Snacks Segment Posts 28% Q4 Growth

Hershey's North America Salty Snacks segment posted sales of $357 million in Q4 2025, a 28% year-over-year increase, according to a Zacks Investment Research analysis. Roughly 10% of the growth came from the LesserEvil acquisition, while organic constant currency sales grew 18.2%. The quarter also included one additional shipping day compared with the prior year. In the 12 weeks ended December 28, US salty snack retail takeaway rose 15.6%, excluding LesserEvil. Dot's Homestyle Pretzels grew more than 20% and held the top pretzel brand position, SkinnyPop popcorn rose more than 8% and Pirate's Booty rose around 3%.

Thailand Weighs Sodium Tax On Snacks, One-Year Reformulation Period

Thailand’s Excise Department is considering a sodium tax on snack foods and would give manufacturers about one year to reformulate products if the policy is adopted. Officials say the tax would reduce excessive sodium consumption in Thailand, where average intake is about 3.6g per day, more than double the level recommended by the World Health Organization. The tax would be introduced gradually with category-specific sodium thresholds.

India’s D2C Health Snacks Face “Clean Label” Scrutiny

India’s direct-to-consumer health snack sector is building its appeal on “clean label” marketing, but growing nutritional analysis is challenging that. What experts call the “health halo” effect leads consumers to perceive products as healthier than they are. Jaggery, widely used as a refined sugar substitute, carries a glycemic index of around 84, higher than table sugar at around 65, and updated Indian Council of Medical Research guidelines count it toward the recommended 25–30g daily added sugar limit. A metric called CFP (Calories From Protein) shows that typical protein bars from brands such as The Whole Truth deliver only 18–21% of calories from protein, far below whey protein’s 70%-plus. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is evaluating front-of-pack warning labels, and influencer-driven campaigns are encouraging consumers to examine nutritional breakdowns more carefully.

Japan’s Wasabeef Chips Production Halted By Hormuz Disruptions

Japanese snack maker Yamayoshi Seika suspended production of six products, including its flagship Wasabeef wasabi-and-beef-flavored potato chips, after disruptions to heavy oil supplies linked to the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz. Direct sales store and online shop sales are temporarily closed, and retail availability is limited to existing stock. The production halt is described as one of the first tangible impacts of the oil shock on Japanese consumers, and the chips’ sudden unavailability sparked expressions of concern on social media.

Kettle Chips Enters Tortilla Market With Three Gourmet Flavors

Premium crisp brand Kettle Chips is expanding into the corn tortilla category with a new three-flavor Kettle Tortillas range - Mature Cheddar & Red Onion, Sweet Chilli & Sour Cream and Sea Salt & Black Pepper – using a Mexican-inspired white corn tortilla base. The 140g bags are HFSS compliant, contain no artificial ingredients and are priced at £2.65, in line with Kettle’s core hand-cooked range, with a promotional price of £1.65.

Brazilian Brand Mu Launches Parmesan Chip Snack With Queijos Scala

Brazilian functional food brand Mu released a Protein Parmesan Snack in partnership with dairy company Queijos Scala. It consists of crispy circular chips made entirely from Queijos Scala parmesan cheese, with a nutritional profile of 13 g of protein, less than 1g of carbohydrates, 9g of fat and 134 calories per serving. The snack is available through Mu’s online store in bundles of eight single-serving bags priced at R$119.92.

Hippeas Launches Two New Chickpea Puff Flavors Nationwide

Chickpea snack brand Hippeas is releasing two new puff varieties, Jalapeño Cheddar Blaze and All Dressed Up, which are rolling out nationwide at major retailers in multiple bag sizes. Jalapeño Cheddar Blaze combines jalapeño heat with a cheddar-style finish, and All Dressed Up is an interpretation of the Canadian chip flavor, blending BBQ, salt and vinegar, and sour cream and onion notes. Like all Hippeas puffs, both deliver 4g of plant-based protein and 3g of fiber per serving, with 50% less fat than the leading puffed snack, according to the brand. The products are also gluten-free, vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified, kosher, baked not fried, and free from the top nine allergens.

M&S Overhauls Breakfast Range With Natural Ingredient Cereals

In the UK, Marks & Spencer is overhauling its breakfast cereal range, releasing 30 new and improved products in the first phase of a two-part transformation. The 14 new items include overnight oats in Spiced Mango and Matcha & Raspberry, porridge pots in Mixed Berry & Apple and Café Latte, and porridge sachets in Apple & Blueberry and Golden Syrup. A Macadamia & Sour Cherry Granola and Raspberry & Sliced Fig Muesli add to its premium Collection range. Developers spent nine months reviewing each product to ensure only nutrient-rich nuts, fruits, and grains were included. Fruits replace flavorings to provide natural sweetness, and artificial additives such as tocopherol-rich extract were removed. M&S said the reformulation would eliminate more than 40 tonnes of annual sugar consumption based on like-for-like sales data.

Protein And Fiber Chips Hit Shelves

Americans' growing appetite for protein- and fiber-rich snacks is driving a wave of new chip formats made from unusual ingredients including cassava, tempeh, mushrooms, chicken breast and whole eggs. Potato chip sales dropped 1.2% in the 12 months through late February, while nutritional snacks and trail mix rose 2.1%, according to market research firm Circana. Smaller "disruptor" companies accounted for about 2% of food sales in 2025 but drove 64% of sales growth over the same period, according to a BNP Paribas analyst.

Windmill Organics Launches HFSS-Compliant Protein Puffs

UK organic food supplier Windmill Organics’ new snack range ProFusion Protein Puffs are HFSS-compliant and carry an organic, plant-based formulation that delivers 10g of plant protein per 40g serving. Launch includes two flavors, Paprika & Himalayan Salt and Lemon & Black Pepper, with further variants planned. The puffs contain no artificial additives and are positioned as a cleaner alternative to conventional chips, suitable for lunchboxes, post-gym snacking and on-the-go occasions. They are available to retailers from March 2026 at £1.99 RRP.

Seaweed Snack Market Set To Double By 2030

Grand View Research says the global seaweed snacks market will grow from $2.7 billion in 2025 to $4.66 billion by 2030, a compound annual growth rate of 11.6%. North America is experiencing the fastest growth, driven by adoption at major retailers including Walmart and Kroger. Europe is also seeing growth, particularly among vegan and flexitarian consumers. Gimme Seaweed launched K-Crisps, a seaweed topping in Sea Salt and Chili Crisp flavors, in late February. Nora Seaweed Snacks redesigned its packaging and marketing to appeal to North American consumers. Ocean's Halo sells seaweed snacks at Walmart and donates at least 1% of revenue to ocean conservation. UK brand Morish launched an online store in early March with five seaweed snack flavors.

HIPPEAS Adds Two New Chickpea Puff Flavors

Chickpea puff brand HIPPEAS introduces two new flavors, Jalapeño Cheddar Blaze and All Dressed Up. Jalapeño Cheddar Blaze combines jalapeño heat with a cheddar-style finish; All Dressed Up takes inspiration from a Canadian chip flavor that blends barbecue, salt and vinegar, and sour cream and onion notes. Like other HIPPEAS puffs, they deliver 4g of plant protein and 3g of fiber per serving and contain 50% less fat than the leading puffed snack. They are also gluten-free, vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified, kosher, baked, free from the top nine allergens and are rolling out at major retailers nationwide in multiple bag sizes.

Snoop Dogg Launches BFY Kettle Chips At Costco

Rapper Snoop Dogg teamed up with Rap Snacks and Do the Right Thing Snacks to launch Snoop Box Kettle Chips at Costco. The chips are made with avocado oil and are free of gluten, artificial colors and added sugars. They come in a 36-count box with four flavors: Sour Cream, Cheddar & Ranch, Maple BBQ and "All In," a blend of salt and vinegar, cheddar, onion, garlic, and BBQ. Snoop Box Kettle Chips are currently available at Costco in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Utah and Alaska.

Garden Veggie Snacks Launches Savory Easter Alternative

Garden Veggie Snacks’ Spring Eggs are a seasonal savory snack positioned as an alternative to chocolate at Easter. They are made with a vegetable-based recipe and contain 30% less fat than leading potato chip snacks, with no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors. Spring Eggs come in individual servings designed for use in Easter egg hunts, passing out to classmates or packing in lunches.

Arnott's Introduces Lighter Shapes Cracker Range In Australia

Australian snack brand Arnott's launched Shapes Light & Crispy, a new range of oven-baked crackers positioned as a lighter alternative to the original Shapes range, with 50% less saturated fat and 25% less sodium, and fewer than 120 calories per serving. There are four flavors - Sour Cream & Chives, Balsamic Vinegar & Sea Salt, Honey Soy Chicken and Cheddar Cheese – and the crackers are baked rather than fried. Shapes Light & Crispy are available nationwide through Coles, Woolworths and independent retailers at an RRP of A$4.

Nudie Launches Chimichurri Sweet Potato Crisps In Scotland

Scottish snack brand Nudie’s new sweet potato crisp range, launched in Scotmid convenience stores across Scotland, is led by a chimichurri flavor combining citrus, herbs, garlic and chili. The range also includes Sour Cream & Chive and Texas BBQ flavors. Each pack contains under 100 calories per serving and is free from artificial additives. Rodney Garnham, managing director of Nudie Snacks, said the range is designed to prove that plant-based, clean-ingredient snacks can deliver bold flavors.

WK Kellogg Champions Fiber On National Cereal Day

For National Cereal Day on March 7, WK Kellogg Co partnered with registered dietitians Amy Shapiro and Mandy Enright to develop "fiber hacks", simple ways to use Kellogg's cereals to boost daily fiber intake. WK Kellogg notes that nearly 95% of Americans fall short of the recommended 25-28g of fiber per day and Chief Wellbeing Officer and dietitian Sarah Ludmer highlighted cereals including All-Bran Original and Kashi Go Original (both 12g per serving), Raisin Bran (7g), and Frosted Mini-Wheats (6g) as strong fiber sources.

Alpen Backs £1.5M Campaign To Revive Muesli

UK muesli brand Alpen invested £1.5 million in a 2026 marketing campaign across TV, video-on-demand and social media. Titled "Alpen: It's The Grown-Up Thing to Do," the campaign features brand mascot Ralph and is expected to reach up to 32 million UK. Alpen's Head of Brand Louise Vickers said the campaign aims to remind shoppers of the value of natural, nutritious breakfasts as consumer tastes mature. The muesli category has been in long-term decline, though consumer demand for high-fiber, low-sugar and natural options remains strong. Alpen plans street-level sampling at London train stations to reach up to 100,000 commuters.

Xochitl Shifts Entire Chip Line To Avocado Oil

Xochitl is transitioning its entire tortilla chip portfolio to 100% avocado oil in response to demand for snack products positioned as BFY alternatives. Avocado oil has a high smoke point and contains fats often associated with heart health. Updated packaging will carry a “Made with Avocado Oil” label and new flavor-specific color blocking. The new lineup rolls out to major US retailers in March.

Utz Expands Protein And Premium Chip Lines

Utz Brands introduced several new snack products at Natural Products Expo West 2026, including protein-enriched pretzels and cheese curls under the Utz brand. It also showed Boulder Canyon Agave Sriracha kettle chips, which emphasize attributes such as gluten-free and non-GMO ingredients. Utz says the launches align with consumer interest in snacks with higher protein content, global flavors and cleaner ingredient labels.

Target Removing Synthetic Colors From Cereal Aisle

Target announced that by the end of May it will sell only breakfast cereals made without certified synthetic colors. It worked with national and private-label suppliers to reformulate products, where necessary, maintaining a range of flavors, dietary options and price points. Target said the update builds on ingredient standards introduced with its Good & Gather brand, launched in 2019, which excludes artificial flavors, sweeteners, synthetic colors and high-fructose corn syrup.

Ancient Crunch Expands MASA At Sprouts

Ancient Crunch reported increased sales momentum for its MASA snack brand following the launch of two exclusive flavors at Sprouts Farmers Market. The new varieties include MASA Hatch Chile and Vandy French Onion. MASA now sells more than 400,000 bags per month in over 1,500 retail locations. Ancient Crunch said the exclusive flavors contributed to strong sell-through at Sprouts and expanded its presence in premium snack retail channels. The company produces snacks using traditional cooking methods and ingredients positioned as free from seed oils, fillers and artificial additives.

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