A Dip Into Chocolate
Endangered Species Chocolate is turning the snacking world upside down with the introduction of Dip ’n Joy, an interactive chocolate experience featuring a dual compartment that contains three dark chocolate batons in one part and dipping sauce in the other. The three varieties of dip are almond butter, peanut butter and salted caramel.
“Our chocolate has only a handful of real, responsibly sourced ingredients with absolutely zero artificial sweeteners or additives,” the promotions say. The company has certifications for Fairtrade, Non-GMO, Vegan, Gluten Free, Kosher and Green E.
The brand is on a mission to sweeten the world while protecting it by donating 10% of net profits to species, habitats and humanity. A single-serve pack has a suggested retail price of $3.79.
Heat-and-Eat Refrigerated Pancakes
European-inspired Belgian Boys is a women-led company known for its heat-and-eat, refrigerated, grain-based breakfast foods. The company’s most recent innovations are Griddle Pancakes and Bite-Sized Belgian Chocolate Chip Pancakes, which join crepes, Belgian waffles and regular bite-sized pancakes.
While the products are designed for a quick, mess-free breakfast, they are great during any daypart, as well as for a snack. They come in whimsical, colorful packaging, and contain no GMOs, artificial flavors or preservatives. All Belgian Boys products are merchandised with the growing array of fresh, perishable breakfast foods, such as egg bites, omelet cups and New York-style bagels.
“Our original mini pancakes are a massive hit with my kids. They love dipping them in chocolate we get from home in Belgium,” says Belgian Boys CEO Anouck Gotlib. “So, adding Belgian chocolate chips to our bite-sized pancakes was only natural.”
First-of-its-Kind Pasta
Bionaturae - Organic Italian Pastas, Tomatoes, Olive Oils & More
Just when it seemed like there was no more room for innovation in the pasta category with its already extensive array of semolina and plant-based options, Jovial Foods offers a concept that’s never been commercialized. New Bionaturae Organic Sourdough Pasta marries the familiar texture of semolina pasta with the fermented flavor of traditional sourdough bread.
The noodles are free of preservatives and made with 100% clean ingredients. One serving contains only 6g of net carbohydrates and is rich in essential vitamins and minerals. The fermented grains give the pasta a unique sour taste that lends itself to being served simply tossed in olive oil or butter. The fermented grains also contribute to gut health, according to the company. The pasta is making its debut in fusilli, penne and spaghetti formats in 12-oz. boxes.
Artisan Flavors From Big Cheese
https://lactalisamericangroup.com/
Since acquiring the natural, specialty and select other cheese businesses in the U.S. from Kraft Heinz Co. in December 2021, Lactalis USA is ready to grow the brands with new flavors and formats. The first addition comes from Cracker Barrel Cheese, which now includes Dill Havarti and Truffle Cheddar varieties.
These are the first two offerings under the brand’s new Artisan Flavors line. The 7-oz. blocks are wrapped in the brand’s iconic foil packaging, which protects the cheese from light oxidation and moisture changes.
“Truffle is a beloved flavor that provides decadent luxury; combining with our rich and bold white cheddar delivers the best of both worlds,” says Amanda Vaal, brand director. “Dill also continues to be high in demand, delivering a sharp and savory twist to a snacking classic. These additions not only meet the desires of our consumers but also satisfy the craving for an enhanced cheese and snacking experience.”
Conagra, Naturally
Drawing inspiration from top culinary trends and popular restaurant offerings, Conagra Brands debuted a diverse line-up of frozen meals and vegetable sides at Natural Products Expo West 2024 in March.
Alexia, for example, continues to elevate the vegetable side dish experience with new Balsamic Brussels Sprouts & Carrots, Brown Butter Green Beans, Hot Honey Carrots and Parmesan Truffle Broccoli. Blake’s is adding four all-natural comfort food meals, each containing a protein, starch and side. Varieties are BBQ Seasoned Pork, Country Fried Chicken, Homestyle Meatloaf and Roasted Chicken. The Evol frozen meal brand is growing with Chicken Adobo, Garlic Herb Steak, Hot Honey Chicken and Meatballs &Orzo. The brand also welcomes its first-ever seafood dish: Garlic Shrimp Cavatappi.
With the popularity of Mexican cuisine showing no signs of slowing, Conagra is adding Chicken Enchiladas with Chile Verde Sauce and Cheese Enchiladas with Red Enchilada Sauce to its Frontera line. And for those who prefer plant-based frozen meals, there’s new Sweet & Sour Cauliflower and Vegetable Tikka Masala under the Purple Carrot brand. New sweet and salty snacks also rolled out at Expo West under the Glutino, Swiss Miss and Vlasic brands.
Upcycled Plant-Protein Beverage
Systm Foods is rolling out Rebbl Upcycled Protein Shakes, which are powered by a proprietary eco-friendly plant protein blend featuring upcycle-certified non-GMO barley. A single-serve bottle contains 26g of protein and 4g of sugar.
By using upcycled ingredients, Rebbl’s innovative protein blend helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced by food waste and creates a lower carbon footprint than other proteins available in the market at this scale, according to the company. The vegan shakes come in Cookies & Crème, Milk Chocolate and Vanilla flavors.
The 12-oz. ready-to-drink perishable beverages will launch at select retailers nationwide beginning August, joining the company’s organic protein shakes lineup. All Rebbl shakes are flash pasteurized, which the company says is a gentle process to help consumers “reap the most benefits from the herbal ingredients.”
