Manufacturers continue to embrace the health trend, with healthy ingredients such as omega-3 and probiotics featured in an array of foods recorded by Datamonitor’s Productscan.
Zukay Live Foods introduced Zukay Live Foods Probiotic Ketchup, which contains a symbiosis of live cultures with fresh raw ingredients in a non-dairy base, is 100% natural with no chemicals or preservatives, and is described as being a perfect balance of not too sweet and not too sour. Zukay also introduced Zukay Live Foods Probiotic Salsa Viva, in both mild and hot varieties in the U.S. The mild variety is said to be a mellow, fresh tomato blend with a more American flavor profile, while the hot variety is "a spicy, lively Mexican style blend with Serrano chilies, cilantro and lime juice."
Meanwhile, omega-3 continues to be added to an increasing array of foodstuffs, including Crisco Puritan Canola Oil. Introduced to the U.S. market by J.M. Smucker Co., it is promoted as the first canola oil with omega-3 DHA, which the company describes as being the most complete form of omega-3. Another U.S. entry is Hearts&Minds Peanut Butter, described as the first on the market to contain omega-3 and olive oil, which appears to be a unique combination in a peanut butter product. Also tagged as better-for-you is Enjoy Life Natural Brands' Enjoy Life Boom Choco Boom Bar. Touted as the first allergy-friendly chocolate, the bars are said to be dairy-, nut-, soy- and gluten-free, as well as being free from egg, soy, fish or shellfish. The company appears to have gone to great lengths to ensure that this new chocolate bar is free from potential allergens.
Nestle introduced a novel chocolate bar in Japan that is designed to be mailed. The KitKat Kit Mail consists of four chocolate bars contained within a square box that includes a space for writing the recipient's name and address, as well as a message. The product is marketed as being a novel alternative to a birthday greeting, but could catch on as a unique present for a variety of occasions.
