Fusion Flavors Take Kefir to a New Level
Lifeway Foods, a leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products that support the microbiome, is adding 10 new on-trend flavors to its on-the-go, 8-oz. line of Organic Kefir. Lifeway is known for creating trends and recognizing consumers’ evolving tastes and needs. These new flavor combinations represent a fresh offering in the dairy space, inspired by global flavor insights and market research.
The entire line is lactose-free, as consumer demand for lactose-free dairy products is predicted to grow rapidly over the next five years. Many of these flavor combinations have never been seen before in the cultured dairy category. They are: Coconut Pineapple, Grapefruit Elderflower, Guava Jackfruit, Hot Honey, Matcha Latte, Passionfruit Lychee, Pink Dragon Fruit, Pistachio Rose Vanilla, Taro Ube Latte and Wild Blueberry Lavender. The new line is loaded with high-quality bioavailable nutrients, including protein, calcium and 12 live and active probiotic cultures.
Asian-inspired Comfort Food
www.feel-good-foods.com
The demand for heat-and-eat Asian frozen foods continues to rise. For the 52-week period ended Sept. 8, 2024, retail sales of soup dumplings increased 233% from a year ago. This was fueled by new players entering the category and expanding distribution.
One of those new players is better-for-you frozen food manufacturer Feel Good Foods. Its new Gluten-Free Chicken Soup Dumplings feature a unique rice flour blend wrapper that delivers the satisfying texture of traditional dumplings. They are filled with a mixture of tender chicken, savory broth, scallions and ginger, delivering a comforting, bold flavor. Like all of the company’s offerings, the dumplings are free from artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners. The mini meal comes in a microwaveable steamer tray and is ready in three minutes.
“We’re excited to introduce our gluten-free soup dumplings, an innovative option that’s never been available before,” said Vanessa Phillips, founder. “Now, everyone can savor the deliciousness of this popular restaurant dish right at home.”
All-Natural Turkey Bacon
One year before Colorado became the 38th state, the Coleman family began cattle ranching in the territory’s lush grassland east of the Continental Divide. Since then, Coleman All Natural Meats has been producing clean-label meats and now is adding Turkey Bacon to its lineup. It is naturally hickory smoked with no added nitrates or nitrites and no monosodium glutamate or added fillers. An 8-oz. package has a suggested retail price of $5.99. The brand is also making its popular hickory smoked and applewood smoked no-sugar-added uncured bacon made from Heritage Duroc pork in this smaller-sized package.
“Providing families with delicious, high-quality, humanely raised products has always been central to the Coleman brand for nearly 150 years,” said Mel Coleman Jr., fifth generation family member and spokesperson for the company. “Our heritage is founded in helping families create easy, delicious meals that fit their tastes and lifestyle. Adding items like turkey bacon and offering smaller sizes that allow families to manage their budgets and reduce food waste are just some of the ways we are doing that.”
Sweet Innovations for C-Stores
Family-owned Rich Products rolled out numerous new products for convenience store operators at the 2024 NACS Show held October 8-10 in Las Vegas. New f’real Energy Freeze is a frozen beverage that comes in the brand’s blend-it-yourself format. It is powered by 100mg of caffeine from green coffee extract and has a coconut water base to quench thirst.
The Funfetti Cake Parfait is a grab-and-go dessert that features layers of white cake loaded with colorful candy bits, icing and sprinkles, all packaged in a convenient 3.7-oz cup.
New Fully Topped Flatbreads are an ideal pizza solution for C-stores looking to attract customers seeking a quick and easy meal or snack. The rustic oval crust achieves an ultra-crisp, crunchy bite, with light grill marks on the bottom that add to its premium appearance. They are perfect for a hot slice program or may be sold as a take-and-bake option. Varieties are Buffalo Chicken, Meat Trio and Pepperoni.
Salty Crackers with a Hint of Sweet
Buttery Crackers | Club® Crackers
Kellanova is bringing a touch of sweetness to its signature buttery Club Crackers brand with a new flavor: Club Sweet Hawaiian. The brand is doubling down on sweet flavor ahead of the holidays with new Cinnamon Sugar Club Minis, a limited-edition offering that is a light, sweet snack on its own or the perfect addition to any dessert.
“This expansion of the Club lineup…gives our fans even more ways to enjoy the light, flaky, buttery cracker that’s always at the center of their gatherings,” said Carrie Foose, director of brand marketing. “Just like your favorite Hawaiian rolls, Club Sweet Hawaiian crackers are incredibly versatile, whether you’re pairing them with creamy brie and tropical fruits for a delicious appetizer or topping them with ham and Swiss cheese for a savory bite, elevated with just a hint of sweetness.”
Culinary-inspired Bowl Meals
Known for its Ready-Pac Bistro salads, Bonduelle Americas is introducing three varieties of Bistro Loaded Bowls under the Bonduelle brand. The Avocado Crunch with Grilled Chicken Bowl features a crisp bed of lettuce topped with grilled chicken, sunflower seeds, almonds and zesty lemon pepper sourdough croutons. It comes with a side of guacamole.
Kalamata olives and creamy feta cheese are at the heart of the Lemon Mediterranean Style with Grilled Chicken Bowl. It also includes crumbled croutons seasoned with an aromatic blend of cumin, coriander and garlic falafel spice, crisp lettuce greens and a lemon tahini hummus-style dressing.
The Grilled Chicken and Guacamole Bowl pairs guacamole and sweet roasted corn with grilled chicken to create a protein-packed salad. Crispy peppers, jalapeños and tortilla strips add a spicy kick and satisfying crunch. The bowls all contain 12g or more of protein and have a suggested retail price of $5.99.
