In FoodNavigator-USA's latest roundup of new product launches, we include Clif Bar's first foray into boxed cereals, PeaTos' fiber- and protein-fueled take on Doritos, RXBARS's new plant-based bars, and a wave of products focusing on keto and low-or no-sugar claims; immune health; and digestive health.
PeaTos - (strapline: Junk food without the junk!) - is taking on another key brand in the Frito-Lay stable with the launch of crunchy tortilla style chips (Nacho Cheese, Zesty Ranch, vegan Fiery Nacho) based on protein- and fiber-packed peas instead of corn.
CLIF has moved into new territory with the launch of cereals featuring 7-8g fiber, 7–8g protein, and 6-7g sugar per serving (30–40% less sugar than other leading cereal brands, according to CLIF). Available in Walmart stores nationwide and clifbar.com, the cereals contain a broad range of grains including whole wheat, quinoa, sorghum, and buckwheat.
RXBAR Plant - available in two flavors - contains 10g plant-based protein in place of the brand's signature egg whites, and is now available on RXBAR.com, Target, Kroger and other retailers. Each bar contains dates, nuts, oats, and a blend of pea and almond protein, with 3-4g fiber and 16-17g sugar.
Cheribundi's new Immunity beverage combines its signature tart cherry juice with Echinacea and B vitamins. Retailing $27 for a 12-pack, the new product is currently available at www.cheribundi.com and will begin rolling out to other retailers later this summer.
Gut-friendly brand GoodBelly also taps into growing consumer interest in immune and digestive health with its new line of quick-dissolving, shelf-stable fruity probiotic powders: GoodBelly To Go Fast Melts. Consumers can simply pour into their months, or add to beverages and smoothies.
The Immunity Fast Melts combine probiotic strains Lactobacillus Plantarum HEAL9 and Lactobacillus Paracasei 8700:2, which together are clinically shown to support immune function; while the Digestion Fast Melts contain Lactobacillus Plantarum 299v (LP299V), clinically shown to help promote healthy digestion.
With no added sugar or additives, The a2 Milk Company's Half and Half is made with milk and cream from cows that naturally produce only the A2 beta casein protein rather than the combination of A1 and A2 proteins contained in most dairy products.
The product has debuted at Sprouts stores, but will be rolling out to more retailers shortly said the company, which claims that A1 beta casein may be responsible for digestive discomfort experienced by milk drinkers that cannot be attributed to lactose intolerance or milk allergy.
Rolling out nationwide with immediate availability at 7-Eleven stores, Lennylarry.com and Amazon (SRP $1.99), Lenny & Larry's gluten-free Complete Cookie-fied Bars feature 12g plant-based protein (from peas and brown rice), 5g prebiotic fiber (from chicory root) and 6g sugar.
New Keto-Friendly Crunch Mixes from Catalina Crunch are available in four savory flavors: Traditional, Spicy Kick, Cheddar, and Creamy Ranch. Each serving contains 5-8g protein, 4g fiber, 1g sugar, and zero grams added sugar.
After one year of national retail distribution, Catalina Crunch snacks are available in more than 15,000 retail stores.
General Mills is also exploring the high fat, moderate protein and ultra-low-carb keto trend with the launch of more products under its new :ratio line (crunchy bars and soft bakes). Other new snack innovations include Trix Cereal Treat Bars, Cocoa Puff Cereal Treat Bars, Pillsbury Mini Sweet Biscuits, Nature Valley Soft-Baked Blueberry Muffin Bars, the LÄRABAR Fudge Brownie, and EPIC BBQ Chicken Bars.
Conagra Brands is also highlighting low carb counts on selected new products including no added sugar sesame noodle with zoodles under the Healthy Choice brand. For a full list of new innovations, click here.
Continuing the low carb theme, Killer Creamery's new zero-sugar ice cream sandwich has 2-3g net carbs grams and 5 grams of protein per serving, and claims to be the first zero-sugar ice cream sandwich in the novelty category. Sweetened with allulose, monk fruit and stevia, Killer Sammies ($5.99-$6.99/6-pack) will be available on the Killer Creamery website, Amazon, and in Albertsons and Safeway stores in the Northwest and Southwest.
GATSBY new milk and dark 'chocolate-style' bars - launching online and in 1,500 doors nationwide - feature EPG, a plant-based oil that has been restructured in such a way that virtually none of it is absorbed by the body.
The bars - which are sweetened with a combination of allulose and sugar - have less than half the calories of regular chocolate bars and one-quarter of the sugar - says Gatsby founder Doug Bouton (who co-founded Halo Top Ice Cream).
EPG - which is listed on food labels as ‘EPG (modified plant-based oil)’ – contains just 0.7 calories per gram (fat usually contains 9 calories) and can be used to replace up to 85% of the fat in scores of applications from confectionery to nut butters, enabling significant calorie reductions without compromising on taste or texture, according to its manufacturer Epogee.
Danone North America has re-launched its 'Oat Yeah' oatmilk line as Silk Oatmilk with refreshed packaging and formulas in four SKUs: Original, Extra Creamy, 0g Sugar, and Vanilla.
Nutpods' new zero sugar line of plant-based creamers (almond and coconut) is sweetened with erythritol and stevia and comes in three flavors: Caramel, Sweet Creme, and French Vanilla.
Glanbia Nutritionals’ new patent-pending fully cooked yellow-pea-based Simpleat meat alternative crumbles, EZStrips and tenders (no methylcellulose, carrageenan or xanthan gum) claim to offer "exceptional texture and neutral taste" and can be used as a ready-to-prepare finished good or as an ingredient in applications from meatballs to pizza toppings.
Just Crack an Egg Omelet Rounds from Kraft Heinz - made with cage-free eggs - are sold in the refrigerated aisle (MSRP $3.49) and can be enjoyed cold or heated in a microwave for 50 seconds.