In FoodNavigator-USA's latest roundup of new product launches, we include an eclectic mix of new products, from Chobani's first foray into peanut butter, to Hershey's new 'Oat Made' bars, an interesting new twist on tofu, and B-vitamin-infused flavored seltzers from Monster Energy.
Oddlygood yogurt alternatives from Valio USA (SRP $1.99) contain 110-120 calories, 3g protein and 6-14g sugar depending on the flavor. Made from a blend of gluten free oat flour, cane sugar, and pea protein, the products are fortified with calcium, vitamin B12 and vitamin D.
Forager Project's new cashewmilk yogurt with oats and seeds, is made with gluten-free oats, chia, and flax seeds and contains 5g protein. Fortified with calcium and vitamin D, the line is rolling out this month at Whole Foods and other retailers nationwide (SRP $2.49).
Elmhurst, meanwhile, has expanded its plant-based dairy portfolio with new Pistachio Crème Creamer and Pistachio Barista Edition products with no added gums or oils. Available online at www.elmhurst1925.com, they will roll out in stores starting next month.
Publix has launched pea-based chickenless tenders under its new GreenWise brand, which also features pea-based meatless patties (launched in April), a traditional black bean burger and a veggie burger.
Sweet Earth plant-based deli slices have been reformulated to "contain more protein and deliver the most authentic deli experience," says Nestlé, which has also launched new breakfast bowls under the Sweet Earth brand: Protein Lovers, Southwest Veggie, Huevos Rancheros.
Franklin Farms has introduced a new line of 'tofu' (a fermented soy product) made from chickpeas in select Albertson and Safeway locations.
Plant Boss shelf-stable meatless crumbles from Frontier Co-op are made from textured yellow pea protein and designed for tacos, spaghetti, and any recipe typically using ground meat.
Launching October 2021, Saffron Road’s frozen artisan wraps come in three variants: Bean & Cheese, Samosa with Chickpeas, and Butter Chicken, and target millennials looking for convenient and better-for-you frozen options, says the company.
Upmarket meat snacks brand Country Archer has launched a meat-free jerky made with King Oyster mushrooms. Available in BBQ, Teriyaki, and Spiced Bacon flavors, the new line has just launched in Sprouts, Amazon and Countryarcher.com, and will hit Whole Foods Markets nationwide in October.
Made with chocolate, oat flour, and rice flour, Hershey's Oat Made bars are a work in progress, said the firm in a recent blog post. "We're currently doing real-time, in-market testing...
"It’s so important for us to test for reality, that we’re intentionally planning a marginal level of advertising delivered to certain geographic areas for the Hershey's Oat Made products. In fact, should they make it to market, it may be under a different moniker (as we’re still testing out whether to use the current 'Oat Made' name or simply call them 'plant-based').
"Once naming and branding for the products are defined, we’ll tackle the even-bigger questions: How do we scale up the product? When do we launch, and who are the key retailers for this product? How soon do we complement the launch of our Oat Made chocolate with a plant-based Reese's?"
Chobani peanut butters (squeeze packs and jars) were developed in partnership with nonprofit Edesia (best known for plumpynut therapeutic foods) with 100% of the profits going to help tackle child malnutrition. Manufactured by Edesia, some are basic blends of peanut butter and apples, bananas, chocolate, and cookie dough, and others feature a 'nutrient extract blend' of spinach, broccoli, sweet potato, mushrooms, and sunflower seeds.
Shark Tank alumni GoOats' heat-and-eat frozen oatmeal bites (steel cut oats, milk, butter, and sugar) are rolling out to Sprouts stores nationwide, 500 Safeway stores in Portland, Seattle and North California, and 188 Jewell Osco locations in late September.
New Hillshire Farm refrigerated 'Snacked!' packs contain meat, cheese, and a 'treat' such as cookies, pretzel rods or cake bites, says brand owner Tyson Foods: "As a leader in protein and snacking, we saw a clear opportunity for a versatile, great-tasting, kid-focused snack."
Beanfields' new gluten-free, grain-free, plant-based rings (baked not fried) are made from navy beans and chickpea flour and will be available in three flavors: Sweet Onion, Fiery Hot, and Zesty Dill in the coming weeks at Sprouts, Whole Foods, and Harmons with more retailers to follow in 2022.
New protein granola clusters from IWON Organics are rolling out at Vitamin Shoppe this month, with a national launch at Sprouts to follow in October. Each serving contains 6g of protein (from pea, rice, and fava beans), 4g of fiber, and 3g sugar.
Urban indoor farming firm Square Roots is expanding its retail presence with two new salad mixes (SRP $5.99): Spring Mix is made with a blend of kale, mizuna, and tatsoi microgreens with baby lettuce leaves, while Super Mix blends broccoli, kale, and cabbage microgreens with tatsoi leaves.
Both are grown at the company’s new farm in Grand Rapids, Michigan, said co-founder and CEO Tobias Peggs: “The greatest way that Square Roots can make a difference is to make locally grown, nutritious food available to millions of people in cities across America."
REBBL - best known for its adaptogen-fueled tonics - is moving into the functional soda category with the launch of REBBL POP (50 cals, 5g sugar) a sparkling beverage sweetened with stevia and monk fruit that features acacia gum (billed as a prebiotic).
REBBL Stacked Coffee, meanwhile, combines cold brew coffee and oatmilk with added functional ingredients such as L-Theanine, Reishi, Lion's Mane, and MCTs.
Lion's mane mushroom extract is also the star ingredient (400mg per serving) in a new premium coffee from Hawaii-based wellness company Mālama Mushrooms.
True North 'pure energy seltzer' from Monster is a zero calorie, unsweetened sparkling beverage line featuring natural flavors caffeine from green coffee beans, Panax Ginseng extract, and vitamins and minerals for 'immunity support.'
