Premium snacking NPD: Elevating cravings with gourmet, better-for-you snacks

Fatso Sweet Tart

The UK snack brand has launched Sweet Tart pitched as a pulse-racing combo of shortbread, cherries and almonds.

Launched in 2022, Fatso is on a mission to prove that dark chocolate – made from single-origin Fino de Armoa-certified cacao – can have just as much fun as milk. Its range of chunky chocolate bars are crammed full of incredible inclusions to ramp up flavor combos.

“We pride ourselves in our no-compromise approach to sourcing the very best single-origin cacao through our partnership with the future focused, family-run Luker Chocolate in Colombia,” said cofounder Ella McKay.

“As we continue our mission to prove that dark chocolate doesn’t have to be all seriousness and restraint our latest launch is girl-powered, bakewell inspired, chunky and downright delicious.”

Fatso’s partners in Colombia, Casa Luker, farm and develop the chocolate, while taking care of their famers, the communities within which it works and the planet.

Fatso Sweet Tart (RRP. £6.75/150g bar; £3.25/40g bar) is available in over 300 independent and premium retailers – such as Harvey Nichols, Revital, Jarrold and Blue Diamond – along with convenience stores, hospitality spots (hotels, butchers and bakers) and wholesalers.

McVitie’s Rich Tea ‘The Cocoa One’

Pladis has expanded appeal for Britain’s biggest biscuit brand with a new variant of its classic McVitie’s Rich Tea.

The tea break favorite features a dunkable crisp cocoa biscuit that falls under the government’s HFSS threshold, following in the footsteps of McVitie’s ‘The Light Ones’ range – where its lower sugar Digestives and Rich Tea variants have proven popular among Brits looking for a permissible treat.

McVitie’s Rich Tea ‘The Cocoa One’ marks the snacking company’s next step in diversifying its portfolio to ensure there’s something for everyone – from the ultra-indulgent through to lighter options.

Rolling out in Tesco for an RRP of £1.79 for a 300g pack.

ADM’s regenerative pizza flour

The UK milling company has partnered with Ooni Pizza Ovens to introduce a line of flour produced using regenerative agriculture practices.

ADM launched its regenerative agriculture program in the UK in 2023, working with farmers to support an outcome-based farming approach that protects and improves soil health, biodiversity, climate and water resources while supporting farming business development. UK producers who enroll in ADM's programme receive guidance and incentive payments for each hectare farmed using regenerative farming methods, such as planting cover crops to allow more carbon to be stored in the soil.

With the integration of ADM’s regenerative grown wheat, Ooni is ramping up the home pizza-making experience, enabling enthusiasts to create pizzeria-quality pizzas with a flour farmed in a way that seeks to reduce its environmental footprint.

“We are thrilled to be working with a company that shares our vision for a more sustainable food supply chain and an unwavering commitment to quality,” said Ashley Fuller, commercial director, ADM Milling.

“ADM's distinctive position spanning the wheat to flour value chain in the UK gives us an opportunity to help minimize environmental impact from farm to customer. We’re proud of our global regenerative agriculture efforts, which expanded to more than 2.8 million acres in 2023.”

Added Claire Grant, Ooni’s senior project manager, groceries, “Collaborating with ADM helps Ooni in our mission to make it easier than ever for home pizza makers to get the ingredients they need to make awesome pizza, while also respecting and protecting our planet.

“As part of our commitment to becoming a regenerative business, Ooni Type ‘00’ pizza flour will be produced in British mills using only electricity from renewable sources.

“This partnership is more than just flour; it’s about how we're committed to making a positive impact on the environment and helping meet our customers’ needs with the highest quality ingredients.”

The line of flour is available on Ooni’s website and at select retailers.

Rice Krispies Treats Chocolatey Peanut Butter

Kellanova pitches its latest #littletreat as an ‘ooey-gooey snack’ sporting ‘this iconic flavor duo’ to create ‘an irresistible combination of sweet and salty’: aligning ‘with the cultural appreciation for a well-deserved reward’.

According to the brand’s 2021-2023 Consumer Report, Chocolatey Peanut Butter was the number one most requested flavor by fans.

“We heard the demand loud and clear and wanted to give treat-lovers a whole new way to enjoy their favorite snack,” said a company spokesperson.

Rice Krispies Treats Chocolatey Peanut Butter is rolling out in US retailers nationwide, including Publix, Kroger, Walmart, Albertsons and other major grocery store chains for an RRP of $4.49 for 7ct or $8.42 for 14 in a box.

Brain Boosting Milk Chocolate Peanut Spread

Nutiani, the wellbeing nutrition brand by Fonterra, has collaborated with Hank’s Protein Plus to launch the clean label spread that is packed with added protein and supplements to promote cognitive health and manage the detrimental effects of stress.

The spread is made from six ingredients, including nuts, high-grade NZMP whey protein and Nutiani’s specialized phospholipid concentrated WPC. Phospholipids are vital building blocks in cell membranes and support the integrity, structure and function of cells in the brain and its protective myelin sheath.

“A healthy brain is rich in phospholipids that have been shown to support a range of mental wellbeing benefits,” said Fonterra’s lead nutritionist Kera Nyemb-Diop.

“As you age, a healthy adult can expect to experience as much as a 20% decline by the age of 80. While a decline in a nutrient shouldn’t be the sole reason a person chooses to supplement, phospholipid supplementation is proven to provide  mental and cognitive benefits, including stress management and resilience.”

Hank’s Protein Plus Brain Boosting Milk Chocolate Peanut Spread is available from Hank’s website and on Amazon.

Welch’s limited edition Red, White & Blueberry

The US fruit snacks brand has launched its newest seasonal variety, designed to elevate summer occasions in a patriotic nod to the nation.

Inspired by American traditions, Welch’s Red, White & Blueberry features a cherry and berry mix with whole fruit as the main ingredient.

“They’re a delicious treat for consumers of all ages,” said Betania Neto, seasonal brand manager at PIM Brands.

“As always, Welch’s Fruit Snacks are packed with essential vitamins A, C and E, are gluten-free and fat free, and align with the brand’s commitment to providing high-quality better for you snacks.”

“Our Red, White & Blueberry Edition is the perfect snack for adding that special and colorful touch of celebration to any summer gathering.”

Available in a 26-count box of 0.5oz pouches for an RRP of $6.99 at major US retailers, including Aldi, Walgreen’s and HEB.