Among the new products that caught the eye in recent days are meatless nuggets from Maple Leaf Foods and Nestlé’s launch of the Life Cuisine brand in the US.
Maple Leaf Foods launches meatless nuggets
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By GlobalDataField Roast Grain Meat Co., which is part of Maple Leaf Foods plant-based division, is adding ‘nuggets’ to its frozen range of meat alternatives.
The Plant-Based Nuggets, manufactured by Maple Leaf’s Greenleaf Foods subsidiary, contain 14 grams of alternative protein per serving, have no GMOs and are free-from soy, artificial ingredients and colourings. The breaded nuggets are made from roasted garlic, wheat and pea protein.
Retail stockists include Albertson’s, Sobey’s and Price Chopper, with others set to follow during the summer. Greenleaf also plans to offer the nuggets to foodservice outlets.
Edita debuts Oniro biscuit brand
Edita Food Industries has entered the biscuit category in its home market of Egypt with the launch of its Oniro brand.
The company, which is listed in Cairo and London, said the move is in line with its “diversification strategy to create new revenue streams and drive future growth”.
Oniro Cookie Crisp Filled, a vanilla chocolate chip cookie with chocolate cream, is the first product to roll out under the Oniro line, with plain vanilla and chocolate versions set to be launched in the “coming weeks”.
Edita said its has added a new production line at its so-called E08 facility at a cost of EGP55m (US$3.4m) to accommodate biscuit production.
Nestlé launches Life Cuisine brand in US
Global food giant Nestlé is launching a new better-for-you brand in the US in the shape of Life Cuisine.
The brand is made up of 15 meal solutions – including layered bowls, cauliflower-crust pizzas and sous vide egg bites. Nestlé suggest consumers can choose from a variety of “thoughtfully created options offering a full cup of vegetables, two or more essential nutrients, high protein, high fibre and more”.
Nestlé is also introducing “new and improved” meals from its lower calorie Lean Cuisine brand, with more than half of the portfolio to be relaunched, including Lean Cuisine Bowls.
Kellogg takes cereals into Jumbo Snax
Kellogg is introducing snacking versions into the US of some of its most popular breakfast cereal lines.
Kellogg’s Jumbo Snax features four cereals: Kellogg’s Froot Loops; Apple Jacks; Corn Pops in caramel crunch flavour; and Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes-inspired Tiger Paws.
Each have two options available: a 12-pouch multipack with 0.45-ounce single-serve bags, or a six-ounce multiserve resealable bag. Prices range from US$2.99 to $6.98.
“Kellogg’s cereals shine as stars of the breakfast table, but for many, morning isn’t the only time for cereal,” said Erin Storm, marketing director of Kellogg All Family Cereal. “With 30% of cereal eaten outside of breakfast, we believe Kellogg’s Jumbo Snax make snacking easier and that each bite unleashes jumbo fun for the whole family.”
US dairy-free firm Califia Farms broadens portfolio
Califia Farms, the US dairy-free supplier best known for plant-based milks, is moving into alternatives to butter.
The company is selling two varieties of spread – sea salt with avocado and sea salt with olive oil.
Available at Whole Foods Market stores this month, the butter alternatives will hit unnamed “leading, conventional retailers” in August.
The spreads, made with tiger nuts, have a recommended retail price of US$4.99.
In January, Califia Farms launched a line of oat-based creamers.
The company has, meanwhile, also added to its range of dairy-free beverages with the launch of Protein Oat. It emphasises the “eight grams of plant protein and nine essential amino acids” in the drinks.
Conagra rolls out Power Dressing range
US food group Conagra Brands has launched a Power Dressing line of sauces under its Healthy Choice brand.
The four varieties – Creamy Ranch, Creamy Italian, Garden French and Greener Goddess – are designed for dips, marinades or just toppings.
The dressings are made with cauliflower, spinach, red pepper and tomatillos, along with added herbs and spices. They have no artificial flavours, are dairy- and soy-free, and suitable for vegans.
Power Dressing come in 12-ounce bottles at a suggested retail price of US$3.99 and are available in mass retailers nationwide.
Avara Foods debuts The Turkey Kitchen brand
Avara Foods, a UK-based turkey business, is launching a new brand into the retail channel – The Turkey Kitchen.
The three-strong line-up, all made with British turkey – Thai Style Cakes, Turkey Katsu and Cajun Turkey Strips – are designed as a meal accompaniment and come with their own unique sauces.
Sainsbury’s and Asda are stocking the full range, while Morrisons will carry the Thai Style Cakes and Turkey Katsu.
Chris Hall, the chief commercial officer at Avara Foods, said: “The Turkey Kitchen brand has been created based on shopper and category insights to give consumers a chance to change their perceptions about turkey by giving them a clear reason why they should buy into the category.
“While the turkey fixture has long been recognised solely for its seasonal appeal, we are offering retailers a way to tap into protein-hungry, health-conscious millennials with a new range that draws on exotic flavours and changes perceptions about the taste of turkey.”
Avara Foods is a joint venture between poultry firm Faccenda and the chicken division in the UK of US-based agri-food giant Cargill.
Funfetti baking brand enters new category
Staying in the US, baking brand Funfetti is being taken into a new part of the store.
In August, Funfetti-branded cereal will go on sale in the US.
Hometown Food Co., the US manufacturer set up in 2018 when private-equity firm Brynwood Partners acquired the J.M. Smucker’s bakery and dessert assets, said Funfetti cereal would be the latest breakfast product for the brand after recent launches of a pancake mix and a coffee creamer.
Dan Anglemyer, the COO of Hometown Food Co., which owns the rights to Pillsbury’s shelf-stable baking products, including Funfetti, said: “We are in a period right now where people are finding comfort in trusted brands that bring back wonderful memories.”
The 17oz. box of cereal will retail for $3.50-5.50, depending on the retail location.
Amy’s Kitchen adds to range of entrees
Another US business, Amy’s Kitchen, is extending its line-up of entrees on sale in its domestic market.
The company is launching dishes “inspired” by the cuisines of India, Greece, Mexico and Morocco, including vegetable pakoras and a vegetable tagine.
The dishes are available on Target.com and will “reach other grocers later this year”, the company said. Amy’s Kitchen has suggested a retail price of $4.99.
