Lamb Weston Inc., Eagle, Idaho, introduced Mini Waffled Hash Browns, billed as a “mini mashup of magnificent proportions.” Officials say product developers created a “hash brown that eats like a waffle” for on-the-go snacking as well as all dayparts. 

As Mars looks to double its Snacking business in the next decade, the new facility will give Mars' 300 R&D Associates in Chicago runway to create and refine new products for the company's multi-billion-dollar snacking portfolio before they are scaled at large around the globe.

The Almond Board of California (ABC) announced the kickoff of its national Tastemaker Trials student competition, which invites U.S. college and university students to create delicious almond-based snack products that excite the tastebuds of younger generations and set a new standard for "intentional indulgence" in snacks.

With a sustained growth of over 70% (3-Yr CAGR), adding 18,000 new points of sale, and sustainability investments to its integrated structure, Solely has broken barriers in the healthy snacking landscape in 2023 and proved its journey is just getting started.

Prepared Foods speaks with Susan Guerin, CEO of World Finer Foods, Inc. and Cutting Vedge, Inc., makers of burgers, meatballs, crumbles, and sausage replacers from artichokes.

“Cultivating the next generation of culinary innovators is both a privilege and a passion. Working on the competition with the students at IIT, sponsored by the Washington Red Raspberry Commission, has been a rewarding journey,” said Zal Taleyarkhan, Corporate Research Chef, Charlie Baggs Culinary Innovations.

Prepared Foods talks clean label snack trends and technology with Simon Sacal, CEO of Solely Inc. Since 2018-2019, this La Jolla, Calif., company has converted upcycled fruits and vegetables into a growing line of snacks (bars, jerky, dried fruit), confections (gummies) and even meal/side dish offerings (pastas).

This strategic acquisition will unlock innovation offerings within SAMBAZON’s bowl portfolio with new dry toppings, savory toppings, organic fruit inclusions on top of bowls as well as innovative bases that include tropical fruits, purees, as well as emerging and popular seed bowls. 

Bob Evans introduced Farmhouse Favorites vegetable sides, now available in select Kroger locations. Made with real vegetables, Farmhouse Favorites make it easy to add veggies to dinners in under five minutes.

Keeping food safe (70%) and the use of pesticides (60%) are top concerns when considering how food is grown. Nutritional content, use of agricultural technology, environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and farm workers welfare were other listed concerns consumers factor into their purchase decisions.  

Bolthouse Fresh Foods will carry on the century-old legacy of Bolthouse Farms as a leading supplier of fresh carrots to retailers across North America, with nearly 700 million pounds of carrots sold annually. 

WHOLLY® GUACAMOLE Extra Chunky Restaurant Style is made with chunks of real, 100% Hass avocados, tomatoes and red onions, as well as cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño peppers and a blend of seasonings.

Almonds are a key ingredient that can help broaden dietary options in snack products through their wide variety of forms that help introduce new flavor experiences and offer many health benefits.

Beyond a refreshed corporate logo, Bolthouse Fresh Foods™ is revealing its new consumer brand, Bolthouse Fresh™, and packaging for its consumer-facing portfolio of fresh carrots, and on-the-go snacking solutions. 

Dr. Farhat will spearhead the company’s vision to develop groundbreaking ingredients, derived from both Fresh Del Monte’s portfolio and other agricultural products.

Prepared Foods talks about clean label formulating with Campbell's Foodservice executive chef Gerald Drummond and Alan Slesinski, director of R&D.

Mr Lee’s Pure Foods, the UK based award-winning gourmet instant-noodles in a cup, announced its US launch nationwide with Whole Foods Market. This is a milestone expansion for the young brand and speaks to its consumers’ growing interest and demand, according to the company.

Progresso Toppers™ are an all-new way to enjoy soup without creating a mess in the kitchen. The products allow consumers to eat classic soups with toppings for an extra crunch.

Wind Point Partners and portfolio company Stir Foods, a custom manufacturer of soups, sauces, dressings, and fresh salsas for retail, industrial, and foodservice customers, announced that Stir has acquired Lancaster Fine Foods, Inc., a private label and contract manufacturer of custom sauces, dressings, and condiments for retail, industrial and foodservice customers.

Data suggest restaurant menus can showcase new regional and global takes on chicken soup. This will give consumers new ways to enjoy an old favorite. As plant-based options continue to take off, soup provides both easy and innovative ways to incorporate more vegetables and meat alternatives.

Soupergirl—the plant-based soup and gazpacho company based in Washington, DC—was one of five winning contestants of Kroger’s new "Go Fresh & Local Supplier Accelerator," a national competition that ended with a Sharktank-like business presentation in front of a panel of judges in Cincinnati.

Campbell Soup Company announced the appointment of Stewart Lindsay as vice president, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, effective Dec. 6, 2021. He joins Campbell from The Nature Conservancy.

Kitchen Basics® has a portfolio of conventional and organic stocks and broths, including Chicken, Unsalted Chicken, Beef, Unsalted Beef, Vegetable, Unsalted Vegetable, Turkey, Seafood, and Creamy Bean & Vegetable.

The NPD Group suggests reports that consumers still eat most meals at home. Meanwhile, they’re continuing to try plant-based or vegetable-forward options for reasons of health or interest in sustainability. Others follow specialty diets and welcome quick, easy options. Everyday eaters also crave more international tastes.

KRAFT® Singles, joined forces with Top Chef finalist and dumpling extraordinaire, Shirley Chung, to develop a Chinese American fusion: KRAFT Singles’ Souplings.

The small batch release celebrates the brand's iconic Tomato Soup infused with the flavors of a grilled cheese sandwich for a spoonful of flavor and comfort.

The breakthrough will enable the company to produce cultivated meat significantly faster and at lower costs than industry norms, and is therefore an important step towards the commercialization of Meatable’s technology and large-scale production of cultivated meat products more broadly.

Land Frost, Inc., a brand of pre-sliced deli meats and a producer of specialty meats, announced the appointment of two new directors to its leadership team. Julie Lubash has been named director of research, development and innovation, while Paula Ford joins as brand marketing director.

Amylu Foods acquired Klement's Sausage Company, a division of Tall Tree Foods. The strategic move represents Amylu Foods' commitment to offering its customers premium, high-quality meat products.

Crafted from tender, all-white meat chicken and covered in a honey-infused breading, the bites are designed to delight taste buds and satisfy cravings.

The lawsuit, which was filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of Florida, argues that Florida’s ban violates the Constitution’s provisions that prohibit protectionist measures designed to favor in-state businesses at the expense of out-of-state competitors. 

In addition to an already robust portfolio of cuts and flavors, including the recently added Nashville Hot pork loin filet, the new Hatch Chile tenderloin underscores Prairie Fresh’s commitment to quality, innovation and providing consumers with the best taste and flavor profiles possible.  

Small Town Cultures raw fermented foods include sliced jalapeños, cardamon beets, turmeric kimchi, spicy radish, Meyer lemon, and more to support nutrition.

Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has published its application for a distinct use of Deerland’s signature strain DE111® of the probiotic species, Bacillus subtilis DE111® based on compelling human clinicals performed on DE111®.

The new Probiotic+ Gummies come at a time when gut and immune health are top-of-mind.

New distribution of its all-new Mini Probiotic Fruit Bar Variety Pack at Sam’s Clubs nationwide has contributed significantly to these increases, as That’s it. probiotic products are now available to millions of Sam’s Club shoppers across the country for the first time. 

The company will exhibit 35+ products across 15+ brands in one Nestlé USA booth (#527) – in addition to separate booths for Nestlé Health Science brands Solgar® (#3739), Vital Proteins® (#3215), Garden of Life® (#4031), Orgain® (#2037) and Nuun® (#715), and pet food brand Castor & Pollux® (#1017) – to highlight innovation across the plant-based and nutrition, health and wellness categories that remain an integral part of its business strategy.

Scientists in the field have found that the microbial community, or microbiome of the gut, affects not only gastrointestinal health, but has links to the brain, immune system and even our circadian clocks. 

Beverages that blur category lines are leading drink product launches as consumers continue to expect more functionality from the products they buy. Botanical ingredients are a key focus for consumers fulfilling this expectation.

Kerry Hughes, MSc, principal for EthnoPharm shares five botanical ingredients food and beverage developers should be paying close attention to.

Watch or listen to a Prepared Foods interview with ethnobotanist and contributing editor Kerry Hughes discussing the trending foods, beverages, and ingredients using botanicals featured at 2024 Natural Products Expo West.

EVOLVE plant-based protein reformulated its portfolio of ready-to-drink protein shakes and announced its continued commitment to the National Park Foundation (NPF). EVOLVE aims to connect people to the outdoors through access and inspiration, and this partnership helps bring shared missions to life in service of helping to protect the outdoors for everyone.

Univar Solutions Inc. and Novozymes announced a new agreement to expand the partnership into the United States and Canadian food ingredients markets. The new food ingredients agreement takes effect May 1, 2021, one month after the companies announced an exclusive agreement expanding the partnership into the United States and Canadian beverage production, homecare, and industrial cleaning markets.

Prepared Foods showcases new functional beverages and superfood gummies.

Premier Protein expanded its innovative line of ready-to-drink Protein Shakes with Oats with the launch of Chocolate Hazelnut for stepping up breakfast games. The new flavor, which launched online last month, is starting to hit store shelves over the next few months.

The protein trend has promised to continue at a steady pace, with interest in, and consumption of, plant proteins increasing at record levels. This is due in large part to the rapid expansion in consumer demand for meat, dairy, and seafood analogs. But alongside the growth in protein as a whole ingredient, the various parts that make up a protein molecule are not being ignored. 

In an environment where “anti-aging” has become the norm, Great Lakes Wellness is championing a unique viewpoint on getting older by embracing all the positives that come with it.

Designer Protein, a source for nutrient-filled protein powders, introduced Designer Collagen, an easy-to-digest and regenerative wellness supplement available. Designer Collagen is available in three flavors: French Vanilla, Toffee Swirl and Beautifully Unflavored.

Today’s consumers are rarely satisfied with just a thirst-quenching drink when they crave a beverage. They’re seeking healthful extras that target everything from immunity to mood issues, from energy to meal replacement. And of course, they want plenty of flavor with few calories.

New global research from Kerry indicates that most protein consumers are motivated by health and wellness, with 50% of respondents associating protein with “healthy diet” and 46% with “healthy lifestyle.”