Prepared Foods Chief Editor Bob Garrison talks protein with Dr. Baljit Ghotra, co-CEO and co-founder of EQUII Foods, a San Francisco Bay-area start-up whose Equii retail and foodservice breads and bread mixes boast two times more protein, 30% fewer carbs, and 50% less sugar compared to other leading brands.

Solely says it used its signature, patented cold-pressing process to transform dried green bananas into a traditional fusilli shape and texture. The dark-colored Organic Green Banana Fusilli Pasta cooks to an al-dente texture in just four minutes and is ready to be topped with a sauce or other ingredients.

A successful product formula needs just the right ingredients in the right proportions. The same axiom applies to a great company and/or a disruptive innovation. It requires just the right combination of people, process, product and consumer appeal—which in this case, involves protein, an essential dietary macronutrient.

Seeds of Change™, a part of Mars, introduced its new innovation called Super Grains. This latest line-up makes eating wholesome, organic meals accessible through three cuisine-based flavor varieties.

Fonio Rising Double Pilsner (6.4% ABV) is a golden lager that exudes a robust and crisp profile, featuring vibrant tropical fruit notes. 

Ronzoni is relaunching with a refreshed brand identity and integrated marketing campaign, paying homage to its 108-year heritage while adapting to today’s dynamic shopper needs. 

The Illinois Wheat Initiative will bring together faculty to collaborate on research related to wheat cultivation in Illinois. The hope is that other entities throughout the wheat value chain — including growers, millers, and food companies — will invest in the Illinois Wheat Initiative to advance the industry. 

White River Soy Processing, LLC (White River), a developer and operator of oilseed processing plants in the US, announced that it purchased Benson Hill Ingredients, LLC, which operates an established food grade soybean processing facility in Creston, Iowa, from Benson Hill, Inc.

The first phase consisted of renovating approximately 20,000sq-ft of the plant to double its current capacity to produce Minute® ready-to-serve rice cups.

Based on these findings, the report further outlines opportunities to spark innovation in flour and grain-based foods across a wide range of industry sectors.

Ardent Mills is conducting both an internal and external search, and the board seeks to announce a new CEO in the near future. 

Wallace brings nearly 30 years of experience and a successful track record of leadership in business growth, strategy, commercial, trading and risk management in the food and agriculture industries.

The investment will enable Lotus Foods to further scale its business by deepening investments along its value chain, from sourcing new global rice cultivation communities to growing and diversifying its customer base.

EQUII created a complete protein flour using fermentation, with the launch of its flagship Bread products last year. EQUII’s goal is to disrupt age-old fermentation methods with modern day innovation, combined with culinary art to make animal-free products that deliver great taste and complete protein.

Made with less sugar than most chocolate bars with a similar taste, Oobli chocolate bars are gut- and diabetic-friendly.

Surthrival launched Black Walnut Protein Powder, a sustainable, wild-crafted protein powder sourced from black walnuts collected by foragers in the American Midwest. 

This cereal provides an excellent source of vitamin E to help protect nervous systems, and incudes curated vitamins and minerals like Zinc, Folic Acid and B vitamins to support natural melatonin production.

Each Non-GMO Project Verified Oat Butter Bar contains 12-14g of plant-based pea protein, no added sugars, no soy, and no gluten. They are available in four flavors.

With 10g of protein and 5g of net carbs per serving, Quest Cheese Crackers are a savory addition to the robust portfolio of Quest products, all grounded in the brand's mission of providing flavor and athlete-worthy nutrition.

The new collection of the pre-workout candy flavors provides a combination of clinically-proven ingredients and flavor, dually fueling athletes' bodies ahead of their workout while also satisfying their sweet tooth.

Made with natural, locally-produced and responsibly-sourced ingredients, GLOW bars are non-GMO, dairy and gluten-free as well as hand-made without any preservatives, gums or additives.  

Dedicated to providing high-quality protein that helps consumers better themselves daily, these new snackable varieties combine BUILT™ protein and balanced macros with a playful experience across texture, flavor, consistency, size, and shape.

G FUEL Protein Puffs are performance-based corn snacks that boasts 17g of protein per 1oz bag. 

Each bar delivers 20g of protein per serving. They are also gluten free, low sugar and under 200 calories, making them a nutrient-packed alternative to the sugary snacks and desserts that inspired the new flavors.

Each square of Driving Energy Dark Chocolate is infused with 150mg of caffeine, equivalent to 1.5 cups of coffee, along with the potent adaptogens.

"Our new chewable line represents our commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry and aligning with the desires of today's fitness enthusiasts and athletes," said Jad Khairallah, Universal’s senior vice president of marketing. “We understand that convenience, speed, and customization are essential to their success, and our delicious chewable energy and recovery offerings embody these principles."

PeptiStrong™ by Nuritas, the leader in AI-based peptide discovery, is a clinically proven, fava bean ingredient that serves as an advanced plant-based solution for boosting muscle protein synthesis, reducing muscle protein breakdown, and decreasing exercise-induced inflammation. 

The new milk chocolate peanut spread is made from six pure ingredients, including premium nuts, high-grade NZMP whey protein and Nutiani’s specialized phospholipid concentrated WPC.

Offering an array of flavors, Coconut Cult's lineup includes staple varieties such as Original, Chocolate Mousse, Harvest Strawberry, and the newly introduced Orange Dreamsicle. 

Candy fanatics and protein enthusiasts alike can now enjoy the smooth taste of iconic Reese's peanut butter in a new, better-for-you format with 18g of protein and 3g of sugar.

This new formula adheres to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) guidelines, ensuring precise thickness for those with swallowing difficulties. 

The bars combine crispy black beans (think crispy rice treats) with either crunchy kale, corn, carrot or pea.

Grown in Colorado, Nutiva USA-Grown Organic Hempseed is USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified and vegan. It also contains 10 grams of protein, three grams of omega-3s, and 500 milligrams of omega GLA, plus 50% of the recommended daily value of magnesium and 20% of the recommended daily value of iron per serving. USA-Grown Organic Hempseed can be added to smoothies, hummus, yogurt, pesto, salad dressings and more.

The bars are powered by Reishi - a known adaptogenic superfood that helps the body balance stress and supports healthy immune function, detoxification, and overall health - as well as nutrient-rich, elevated ingredients including cashew butter, coconut oil, hemp seeds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, almonds, and chia seeds.

With a new set of ingredients also comes a new look. Colorful, bold packaging to brighten up a snacking routine and a window panel for a sneak peek at the bar itself makes the change fun and ingredient-forward. An overall upgrade for Health Warrior, the new Organic Pumpkin Seed Bar packs a punch.

Drinkable seed nutrition may seem like an unusual concept, but the results of infusing cold-pressed seed oils and seed powders are promising.

Using a proprietary heat treatment to ensure consistent safety and quality, Manitoba flax is ready-to-eat with a roasted, nutty, mild flavoring.

Prepared Foods takes a look at new better-for-you drinks and supplements introduced in September 2018.

The chips are not fried and are free from artificial ingredients, preservatives, high fructose corn syrup, MSG, and trans fat.

The company has also added to its lineup of popular breakfast items with four new Morning Bowls that are a good source of protein and packed with flavor.

Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., the agricultural cooperative owned by more than 700 farmer families, introduced Ocean Spray® Cranberry Seeds, a new innovative, upcycled, and clean-label product harvested from cranberries certified as sustainably grown and offering an array of powerful nutritional benefits to support a healthy lifestyle.

Yoi, which means "good" in Japanese, launched in Bay Area independent grocers with its Probiotic Nut & Seedmilks line.

Toodaloo, a new snack brand dedicated to healing the mind, body, spirit and planet, launched a line of adaptogenic trail mixes. Available in five varieties, each trail mix is crafted with care and infused with adaptogenic herbs and superfoods that restore balance.

All of Nature’s Path new keto products are 100% organic, keto-certified, non-GMO, 100% plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free, and contain no artificial sweeteners or flavors.

The new vegan drink is made with 100% whole grain oats, and heart-healthy beta-glucans.

The snacks  contain whole grains and 5g of prebiotic fiber, which work together to offer a gluten-free snack that supports gut health.

PSILLI™ will use a variety of mushroom types to create five distinct formulations: Brain Boost to support cognitive and immune function; Study Buddy, a Nootropic supplement; Energizer, a natural energy enhancer; Good Mood a mood optimizer and appetite moderator; and Bedtime, for relaxing.

SeedWise, a Canadian snack brand, recently rolled out in 425 retailers. Founded by Ozery Family Bakery, the brand is on a mission to help consumers snack smarter with its grain- and allergen-free granolas and clusters that are packed with the power of seeds, such as flax, sunflower, and pumpkin—and absolutely no fillers.

More than 90% of Americans do not consume enough Vitamin D1. Recommendation intakes are difficult to achieve through natural food sources like fatty fish, egg yolks and certain mushrooms. 

Some foods and ingredients that can help improve both sleep and brain function. Think favorites from the simple— tart cherries, seeds (especially pumpkin seeds), nuts (almonds and walnuts), and kiwi fruit—to the more exotic, like schisandra, turmeric, and saffron.