Much criticized for their low nutritional value, lunch snacks for kids could be finding their feet as a healthier proposition with innovative vegetable-related launches arriving on the market. Other products to feature in this month's roundup of interesting food launches are novel crispbreads and new formulations in the ice cream category.
Starting in the UK, Fresh Growers has introduced the Freshgro Chantenay Snack Carrots range. The Chantenay is described as being a small, sweet variety of carrot that is ideal for dipping, and in the new range the carrots are sliced lengthwise using novel technology which, according to the manufacturer, retains the carrots' distinctive shape and their flavor and texture. In the kids' version, the carrots are sold in "snap pots" and feature a colorful cartoon design. The combination of the distinctive "mini carrot" shape and colorful pack design could make it easier for parents to encourage their children to eat more healthily at lunchtimes.
Another company seeking to open up a healthier front in the kids' lunch snack market is Kraft. New in Australia are its Creamy Corn and French Onion varieties of Kraft Kids Dips, which are touted as being a source of fiber and calcium, and free of gluten, artificial colors, and artificial flavors. The dairy-based dipping snacks that the Kraft brand is commonly associated with have come in for some criticism for their high salt and fat content, so a vegetable-based dip with healthy overtones could be a timely intervention by the company.
Moving to Brazil, corn is also making a surprise appearance in another product category, namely ice cream. Green Corn is the new flavor in the Jund Milk Jundia Ice Pop range, and it is described as being high in protein, vitamins, calcium, and phosphorus, as well as free of trans fat. Green corn is unusual as a flavor for an ice cream product, although it has previously been seen in Brazil as a novel flavor in the soy drinks category.
Meanwhile, another notable debut in the ice cream category is for the cacao fruit, as presented in the Suavva White Cacao Sorbet from Agro Innova in the US. The sorbet is claimed to be made from "the pure white pulp of the cacao fruit," through which it "captures the refreshing cool of the Andes snow." Cacao fruit juice is promoted by Agro Innova as a "precious liquid" which is rich in antioxidants and other nutrients, and the ingredient could become increasingly popular if the launch is successful.
Returning to Brazil, the latest variety of Wickbold Crispbread to be launched is Brazil Nut and Quinoa, which, according to the manufacturer, is based on a popular bread flavor in the country. The new crispbread is also said to be low in calories and free of trans fat. Grains such as quinoa are increasing in popularity across a variety of categories, including crackers, but quinoa has never been seen before as a pairing with Brazil nuts in a crispbread product.
Another notable crispbread launch has meanwhile come in Sweden, from manufacturer Ewa Lie. The new Ewa Lie Crispbread mix comes in both Low-GI & Organic, and Gluten Free varieties, with packaging describing the product as "healthy and authentic" and offering "the aroma of home baking." Mixes that allow consumers to make their own crispbread are not commonly seen, and the gluten free and low-GI versions make this product particularly unusual.
Elsewhere in Europe, Absolute Foods has launched a new Fruit Extract Spray for both the Italian and UK markets. Providing "double taste," the spray is said to enhance or intensify the natural taste of fruit and is also recommended with fruit salads, cocktails, ice cream, and fruit pies. Melon and Strawberry varieties are currently offered. Although it is not explicitly marketed as such, the spray could also conceivably be used as a healthier alternative to salad dressing.
Finally, an unusual energizing yogurt for men is new to retail outlets in Poland. Touted as a "portion of natural energy," the Bakoma 7 Grains Men's Yogurt from Bakoma is described as a fruity yogurt that also comes with cereals, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Consumers in Poland have three varieties to choose from: Pineapple & Tangerine, Peach & Pear, and Apple & Orange. A yogurt so overtly positioned as an energizing product for men appears to be a first, as do flavors such as pineapple and tangerine, particularly in conjunction with cereals and seeds. The launch promises to add some diversity to the yogurt category in Poland.