UK plant-based food brand, Gosh, has introduced its new Veg Bites snack packs, aimed at capturing the growing market for healthier snacking alternatives.
The launch responds to consumer demand for nutritious, convenient options in the food-to-go category, particularly as the UK grapples with increasing health consciousness amid the cost-of-living crisis.
The Veg Bites snack packs are available in two globally inspired flavours: Mexican and Italian. Each 50g grab bag is crafted from 100% natural ingredients and boasts a high protein and fiber content, catering to health-oriented consumers seeking satisfying snacks.
The Mexican Veg Bites feature a blend of baked sweet potato, chickpeas, black beans, chipotle, harissa, and various herbs and spices, while the Italian variant combines red pepper, chickpeas, spinach and herbs.
The products will be sold individually for £1.30 at Morrisons stores nationwide and can also be included in meal deals, positioning them as a convenient choice for busy shoppers.
The UK snack market is witnessing a significant shift, with over 90% of adults reportedly snacking daily. Recent data from Nielsen indicates that 97% of meal deal shoppers are open to healthier snack options, with 70% either currently purchasing or willing to buy plant-based snacks.
Despite this demand, many existing meal deal offerings remain heavily processed, leaving a gap for nutritious alternatives.
Research indicates that up to 57% of daily energy intake for consumers comes from ultra-processed foods (UPFs). As stricter legislation regarding HFSS products is introduced, the need for clean-label, healthy snacks is becoming increasingly urgent.
Gosh Veg Bites are positioned to fill this gap, offering a viable solution for consumers seeking nutritious options without sacrificing convenience.
External research conducted prior to the launch revealed that Gosh Veg Bites received an 80% likeability score among potential consumers, suggesting a strong market entry.
Caroline Hughes, marketing director at Gosh, highlighted the brand's commitment to transforming the snacking landscape: “For too long, meal deal snacks have been dominated by unhealthy and uninspiring choices. Our new Veg Bites will enable shoppers to make healthier choices while on-the-go, without compromising on taste or convenience.”
The new Veg Bites products follow two more recent global-inspired additions to Gosh's portfolio – Aloo Tikki and Katsu Bites, joining the brand's Street Food range last month. The bites aim to blend authentic world flavours with plant-based convenience, targeting consumers seeking new flavour experiences. The Aloo Tikki Bites are made from potato, green lentils and spices; while the Katsu Bites are crafted from chickpeas, butternut squash, coconut and spices.
