Once Again Nut Butter has expanded its portable, organic snack range with the addition of new gluten-free graham cracker sandwiches. The new releases are available in peanut butter and sunflower seed butter flavours. The brand’s high-quality, sustainably sourced nut and seed butters are combined with its graham crackers, made from a blend of organic sorghum flour, organic oat flour and organic cassava flour. These are then filled with dry roasted blanched organic peanuts or dry roasted organic sunflower seeds. The clean-ingredient product uses RSPO certified palm oil to stabilize the spreads and is made with sustainably sourced cane sugar. They’re also vegan, kosher certified and non-GMO verified. Gael J. B. Orr, director of marketing at Once Again Nut Butter, said: “Our nut and seed butters have always been an awesome ingredient choice to create plant-based snacks with, so we couldn’t be more excited to introduce these ready-to-enjoy graham cracker sandwiches to market. Designed to appeal to all ages, the portable snacks can be eaten straight off the shelf, no peanut-butter stirring or sunflower-butter spreading needed and they’re surprisingly filling and tasty.” Once Again’s graham cracker sandwiches will be available in US retailers nationwide in March 2022. #OnceAgainNutButter #US

With the world having been more focused than ever on health during the past two years, consumers are reevaluating decisions surrounding eating and exercise. A recent report by Food & Beverage Insider found that 40% of consumers have purchased functional products during the pandemic. Supporting this, Technavio’s latest market research projects that the global health and wellness food market will grow by $362.15 billion during 2021-2025, witnessing a CAGR of 8.27%. This consistent increase in demand is likely to be a response to heightened fears around health and wellbeing due to the ongoing pandemic. FoodBev explores some themes impacting the functional food and beverage market and showcases innovations and trends from within the sector. Focus on immune boosters Immunity has been a buzzword during the last 20 months, as consumers around the world have been increasingly seeking out products that offer immunity-boosting benefits as a preventative measure against falling ill. The functional foods industry is seeing an increase in products that contain immune-boosting natural ingredients, such as turmeric, ginger and apple cider vinegar, as well as vitamins, minerals, prebiotics and probiotics. A recent Think with Google European report, conducted by Lucy Sinclair, analysed changes in consumer behaviour and detailed a surge in searches for vitamin D and immunity boosters, indicating that even with preventative measures and vaccines in place, consumers are also looking to make positive changes to their diets. The popularity of functional products can be seen throughout the food and beverage sector, with many new offerings having been introduced in 2021, including Weetabix Food Company’s new immunity support drink range, released as part of its Weetabix On The Go selection. On The Go Plus Immune Support is high in fibre, contains 19g of protein per bottle, and is fortified with vitamins and minerals, with the aim of helping consumers gain extra protection. Another example is free-from and vegan soup brand Soupologie’s plant-based soups with vitamin D. Continued growth for CBD While the pandemic has seen a proliferation of products that offer functional benefits for health and the body, it has also provoked a greater interest in products for mental wellness. The pandemic and resulting restrictions have caused disruption, uncertainty and anxiety for many, as millions saw their lives and routines changed. During the pandemic, around four in ten adults in the US have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder, up from one in ten before the pandemic, according to the results of a KFF Health Tracking Poll. The poll also found that many adults are reporting specific negative impacts on their mental health and wellbeing, such as difficulty sleeping (36%). A 2021 Journal of Cannabis Research report found that many users said that CBD could improve sleep problems, stress, anxiety and be used for general health and wellbeing. Many consumers are aware of these reported effects, and, according to Grand View Research, the global cannabidiol market was valued at $2.8 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 21.2% from 2021 to 2028. Companies have also looked into CBD and the reported benefits for consumers. The push in innovation can be seen in the accessibility of products – as CBD has jumped from an unknown commodity to a household name – and in the range of offerings available, from infused chocolate to CBD candles. A great example of a CBD product being brought to market is the trial by UK supermarket Sainsbury’s of drinks brand Rebelicious’s CBD-infused beverages. US beverage brand Karma Water has also innovated, expanding its wellness and probiotic water drinks portfolio with the launch of its new CBD-infused water. The water is infused with 25mg of antioxidant-rich CBD distillate, plus four adaptogens and seven vitamins, providing both nutritional and holistic benefits for the consumer. Convenience without compromise The gradual easing of lockdowns and restrictions has seen countries open up, and the movement of people and global travel resume, albeit to a reduced extent compared with previously. While health remains forefront in the minds of consumers, for many the return to the office means less time to prepare nutritious food. To rescue consumers from the healthy or quick conundrum, companies are reintroducing or creating healthy on-the-go convenience options. An example of this is the launch of UK start-up Tarwi Foods’ new range of lupin bean-based snacks, which are designed as a healthy option that can be enjoyed on the go. Also aiming to offer convenience without compromising health, activated snacking brand Boundlessa has announced the launch of the “world’s first” activated chip range. Founder Cathy Moseley said: “Our mission is quite simply to make snacking well easy. That’s why we believe this launch is a real game-changer. We’re helping people to look after their gut with a product range that is both accessible and affordable.” Have you recently launched a functional or health-focused product? The 2022 World Food Innovation Awards has 25 categories, including “Best health or wellness food/drink” and “Best functional product”. Enter your innovation today! #IFE #Food #awards #WorldFoodInnovationAwards2022 #innovation #Pl #beverage #WorldFoodInnovationAwards

Vegan fried chicken firm VFC Foods has announced it has secured £7.5 million in a seed funding round led by vegan investment fund Veg Capital. Founded in late 2020, VFC produces a wide range of vegan fried chicken products, including Chick*n Fillets, Popcorn Chick*n and Chick*n Bites. The funding will be used to grow the company’s team and support distribution expansion. VFC’s commercial director, Stewart McGuckin, said: “The reception from both customers and consumers has been incredible, and the successful Tesco launch has allowed us to secure listings in more of the UK’s top four grocers, as well as the largest foodservice wholesalers. Expansion within the UK has been phenomenal, and we are also seeing strong international demand, particularly from the US.” VFC says that a larger Series A funding round is being considered for mid 2023. Last year, VFC raised £2.5 million in funding to scale up production and accelerate the growth of the brand, both in the UK and internationally. #VegCapital #vegan #VFCFoods

Meat alternatives company Quorn Foods has announced that it is introducing five new products, including three vegan options. Quorn is expanding its chilled aisle offering with ready-to-eat Sweet Chilli and Jerk Mini Fillets. Both products are said to be high in protein and fibre, and can be enjoyed in wraps, salads, sandwiches and pittas. Quorn’s new Southern Fried Wings are an addition to the brand’s recently launched vegan Takeaway range. The meat-free ‘wings’ feature a crunchy coating with black pepper, garlic and thyme. The company is also introducing Quorn Garlic & Herb Bites and Creamy Korma Bites, which are designed as a protein snack for consumers to enjoy on the go. The filled bites are covered in breadcrumbs and are said to be low in saturated fat. “The meat-free category sees its highest penetration throughout January. Alongside Veganuary seeing its biggest-ever pledge numbers year on year, it is a crucial opportunity to inspire new shoppers into buying meat free,” said Gill Riley, marketing director at Quorn Foods UK. “We want to capture this moment with mouth-watering NPD, perfectly timed to make January that little bit tastier.” Riley continued: “There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a quick and nutritious mid-week dinner, lunch on the go or a takeaway-style treat, they all come with the added benefit of doing your bit for the environment”. #QuornFoods #UK

US food technology company Benson Hill has announced its acquisition of ZFS Creston, a food-grade white flake and soy flour manufacturer, for approximately $102 million. The deal enables Benson to convert its proprietary soybeans into soy protein ingredients, with applications including plant-based meat, meat extension, bakery, cereal, snacks and fermentation. The acquisition will also allow Benson to deliver a portfolio of non-GMO ingredients that are less processed, sustainable, traceable and domestically sourced. Creston is well equipped to produce soy meal and oil, as well as “food-grade” soy white flake, flour and grits, which can be used as ingredients or as a raw material for developing concentrates, isolates and textured protein products. “The acquisition of ZFS Creston, combined with our proprietary ultra-high protein soybean varieties, positions Benson Hill to deliver a portfolio of improved ingredients as an innovative unlock to bottlenecks in the rapidly growing but capacity-constrained plant-based movement,” said Matt Crisp, CEO of Benson Hill. He added: “This acquisition advances our integrated business model as a more efficient route to market with a smaller footprint that better aligns with consumer preferences, enabling us to harness the genetic potential of plants and help scale the growth of plant-based markets”. “The ZFS Creston team has done a terrific job optimising the facility and working with customers, suppliers and the Creston, Iowa community to create a successful, value-added food ingredient business,” said Eric Meeuwsen, ZFS Creston co-president and COO. He continued: “We are grateful for the hard work of everyone at ZFS Creston. We are confident Benson Hill will provide excellent opportunities for employees, local farmers and the community through the commercialisation of their innovative, higher nutrition, soy-based food ingredients.” #BensonHill #soy #ZFSCreston #US #protein #soyprotein

Plant-based dairy company Marvelous Foods has closed a $1.2 million funding round from investors including Lever VC. Based in Beijing, Marvelous Foods serves the Chinese market. The company’s first product, Yeyo coconut yogurt, is targeted specifically at millennial women in the country’s first tier cities. “There is enormous potential for plant-based dairy for everyone in China, and we are focusing on one target audience of opinion leaders in order to spearhead the adoption of this new category, and that is millennial women in China,” said Marvelous Foods founder and CEO, Christiana Zhu. Marvelous Foods plans to use the new funds to expand its product portfolio and distribution. Investors in the round include Lever VC, Satori Capital, HBG and New Climate Ventures. The company’s distribution footprint currently includes more than 90 outlets, and spans the foodservice, retail and e-commerce channels. “There is a long history of traditional plant-based drinks like soy milk in China, but a lack of plant-based 2.0 dairy alternatives,” said co-founder and COO, Athena Zhu. “Oatly has made a big impact on the plant-based milk category, but plant-based yogurt, ice cream and similar categories are still pretty much untouched. Yogurt in China is a $17 billion market, which presents a huge opportunity for high-quality plant-based products and brands to convert and capture.” Nick Cooney, managing partner of Lever VC, added: “Given…[Marvelous Foods’] focus and understanding of the target consumer, we’re confident in their vision and capability to deliver tasty, healthy and innovative products that will have a real impact on the uptake of plant-based foods in China”. #China #LeverVC #MarvelousFoods #plantbaseddairy

The White Rabbit Pizza Co, known for its range of vegan pizzas, is launching a plant-based and gluten-free calzone in the UK. According to the company, the Chick’n & Pesto Calzone is the first vegan calzone in the market. The product is filled with creamy MozzaRisella, vine-ripened Sicilian chopped tomatoes, basil pesto and chick’n strips. White Rabbit’s co-founder, Nick Croft-Simon, said: “At White Rabbit, we want to make a plant-based diet more inclusive via authentic, delicious taste credentials and we also want to make the switch easy”. He continued: “Growth in plant-based has increased dramatically over the Covid-19 pandemic, with one in four of us reducing the amount of animal products we consume. The most compelling way to introduce this new audience into plant-based is to take away all compromises with ‘food for tonight’ that tastes incredible in a quick and convenient format.” The Chick’n & Pesto Calzone is available across Sainsbury’s stores for an RRP of £5 per 290g box. #calzone #plantbased #TheWhiteRabbitPizzaCo #UK

UK plant-based dips company Holy Moly has expanded its portfolio with the addition of two new “creamy” vegan dips. Holy Moly Tzatziki and Smoky Garlic Aioli dips are made with a blend of plant-based mayo and yogurt, containing no artificial ingredients. According to the company, the dips are promised “creamy indulgence without any compromise on taste”. The two new products join Holy Moly’s current line-up of smoky red pepper and tomato salsa, tomato and mango salsa and original guacamole. Holy Moly’s co-founder, Tom Walker, said: “Our principles around wholesome, quality ingredients and delicious homemade taste give us a genuine point of difference in dips for consumers across the board”. He continued: “We are becoming increasingly discerning about taste and what goes into our food – whether you are vegan, or not there is a trend towards simple ingredients with authentic foodie credentials and the Holy Moly range taps into that insight”. Holy Moly Tzatziki and Smoky Garlic Aioli dips are available at Waitrose for an RRP of £2.50 for 170g pack. In 2020, Holy Moly entered into the ready-to-drink category with the launch of a range of cold-pressed Nutshakes across the UK. #dips #HolyMoly #plantbased #UK

Danish Crown has launched a new plant-based range under its Den Grønne Slagter brand, consisting of ready meals and meal components. The range includes eight plant-based products, which includes veggie fars, veggie bites, BBQ burger, nuggets, schnitzel and veggie deller along with Indian-inspired dishes, Tandoori and Byriani. The products are made without soy and with either Nordic or organic vegetables as the main ingredient. Mette Schacht Færch, head of marketing and innovation at Danish Crown Nordics, commented: “We have worked intensively with these products to develop the right taste, texture and preparation, and this work showed that preparation is key to obtaining a good experience from the products. Briefly said, several of the plant-based products must be fried at lower temperatures than meat, and this is one of the things we will now emphasise to consumers buying one of our products.” The new product range from Den Grønne Slagter is available in select Danish food retail chains and from the end of January also widely available in Danish supermarket coolers. #DanishCrown #DenGrønneSlagter #Denmark

Greek yogurt maker Chobani has expanded its portfolio with the introduction of a new plant-based coffee creamer range. The company – which already offers dairy- and oat-based coffee creamers – says that the new line blends plant-based ingredients to create a ‘rich, creamy and dairy-like product’. Chobani’s new plant-based creamer range features four varieties: Sweet & Creamy, French Vanilla, Chocolate Hazelnut and Caramel Macchiato. “As coffee drinkers continue to elevate their at-home experience and ask for better options, we’re expanding our creamer offering to include four new plant-based creamers full of the flavours they love,” said Chobani president and chief operating officer, Peter McGuinness. “With this expansion, we offer better options with something for everyone – creamers made from oat, farm-fresh dairy or plant-based ingredients.” Chobani’s new plant-based creamers are free from artificial flavours, sweeteners and preservatives, and are available in the US. Chobani has also announced the launch of a new limited-availability dairy coffee creamer flavour, Sizzlin’ Brown Sugar, which was picked by consumers through a contest and vote. #Chobani #coffeecreamers #US

Danone North America has expanded its Silk portfolio with new Silk Extra Creamy Almond milk, joining the brand’s extensive alt-dairy range. The new plant-based release is made with a blend of three different kinds of almonds for a silky-smooth taste and apparently has 50% more calcium than reduced-fat milk, zero grams of cholesterol and is an excellent source of calcium and vitamin E. The milk is available in Unsweet and Original variations and will join the company’s range of almond products, which includes beverages, coffee creamers and yoghurt alternatives. Derek Neeley, vice president of marketing for Silk, said: “We’re thrilled to introduce Silk Extra Creamy Almond milk to Silk’s almond portfolio, just in time for the new year. Almond is a great way to start your plant-based journey and our new Extra Creamy almond milk, along with our almond-based coffee creamers and yogurt alternatives, offers options to incorporate plant-based products throughout the day.” The new launch is available for an RRP of $3.49 per carton in the US. #DanoneNorthAmerica #Silk #US

Unilever-owned Ben & Jerry’s has announced it is adding two new vegan and gluten-free flavours to its line of non-dairy desserts. Mocha- and caramel-flavoured Non-Dairy Boom Chocolatta is made with almond milk, and features fudge flakes, gluten-free chocolate cookies and a gluten-free chocolate cookie core. Meanwhile, Non-Dairy Bananas Foster features a banana and cinnamon base with almond toffee pieces and a salted caramel core. The two new offerings bring the brand’s non-dairy options to a total of 18 in the US – which Ben & Jerry’s says represents almost 40% of its entire flavour line-up. “We know that people who choose non-dairy frozen desserts love variety,” said Dena Wimette, head of innovation for Ben & Jerry’s. “They want to avoid dairy and still have amazing taste. These two new non-dairy flavours will satisfy their cravings for something different and delicious.” Boom Chocolatta and Bananas Foster will be available in US retail for an SRP of $4.49-5.79. One year ago, Ben & Jerry’s introduced a new Topped ice cream line in the US, featuring seven flavours covered with a chocolate ganache. #BenampJerrys #Unilever #US