The latest batch of new products includes Kellogg launching snack bars for kids in the UK and plant-based firm Oatly expanding into a new area.
Bel adds plant-based ingredients to Laughing Cow range in US
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By GlobalDataFrance-based cheese business Bel Group has launched a variant of its The Laughing Cow cheese spread range in the US containing plant-based ingredients.
Packaged in pre-portioned wedges, The Laughing Cow Blends cheese spreads will be available in eight-wedge rounds in three flavours: Chickpea & Cheese with Herb; Lentil & Cheese with Curry; and Red Bean & Cheese with Paprika.
Bel has also launched a portable cups product. The Laughing Cow & Go is available in three flavours: Creamy Original, paired with whole wheat breadsticks; Creamy White Cheddar, paired with pretzel breadsticks; and Creamy Herbs, paired with multigrain breadsticks.
US brand director Zach Fatla said: “The launch of these products shows the evolution and adaptability of The Laughing Cow to consumer snacking trends – we’re bringing big flavour, real ingredients and portability forward as part of a strong line-up of products, including our current variety of original wedges.”
The Laughing Cow Blends have a RRP of US$3.29 while The Laughing Cow & Go can be purchased in a two-pack for a RRP of $2.49.
Kellogg takes W.K Kellogg by Kids range into snack bars
US cereal giant Kellogg has expanded its W.K Kellogg by Kids range in the UK with the launch of better-for-you snack bars.
Made with fruit and veg, wholegrains, and a source of fibre, the bars come in two flavours – Orange & Carrot and Strawberry, Raspberry & Beetroot. They contain no added sugar, no artificial colours or flavours and are less than 100 calories per bar.
Kellogg, which launched the W.K Kellogg by Kids range last year, said the bars have been developed in collaborative workshops with 2,000 children and parents.
The bars are available in Morrisons stores nationwide – with several other retailers also soon to launch – with a RRP of GBP2.49 (US$3.42) for a pack of five bars.
Catriona Campbell-Voegt, nutritionist and Kellogg’s well-being lead in the UK, said: ”The kids’ market for products that are both tasty and nutritious has been mostly untapped, so we’re thrilled to be able to meet demand by expanding our W.K Kellogg by Kids range and give parents the option to buy snacks they’re confident their children will enjoy while not having to worry about them being unhealthy.”
In October, Bel announced an “acceleration” of what the company calls its “transformation strategy”, setting out plans over the next year to launch a series of plant-based products.
just-food Opinion: Cheese giant Bel’s bold plant-based bid
Oatly launches dairy-free ‘cheese’ spreads
Dairy-free business Oatly has launched a three-strong range of oat-based ‘cheese’ spreads in the UK, along with a plant-based whipping cream.
Oatly’s Creamy Oat Spreads are available in Tesco in Tomato & Basil, Cucumber & Garlic and Plain, all at a recommended retail price of GBP1.80. The Cucumber & Garlic and Plain varieties are also stocked in select Sainsbury’s stores.
Oatly’s Whippable Creamy Oat is available exclusively in Tesco at GBP1.20.
Describing the new products, Sweden-headquartered Oatly said: “Each new product contains plant-based saturated fat – a crucial ingredient as it helps Oatly’s products to perform and taste similar to their dairy counterpart, without the need to pass through the body of a cow first. It’s also an amazing ingredient because it doesn’t contain trans-fat the way that partially hydrogenated oils do.”
Ishen Paran, the general manager for Oatly in the UK, added: “Launching our new Creamy Oat Spreads and Whippable Creamy Oat is great for our fans – and great for the planet – because all of these new products can be used as cooking ingredients. This opens up the potential for a variety of new plant-based recipes and meals for our consumers.”
Eat Just launches Egg Sous Vide bites
US faux egg specialist Eat Just has launched Egg Sous Vide bites in conjunction with local manufacturer and distributor Cuisine Solutions.
The product, which will begin rolling out in March in the freezer section of “select” grocery stores, comes in four flavours inspired by regional cuisines and whole plants. The variants are America (roasted potato, dill, chives, red bell pepper and black pepper), India (curry, broccoli, cauliflower, coconut milk and lemongrass), Japan (portobello mushrooms, yams, togarashi, soy and tamari) and Mexico (roasted poblanos, chipotle chile powder, black beans, corn and lime).
Virginia-based Cuisine Solutions specialises in sous vide foods. French for “under vacuum,” sous vide is a cooking method in which food is vacuum-sealed and slow-cooked in water at precise temperatures.
Under the agreement between the two companies Cuisine Solutions will develop and produce Eat Just’s plant-based sous vide egg around the globe.
The Just Egg Sous Vide bites will be sold as a box of four that can be heated in a conventional oven, toaster oven or microwave. The key ingredient is mung bean protein. The bites are non-GMO, egg-free, dairy-free and contain no artificial flavours.
Australia’s My Muscle Chef adds to low-calorie meals range
My Muscle Chef, an Australian supplier of prepared meals and protein shakes marketed on their health credentials, has launched a line of lower-calorie meals.
The company, which secured private-equity investment late last year, has been selling meals with calorie counts ranging from less than 400 calories to 700. The business said it had “under-indexed” in meals with fewer calories and consumers had been asking for it to launch more of those products.
The new range of six meals of less than 400 calories will be available in retailers including Coles and IGA. Meals include a chicken biryani and a vegan chicken satay with cauliflower and quinoa rice
Surya Foods extends Thai Dragon brand into noodles
UK-based ethnic products group Surya Foods has extended its Thai Dragon brand into noodles.
It has launched two new gluten-free lines via Tesco.
The group, which until now has concentrated on rice, sauces and snacks, has launched Thai Dragon Noodles in Thin and Pad Thai variants. The 200g packs have a RRP of GBP1.20 (US$1.64).
Surya Foods managing director Harry Dulai said: “Combining quality and authenticity with approachable pricing has helped us achieve a phenomenal launch year and we are excited to add another fantastic, great value product to the Thai Dragon range.”