Prepared Foods showcases new products featuring nuts making a debut in October 2020.

After a successful 2019 debut in eastern markets, Dole Food Company, Charlotte, N.C., rolled out new Dole FreshTakes Ready-to-Eat Salad Bowls to supermarkets throughout the West.

Officials say there are six single-serve, RTE salad bowls “with clean-label ingredients with Dole’s signature dressings and toppings.” Dole offers four flavor varieties with meat protein and two varieties without—involving the same classic and regional recipes that were well-received by salad shoppers in the East.

The line includes a Cranberry & Candied Walnut variety with a Spring Mix blend topped with feta cheese, dried cranberries, candied walnuts, flatbread sticks and Dole’s own raspberry vinaigrette dressing.

Other salad varieties are Classic Chicken Caesar, Santa Fé Style, Turkey & Bacon Country Cobb, Café Style Chef and Savory Spinach Dijon. Offerings carry a suggested retail price of $3.99.

EASY, EARLY WAY TO TRY ALLERGENS

This summer saw Nurture Inc., New York, N.Y., introduce Happy Baby Organics Nutty Blends combining pureed peanut and tree nut butters with familiar fruits. Officials said Happy Baby (part of the larger Happy Family Organics line) is the first leading national brand with nut butter pouches developed with pediatric allergists.

Each pouch contains 1g of peanut or tree nut protein blended with familiar fruits to provide a texturally-appropriate format for baby. Nutty Blends debuted in four flavors: Bananas & Peanuts, Apples & Walnuts, Bananas & Almonds, Pears & Cashews, and is available nationwide for $1.99 per pouch. 

“My oldest son had his first allergic reaction to peanuts at 7 months old,” adds Anne Laraway, CEO of Happy Family Organics. “When my second son was born, I wanted to be able to introduce him to peanuts and tree nuts as a baby, early and often, and in my case, without putting my older son, who has severe food allergies, at risk. I take this line very seriously, and it is my hope that these products can help all parents who are looking for a way to introduce or include allergens in their baby’s diets.”

PACKAGED FOR SNACK APPEAL

Just in time for on-the-go summer snacking, the Kraft-Heinz Company, Chicago, introduced Planters Pop & Pour nuts so snackers can “pop open, pour, eat and repeat—all with one hand!”

Packaging distinguishes these new offerings that come with a re-sealable snap-top lid to lock in freshness. Varieties include Dry Roasted Peanuts, Honey Roasted Peanuts, Dry Roasted Sunflower Seed Kernels, Whole Cashews and Dry Roasted Almonds.

“We know our consumers are always multi-tasking while snacking, so we wanted to create a snack that fits with their busy lifestyles,” said Samantha Hess, brand manager for Planters. “Pop & Pour containers are the perfect personal snack so they can refuel and enjoy their favorite Planters nuts without missing a beat.”

Planters Pop & Pour nuts debuted in July in recyclable single pop jars and multipacks nationwide and online. They also are available in four-count multipacks and variety packs exclusively through Amazon.com.

This summer saw General Mills Inc., Minneapolis, introduce Nature Valley Packed, which is bills as “a sustained energy bar that uniquely features three textures – creamy, crunchy and chewy – making it unlike many other snack bar options.”

“Through Packed, we want to make sustained energy approachable,” said Scott Baldwin, business unit director, Grain Snacks at General Mills.

As with all Nature Valley products, Packed contains no artificial flavors or colors and no high fructose corn syrup, just delicious flavor. The new snack bars are available in two varieties: Peanut Butter & Cranberry and Almond Butter & Blueberry. Packed snack bars are available at most retail locations nationwide or online, for a suggested retail price of $4.49 per four-count box.

NUTS AND NUT BUTTERS

Chicago Bar Company LLC, Chicago, introduced a layered protein bar, RXBAR Layers.

“Now more than ever, fans expect more from their snacks,” said Jim Murray, President, RXBAR. “They want something they can feel good about eating, but they also want something that’s decadent and delicious. We created RXBAR Layers to provide the best of both worlds and a whole new eating experience. From their chewy, creamy, crunchy texture, to their wholesome ingredient list, RXBAR Layers are sure to satisfy any snack craving.”

RXBAR Layers have two distinct sides. They combine the same core ingredients of RXBAR—including egg whites for protein, nuts for texture and dates to bind—along with nut butter and real honey for an added layer of indulgence. With 14g-15g of protein per bar and decadent flavors, RXBAR Layers are the highest protein offering from RXBAR.

Varieties include Chocolate Almond and Peanut Butter Chocolate. Both are gluten free and made with simple ingredients, the company says. RXBAR Layers debuted online and in select Whole Foods Market stores nationwide. The company plans this fall to expand distribution to additional grocery, natural and specialty retailers.