The economic recession has fueled at-home entertaining, so while salty snacks might not be basket essentials, the uptick in recent sales suggests these can be added to the list of affordable indulgences.
Natural and organic labels were easy to find on new sauces and dressings in 2008, which also featured combinations of sweet and savory, fruits and florals.
Seasonal introductions abounded in the dairy category, but hormones were most definitely out. On the positive-health side, functional items could easily be found, and organic introductions were plentiful.
Cereal bars provided a quick breakfast, and specific health claims proved popular in the last year, with kosher, whole grains and natural all playing key roles as well.