Thousands of new brands hit retail shelves during 2017, with 49% of the top-ranking brands hailing from small manufacturers — defined as those earning less than $1 billion annually — and accounting for 26% of Pacesetter dollars. Overall, the top-selling 200 new brands captured cumulative year-one sales of more than $4.6 billion across IRI’s multi-outlet geography.

Organic Vegan Coleslaw Dressing is free from dairy, eggs, cholesterol, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, sulfites, wheat and gluten making it safe for those with food allergies or dietary restrictions. The product is also Kosher as well as Non-GMO Project Verified.

Impossible Foods discovered a scalable, affordable way to make heme without animals: the company engineers and ferments yeast to produce a heme protein naturally found in plants, called soy leghemoglobin. The heme in the Impossible Burger is identical to the essential heme humans have been consuming for hundreds of thousands of years in meat — and while it delivers all the craveable depth of beef, it uses far fewer resources.

The new Paleo Muesli Cup offers a grain-free alternative for people following a paleo- or primal-lifestyle, or those seeking a lower carbohydrate cereal option. Bob’s Red Mill first introduced a line of muesli 20 years ago, after founder Bob Moore returned inspired by his travels abroad.

For the industry to truly be innovative, and continue to be relevant well beyond the Millennial boom, insights professionals will need to look well outside of food to better anticipate consumers' changing relationship with food.

The wholesome snack is baked (not fried), low in sugar, and packed with 17g of whole grains per serving, plus a good source of fiber. Free from artificial ingredients and Non-GMO Project Verified, SkinnyPop Puffs are also certified gluten-free, and peanut-and-tree-nut-free, making them an ideal choice for those on a limited diet. 

Demand for ethnic and international foods continues unabated as American consumers of all backgrounds discover more innovative and exotic flavors and formats.

Mariani Walnutmilk is available in half-gallon cartons and in original, vanilla and unsweetened flavors. It is gluten, dairy and soy-free, non-GMO, has no artificial colors, flavors or carrageenan and is made with 100% California-grown walnuts. Retail price is expected to range from $3.49 - $3.99 per carton.

Take a stroll through the fresh and frozen aisles to discover a variety of new, on-trend breakfast options.  Fresh, value-added shredded potatoes mixed with diced onions and peppers in the produce aisle are perfect for a quick and easy hash.  In the egg case, pre-made breakfast bowls offer a convenient meal incorporating whole ingredients including potatoes, veggies and eggs.  And in the frozen section, choose from a variety of breakfast burritos, sandwiches and bowls to accommodate virtually every dietary concern.