To better help its readers with initial new product evaluation and development Prepared Foods asked Nancy Jo Seaton, owner and president of Seaton Food Consultants, to create a thought leadership series. Seaton has more than 30 years of food industry experience and most recently led global product evaluation for the Subway restaurants.

Historically, bakery product developers’ main goal when selecting appropriate leaveners for a specific application was simply to attain a specific desired outcome every single time. Consistency mattered.

With 40-45 calories per slice (serving size two slices, 80-90 calories), Healthy Habits includes the brand's first keto-friendly variety – Healthy Habits White made with Whole Grain – a soft and fluffy white bread with six net carbs per slice (serving size two slices, 12 net carbs).

Over the past decade, the cheese industry has exploded, with small-batch artisanal cheesemakers popping up in every state and the large cheesemakers increasing the sophistication of their offerings to compete. As specialty cheeses become more popular, their manufacturing processes become more streamlined, mechanized, and efficient.

Violife, a maker of 100% vegan cheeses, introduced Cocospread, a creamy, smooth and 100% vegan chocolatey spread for chocolate lovers to spread, spoon or scoop. Violife Cocospread is dairy-free as well as free from soy, gluten, lactose, nuts, preservatives, and GMOs and with no cholesterol per serving.

Bob Evans Farms launched two new breakfast items for consumers looking for convenient, nourishing, and filling options for a "weekend-style breakfast" that can be enjoyed all week long. 

Despite significant hurdles created by the COVID-19 pandemic, many new products managed to beat the odds and emerge as winners, making their way into shoppers' carts during unprecedented times and resulting in multiple $100 million launches. More than a quarter of the New Product Pacesetters launched in the fourth quarter of 2019 or January 2020 saw big performances, accounting for 51 of 200 Pacesetter products, with 27 in the food and beverage sector.

Sargento Foods launched Sargento® Creamery Sliced and Shredded Cheeses, a line of real, natural cheeses that deliver melting character thanks to the addition of real cream.

Prepared Foods talks Chef Todd Ketterman, culinary manager at Reser’s Inc. Reser’s, Beaverton, Ore., is one the nation’s largest manufacturers of refrigerated salads, side dishes, sauces and more for supermarket in-store deli departments as well as commercial and non-commercial foodservice operators.

There’s a growing emphasis on mental and emotional wellbeing as consumers take a more holistic approach to health. That’s why Innova Market Insights identified “Mood: The Next Occasion,” as one of its Top Trends for 2021.