7 Samplings From Conagra’s Summer of Innovation
By Steve Dwyer on Jul. 13, 2022On the heels of its ambitious, multi-brand snack food launch at the National Confectioners Association’s 2022 Sweets & Snacks Expo in May, Conagra Brands was back at it again during the last week of June. The Chicago-based global CPG announced a sweeping release of new offerings across multiple brands, including frozen, refrigerated and shelf stable product segments.
On the supermarket perimeter, refrigerated products are standing out due to the continuous innovation. The same very much applies to in-line frozen food activity, which continues to take a leap forward with overall quality and diversification during the past few years.
Click ahead to view seven brand debuts within the Conagra Brand portfolio announced in June.
Healthy Choice single-serve flatbread pizzas come in Turkey Pepperoni, Chicken Sausage Supreme and BBQ Seasoned Chicken flavors; Marie Callender’s Duos meals offer up Chicken Alfredo & Chicken Parmigiana, Meatloaf & Country Fried Chicken, Creamy Pesto Chicken & Four Cheese Ravioli; and P.F. Chang’s Home Menu single-serve bowls expand with Beef & Broccoli, Chicken Teriyaki, Chicken Lo Mein and Chicken Fried Rice.
www.healthychoice.com
Frontera has a new look, and its latest recipe for its single-serve frozen bowls include Chicken Fajita, Carne Asada Burrito, Chicken Verde Burrito and Pork Carnitas Burrito. The QSR-inspired Banquet MEGA line expands with two additions—Country Fried Chicken meal and Bacon Mac & Cheese bowl.
www.fronterafoods.com
Aiming to better protect the environment, Evol’s single-serve frozen meal line is noted as the first brand to introduce single-serve frozen meals deemed as Carbonfree Certified Carbon Neutral, the supplier states. New Five Cheese Alfredo Mac with Chicken headlines a collection of eight SKUs produced in a true certified Zero Waste facility. Bertolli launches a quartet of Pasta Sides in Cheese Lovers Tortellini, Cheese & Spinach Ravioli, 4 Cheese Ravioli, and Herb Gnocchi. Birds Eye Voila! debuts three Oven Bake Meals in Chicken Taco, Lasagna with Meat Sauce, and Creamy Parmesan Garlic Chicken.
www.evolfoods.com
Birds Eye is innovating across the frozen vegetable segment in the launch of flavorful sides, appetizers and meal starters. Several include Veggies & Grains (premium vegetables, hearty grains and flavorful sauces); Quick Roasters (micro-roast bags featuring Cauliflower, Cauliflower & Broccoli, Red Potatoes and Halved Brussels Sprouts); Rice & Pasta Veggie Sides (classic sauces and mix of pasta or rice with vegetables in Cheddar Cheese Rice & Broccoli and Zesty Marina Rigatoni & Vegetables); Loaded Cauliflower Bites (Bacon Cheddar and Southwest Style flavors); and Sweet Chili, which joins Birds Eye’s collection of five flavors of Cauliflower Wings.
www.birdseye.com
As more consumers seek plant-based foods, Gardein expands its Ultimate Plant-Based collection with Ultimate Plant-Based Chick’n Wings, available in Buffalo and BBQ style. The Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Spicy Chick’n Filet complements the Original variety that debuted in 2021. Plant-based Saus’ge offers Spicy Italian and Bratwurst links joined by Original and Spicy breakfast patties.
www.gardein.com
Vlasic is unveiling two new pickle SKUs: Vlasic Sweet Heat Pickle Chips offer a sweet and spicy spin on regular dill pickles while Vlasic Xtreme Heat Pickle Chips take the heat to yet another level, in what delivers a spicy and juicy crunch, the manufacturer says.
www.vlasic.com
Swiss Miss is collaborating with Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal for the launch of Swiss Miss Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnamilk, a hot drink mix. The combination of Cinnamon Toast Crunch “Cinnadust” with marshmallows and the creamy Swiss Miss base is poised to create a unique beverage occasion, the supplier says.
www.swissmiss.com