Six Snacks That Do More Than Satisfy

Today’s consumers want more than flavor and fun from their snack break. Whether its sustainability, functional ingredients, or super grains, snacks that offer additional benefits are gaining appeal like never before. From promoting social justice to upcycled ingredients to probiotics, these six snacks do more than satisfy hunger.

PIM Brands is adding two new flavors to its Welch’s Fruit ‘n Yogurt Snacks products mix, with the introduction of Welch’s Blueberry-Acai and Welch’s Mango-Peach Fruit ‘n Yogurt Snacks.  The new varieties join Welch’s Strawberry Fruit ‘n Yogurt Snacks in bringing consumers more snacks with real fruit centers surrounded by real yogurt. Fruit is the No. 1 ingredient in all three varieties, and all are a good source of vitamin D and calcium, says the company.

Barnana Snacks recently announced that it has deepened its commitment to organic farmers by acquiring its Latin American supply and manufacturing partner, Agroapoyo, based in Quito, Ecuador. Barnana is a Certified B Corporation and a founding member of the Upcycled Food Association. Since 2013, Barnana has upcycled tens of millions of bananas and plantains, including over 12 million this year alone, saving them from becoming greenhouse gas-emitting food waste and creating a revenue stream for produce that otherwise would go to waste, says the company. Barana’s snacks include Organic Plantain Crisps, made with 100% organic coconut oil and organic green plantains.

Kazoo Snacks has introduced what it calls, “The world’s first water-saving tortilla chip.” Every bag of Kazoo Tortilla Chips is made using 40% upcycled corn germ, repurposed from the nation’s corn starch industry, which produces germ as a by-product. Reclaiming and upcycling reduces Kazoo’s water footprint by at least 20 gallons of water per bag, says the company. Kazoo Tortilla Chips are available in Restaurant Style, Bite-sized and Lime Zest varieties. All varieties are vegan, kosher and gluten-free.

Voortman Cookies Limited has expanded its line of crème wafer snacks. Two new product offerings include Super Grains and Mega Wafers. Voortman Mega Wafers are a super-sized iteration of the brand’s signature wafer snack. The 5.17-ounce wafers are available in Vanilla, Strawberry and Chocolate flavors. Voortman’s better-for-you Super Grains cookies are available in two flavors: Banana Chocolate Chip and Blueberry. Each cookie is made with real fruit and 60% whole grain. The cookies contain no artificial colors, artificial flavors or high-fructose corn syrup.

Cibo Vita has expanded its Nature’s Garden probiotic-enhanced dried fruit line to include Mixed Berries, Tart Cherries, Raisins, Cranberries, Dates, and Prunes. The line is enhanced with 5 billion live cultures using a patented micro-encapsulation system featuring S.Boulardii and L. Rhamnosus probiotics, clinically shown to improve digestive well-being and restore the balance of healthy bacteria to the gut, without impacting the plumpness or flavor, says the company.

Mark’s Mindful Munchies has introduced a new line of Pop Bitties Sweet Potato Chips. The air-popped chips are available in two flavors: Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper & Sea Salt. The chips are non-GMO Project Verified, vegan, certified gluten-free, corn-free, and tree nut and peanut-free. Each serving contains 110 calories, 3.5 grams of fat, and 2 grams of protein.