Cassava cropping up

A handful of food companies are using cassava, a starchy tuber native to South America, as a stand-in for grains or potatoes in new products on display at Expo East.

New from Wai Lana Snacks, Sacramento, are two superfood varieties of cassava chips: turmeric cheese and chia. The products have 35% less fat than regular potato chips, according to the company. Wai Lana also makes Cassava Pops, which are air-popped snacks in sea salt, barbecue and spicy flavors; and Cassava Chips in sea salt and vinegar, barbecue, herb and garlic, chili lime, Thai curry and lime, and original varieties.

Another snack product, Cassava Strips from Artisan Tropic L.L.C., Monroe, N.C., contain three ingredients, with no preservatives or artificial flavors, and are vegan and paleo certified.

The latest launch from Siete Family Foods, Austin, Texas, is cassava and chia tortillas, made with coconut and avocado oils. The brand offers two other grain-free tortilla varieties: almond flour, and cassava and coconut. The products are paleo friendly.

Otto’s Naturals, Clinton, N.J., is introducing certified paleo, gluten-free and Non-GMO Project verified cassava flour, made from 100% yuca root with no additional ingredients. The flour may be used as a one-to-one substitute in baking and cooking recipes.