KANSAS CITY — Single-serve foods and beverages are on the rise as smaller households become the norm in America and more on-the-go consumers seek convenient offerings.
Fifty-one per cent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 34 do not have a romantic partner, according to the General Social Survey by NORC. Forty-five per cent of Americans, or more than 110 million adults, are single, according to a Census Bureau report. This group benefits from single-serving packages that offer quick and convenient meal solutions.
Hormel Foods Corp. is leaning into this demand for convenience with its new Single-Serve Hormel Natural Choice Lunchmeats. Each pre-portioned package contains five slices of natural deli meat amounting to 2 oz. Varieties include oven-roasted turkey, applewood smoked turkey, honey ham, and cherrywood smoked ham.
“We’ve received feedback from consumers that smaller households sometimes struggle to get through the entire package of lunchmeat, so we wanted to provide a convenient option for them,” said Samantha Balaski, brand manager for Hormel Natural Choice. “They are also perfect for on-the-go snacks for those seeking additional protein throughout the day.”
Wells Enterprises, Inc. is bolstering its single-serve Blue Bunny Load’d Sundaes lineup with eight new varieties of the 8.5-oz soft serve-based desserts. Varieties include Apple Pie A Lad Mode, Cherry Cheesecake, Churro, Marshmallow Crispy Bar, Monster Cookie, PB Mallow Mania, Rocky Road and Triple Chocolate Malt.
New from Flowers Foods, Inc. comes Tastykake Muffin Juniors. The single-serve snack cakes come in blueberry and chocolate chip varieties.
Fresh Express is ushering its Chiquita brand into the single-serve snacks segment with new Chiquita Bites. Each snack pack features fruit, cheese and nuts and contains at least seven grams of protein. Chiquita Bites come in five combinations: apple wedges, cheddar cheese and red grapes; apple wedges, Monterey jack, cranberries and cashews; apple wedges, Monterey jack, cranberries and raisins; apple wedges, cheddar cheese and multi-grain crackers; and apple wedges, cheddar cheese and pretzels.
“Consumers today look for snacks that will tide them over between meals more than ever,” said Michael Golderman, marketing brand leader for Fresh Express. “They want snacks that provide them with the protein and essential nutrients they need to get through the day. By tapping into the success of Chiquita’s fresh apple business and pairing it with Fresh Express’ packaged kit expertise, we are able to provide a natural solution to meet this consumer need, creating nourishing, convenient and tasty snacks that our customers can enjoy.”
Jensen Meat Co. is launching Jensen Solos, a new line of single-serve, individually wrapped frozen hamburger patties. The beef and bacon patty is made with 50% ground bacon and 50% ground beef, the jalapeño and pepper jack cheese patty is stuffed with chunks of pepper jack cheese and diced jalapeño peppers, and the UNCUT Plant-Based patty is 100% plant-based, gluten-free and vegan.
“Today’s consumers are seeking more single-serving options, so we’re creating new products for the growing number of single people who cook for themselves,” said Abel Olivera, chief executive officer of Jensen Meat. “For us, this is about providing solutions to an existing demographic that is mostly ignored by existing hamburger packaging. It also gives options to families that have to satisfy different tastes.”
Elmhurst 1925 is introducing Single Serve Milked Oats. Packaged in an 11-oz portable carton, the beverage is made with five ingredients: oats, water, cane sugar, natural flavors and salt. Each carton contains 28 grams of whole grains and is certified vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and Non-GMO Project verified.
“In response to consumer demand for a smaller, more portable version of our popular Milked Oats, we’re excited to introduce Single Serve Milked Oats to people who want to take their oat milk on-the-go more easily,” said Peter Truby, vice-president of marketing at Elmhurst 1925. “Portioned to be consumed in one sitting and shelf-stable, Single Serve Milked Oats gives oat milk fans a healthier option that’s easy to take on the road wherever their life takes them.”