KANSAS CITY — More and more consumers are leading a low-carb lifestyle, causing demand for keto options to climb.
The ketogenic diet was identified as the most popular consumer diet for 2019, according to more than 1,300 dietitians surveyed in the seventh annual “What’s trending in nutrition” survey from Pollock Communications and Today’s Dietitian. The lifestyle has gained traction in the health and fitness community as a solution for disease prevention and weight management. Followers of the diet generally aim to eat 20 to 50 grams of carbohydrates daily.
To cater to these keto consumers, food manufacturers are launching low-carb cookies, spreads, breakfast bites and energy bars.
Lenny & Larry’s is introducing the Keto Cookie, featuring 8 grams of plant-based protein and 3 grams of net carbs. The Non-GMO Project verified, vegan cookies are grain- and gluten-free and are sweetened with stevia and organic erythritol. Lenny & Larry’s Keto Cookies will hit shelves in October and come in three flavors: chocolate chip, coconut and peanut butter.
Once Again Nut Butter Collective, Inc. is debuting keto-friendly, organic blanched almond butters. The butters are made with almonds that have had the skin removed, which removes most of the nut’s natural carbohydrates. The almonds are then dry roasted. Available in extra creamy and crunchy varieties, Once Again organic blanched almond butters feature 7 grams of plant-based protein and 1 gram of net carbs per serving, The almond butters are Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free certified, vegan and kosher.
“Almond butter is a delicious and convenient source of plant-based protein, healthy fats and powerful nutrients that is appealing to a wide range of consumers,” said Shared Gael J. B. Orr, marketing, communications and public relations manager for Once Again Nut Butter. “While the taste and pure ingredients of our new blanched almond butters are universal, by removing the skin and reducing the carbohydrates, we’ve also made these products ideal for those following a keto compliant or strict low-carb diet. We’re excited to be delivering a new high-quality, organic and wholesome option to this growing market.”
Les Trois Petits Cochons is rolling out Egg White-Only Sous-Vide Egg Bites in a broccoli and parmesan flavor. Fully cooked in the French sous vide method, the gluten-free and keto-friendly egg white bites are made with cage-free eggs and provide 9 grams of protein per serving.
Zeno Nutrition is launching a new line of keto-friendly ZenoBars in three flavors: strawberry nut, almond nut and cocoa chip. Sweetened with allulose, ZenoBars are keto-friendly, vegan and gluten-free energy bars designed for consumers with low-glucose goals. The bars are made with a resistant dextrin binder made from organic tapioca and include plant-based ingredients such as almonds, pecans, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, cocoa powder and strawberries. Each soy- and dairy-free bar provides eight grams of fiber and contains 3-4 net carbs.
"At ZenoBar, we are on a mission to help spread the health benefits of a plant-based, low-carb lifestyle," said Russell Long, co-founder of Zeno Nutrition. "A high-fiber, low net-carb diet helps keep blood sugars low and supports long-term health."
