ANAHEIM, CALIF. — At the Natural Products Expo West trade show that took place March 7-11, more than 65,000 attendees saw new takes on classic shelf-staples make their debut.
Humbold County, Calif.-based Raised Gluten Free launched three cookie mixes geared toward children. The baking mixes, which come with illustrated instructions, are available in three varieties: chocolate chip, confetti and double chocolate. The cookie mixes can make up to 12 cookies per 11-oz bag, and are non-GMO Project verified, and free from the nine top allergens, according to the company.
“At Raised Gluten Free, we’re all about building community and making it so those with food restrictions, especially kids, don’t feel left out,” said Rosa Dixon, co-founder and chief executive officer of Raised Gluten Free. “Our new cookie mixes give children a chance to feel accomplished in the kitchen, while also creating a sweet treat to enjoy with friends and family, no matter the dietary differences.”
On the other side of the baking aisle, San Francisco-based Guittard Chocolate Co. expanded its portfolio with a dairy-free product line, which includes semisweet chocolate chips, extra dark chocolate chips and Akoma organic extra semisweet chocolate chips. The dairy-free line is set to debut at retail in June.
“Guittard is already beloved for its high-quality baking staples, and shifting some of our most requested products to dairy-free will continue to bolster trust and usability with allergen-conscious consumers,” said Gary Guittard, chief executive officer of Guittard Chocolate. “The introduction of these products expands diverse benefits for consumers, industrial customers and professionals looking for allergen-friendly and kosher pareve options.”
Elsewhere at the trade show, Scout debuted its tinned fish products, a refreshed take on the classic option. Scout’s products include a can of yellowfin tuna in olive oil, a crunchy topper mix-in and a spork. The kit has up to 33 grams of protein, with flavors like chili crisp, chile jalapeño and za’atar, which features a blend of spices from the Middle East.
“Our new Scout Seafood Snacks feature toppers packaged separately from responsibly sourced yellowfin tuna to bring instant flavor, intensity, texture and color,” said Adam Bent, chief executive officer and co-founder of Scout, at an Expo West panel. “This is a new innovation in the canned seafood category. We’re offering wider audiences a gateway into sustainable seafood.”
