KANSAS CITY — New summer offerings coming to shelves at retailers feature plant-based ingredients.
The Kraft Heinz Co. is among those expanding its plant-based portfolio, with the introduction of “NotCheese” slices from its Kraft Heinz Not Co. joint venture, which was formed after The Kraft Heinz Co. teamed up with TheNotCompany, Inc., to start the joint venture in February 2022. The joint venture combined NotCo’s patented technology and artificial intelligence solutions with Kraft Heinz’s portfolio and scale to develop plant-based versions of co-branded products. The new products introduced by the Kraft Heinz Not Co. includes plant-based cheese slices, which are available in provolone, cheddar and American-style varieties. They contain no artificial flavors or dyes.
“The joint venture with TheNotCompany is a critical step in the transformation of our product portfolio and a tremendous addition to our brand design-to-value capabilities,” said Miguel Patricio, chief executive officer of The Kraft Heinz Co., when the joint venture was formed. “It helps deliver on our vision to offer more clean, green, and delicious products for consumers. We believe the technology that NotCo brings is revolutionizing the creation of delicious plant-based foods with simpler ingredients.”
Other companies expanding their plant-based portfolios include Aloha, a plant-based protein bar company. The brand added a chocolate caramel pecan bar, which features organic pecans, dark chocolate and their proprietary blend of brown rice and pumpkin seed protein. The bars feature 14 grams of protein, 10 grams of fiber and 5 grams of sugar and are formulated without gluten, dairy, soy, stevia and sugar alcohols.
Mars, Inc.’s Kind brand released three new products for summer snacking occasions. New additions to the brand’s portfolio include a caramel peanut protein bar, a soft-baked square and single-serve grab-and-go packs, which are available in peanut butter and oats and honey varieties. Made with plant-based ingredients, the additions can be found at Amazon and retailers nationwide.
