KANSAS CITY — With the school year in full-swing, food manufacturers have rolled out new snacks for occasions from on-the-go eats to convenient school lunches.
Back-to-school spending was expected to reach record highs this year, with the National Retail Federation (NRF) predicting consumers to spend $41.5 billion, up from $36.9 billion last year and the previous high of $37.1 billion in 2021.
Food companies are reimagining their products to make on-the-go snacking easier for students.
Snack startup Rivalz debuted single-serve versions of its savory snack options. The 1-oz packs are available in all three of the Rivalz flavors, late night pizza, extra chedda’ mac and spicy street taco. The snacks are described as “multi-textured, multi-flavored” stuffed snacks, the brand’s products are formulated with yellow pea protein and are free from artificial flavors and preservatives. The snacks also are vegan and gluten-free, with 8 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, no added sugar and 7 essential vitamins and minerals per serving. Also launching smaller versions of their products is Country Archer Provisions, who expanded its portfolio with beef jerky snack packs, a smaller package of its original beef jerky.
The Kraft Heinz Co. expanded its Lunchables brand, which now may be found in the produce aisle for the first time. In a partnership with Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc., the companies introduced new Lunchables with Fresh Fruit product line featuring produce like apples, grapes, clementines and pineapple combined with the brand’s Turkey and Ham Cracker Stacker varieties. Developed as part of Lunchables’ focus on increasing better-for-you options, the launch comes just five months after the company announced it was creating healthier versions of its products to be included in the National School Lunch Program.
“Lunchables with Fresh Fruit is a ripe example of how we are quickly moving to introduce new offerings rooted in real consumer needs,” said Naor Danieli, director of marketing for Lunchables. “Teaming up with Fresh Del Monte helps accelerate the innovation our brand strives for, lending its expertise in fresh produce to expand the delicious, buildable and real food experience we provide for kids.”
