KANSAS CITY — Manufacturers are expanding their portfolios to include better-for-you children’s foods and functional offerings.

New York-based Beech-Nut Nutrition Co. added several new items to its product range for babies and toddlers, including two lines of prebiotic-focused offerings. Organic Fruit & Yogurt Jars with Prebiotics are formulated for babies six months or older, and Smoothies with Prebiotics are aimed at babies 12 months or older. Both products feature yogurt and a full serving of fruit. Beech-Nut also released Jammin’ Waffles, a line of toasted mini waffles with fruit filling, and Fruti Bites with Hidden Veggies, soft gluten-free fruit chews formulated for convenient on-the-go snacking.

“Beech-Nut’s innovations for 2024 were crafted to provide fun and flavorful food options that discerning parents are looking for,” said Jon Harrington, senior brand director at Beech-Nut. “We’re excited to further expand our snack offerings with options that incorporate ingredients like prebiotics, fruits and veggies.”

Sports and active nutrition company Ready launched Kids Whole Grain Protein Bars, a functional snack line for children. The bars feature 6 grams of protein, 8 grams of whole grains and 20% less sugar than comparable whole grain snack bars, according to the company. Flavors include chocolate chip, chocolate brownie, iced oatmeal cookie and chocolate peanut.

“As a parent, I can empathize with other parents who want to ensure they are providing convenient, wholesome snacks their kids enjoy,” said Pat Cavanaugh, chief executive officer of Ready. “That’s why we're very excited to introduce our Whole Grain Protein Bars for Kids; a delicious, better-for-you option that combines the best of whole grains, protein and fiber, designed to support the health and vitality of children.

Harvest Snaps, a Calbee America, Inc. brand, developed Harvest Snaps Kids Crispy Fruit Snacks, the company’s first offering designed for children. The clean label snack features freeze or vacuum dried 100% whole fruit as its only ingredient and is free from added sugars and artificial flavors or preservatives. The product aims to serve as a quick and easy flavor addition to lunches or a convenient on-the-go snack, with flavors such as apple, banana, grape and strawberry.

“By introducing this kid-centered brand extension and launching these single-ingredient, crispy fruit snacks, we aim to appeal to our current customers, while attracting new, health-conscious families to our products,” said Maiko Shimano, director of marketing at Calbee.