
Packaged baked foods are making their mark.
Junkless is innovating the granola bar category with the launch of Junkless Drizzled. The drizzled granola bars will be offered in birthday cake and berries and cream flavors. The bars are gluten-free and contain 130 calories per serving.
Pasta brand It’s Skinny is expanding its offerings with the unveiling of ready-to-eat pasta meals. The low-calorie, low-sodium pasta is offered in three flavors: truffle parm, cacio e pepe and velvety cheddar. The pasta is formulated with gluten-free noodles and organic cheese blends.
“The current pasta meals selections have remained largely untouched when it comes to true innovation, and we saw an opportunity to bring something completely new to the table,” said Bryan Guadagno, chief executive officer of It’s Skinny. “These meals are for everyone, providing comforting flavors made with ingredients that fit a variety of dietary preferences, so no one has to miss out on what they love.”
Wells Enterprises is launching a new frozen novelty in collaboration with Ferrera Candy Co. and Trolli: Trolli Gummi Pops. The frozen pops are offered in cherry lemon and grape strawberry flavors.
“We’ve taken what fans love about Trolli — the vibrant dual colors, unique texture and flavor combinations — and reimagined them in an innovative frozen format that’s truly the first ever of its kind,” said Isabella Chia, chief marketing officer at Wells. “Our team worked tirelessly to perfect that signature soft, gummi Trolli texture in a frozen treat. Trolli Gummi Pops represent our commitment to delivering unexpected sensory experiences that surprise and delight consumers looking for something beyond traditional frozen treats.”
The Quakers Oats Co. is adding to its Life cereal portfolio with the debut of Mighty Life. The multigrain cereal will be offered in Strawberry Blueberry Bliss and Very Vanilla flavors.
Strawberry blueberry bliss combines “a fruity burst of flavor with an excellent source of vitamins C, D and zinc to help support a healthy immune system,” Quaker Oats said. Very Vanilla offers “a subtly sweet and satisfying taste with an excellent source of vitamin D and calcium to help build strong bones,” the company said.
Starbucks is adding to its ready-to-drink lineup with RTD Starbucks Iced Energy and RTD Starbucks Frappuccino Lite. The iced energy beverage is a hydrating and sparkling energy beverage formulated with 160 mg of plant-based caffeine and was designed to support mental clarity. The Frappuccino Lite beverages feature 100 calories per serving, no added sugars and are available in three gelato-inspired varieties: sea salt caramel, creamy vanilla and double chocolate.
“We always keep a pulse on the latest consumer trends and preferences to ensure we’re continuing to evolve our ready-to-drink Starbucks beverage portfolio to meet consumer demand,” said Jennifer Wong, vice president, Americas channel development at Starbucks. “That’s why we’re excited to bring to market two new ready-to-drink product innovations, Starbucks Iced Energy and Frappuccino Lite, to expand our portfolio and offer alternative drink options that fit everyday consumer needs.”
Valley Fine Foods is launching Three Bridges Potato Bakes, a new baked potato snack. The gluten-free potato bakes are offered in cheddar and chive and uncured bacon and cheese varieties. Each potato bake offers 12 to 14 grams of protein per serving.
“We know today’s consumers crave convenience without sacrificing taste or nutrition, and we are excited to bring them a satisfying, wholesome on-the-go option,” said Todd Nettleton, chief executive officer of Valley Fine Foods. “We are committed to making high-quality meals more accessible, and Three Bridges Potato Bakes deliver a delicious, protein-packed breakfast that is ready in minutes.”
Mondelez International, Inc. brand Tate’s Bake Shop is launching a new product: Soft Baked cookies. The cookies are available in chocolate chip and dark chocolate chunk flavors.
“Tate’s is no stranger to soft-textured baked goods — we’ve been delighting customers with our pies, brownies and cakes at our Bake Shop in Southampton, NY, since 1980,” said Jessica Goon, chief marketing officer of Tate’s Bake Shop. “But this launch marks an exciting first: bringing a Tate’s Soft Baked cookie to grocery store shelves. It’s a milestone moment that stays true to our legacy of quality and craft.”
Goodles is debuting three new flavor varieties to its macaroni and cheese portfolio: Dreamy Creamy, Thrilled Cheese and Queso Tell Me More. Dreamy Creamy features big pasta shells in creamy cheese sauce to balance out the cheddar taste, Thrilled Cheese “has all the golden-buttery, bubbly goodness of biting into your favorite grilled cheese and the unmistakable American cheese taste that makes comfort food so comforting,” Goodles said, and Queso Tell Me More combines extra creamy cheddar sauce with a touch of green pepper, red tomato and onion. All three flavors contain 16 grams of protein, 7 grams of fiber and 21 nutrients from plants in addition to being low glycemic and Clean Label Purity Award certified.
“We’re so excited about these three new Goodles flavors because they are mind-blowing, new-to-the-world flavor innovations, but at the same time completely obvious, home-run flavors that are sure to be hits with mac lovers of all ages,” said Jen Zeszut, co-founder and chief executive officer of Goodles. “Our Squeezy Cheese queso-inspired mac and cheese has massive ‘tex appeal.’ Our Dreamy Creamy boxes up what has been a TikTok sensation for years and grilled cheese mac and cheese is pure genius.”
Bimbo Bakeries USA, a subsidiary of Grupo Bimbo SAB de CV, is growing its Entenmann’s Little Bites Snacks portfolio with two new muffin varieties: vanilla and tropical pineapple.
“Little Bites is committed to transforming snack time into a flavor-packed adventure that both kids and parents approve,” said Rielly Whims, brand manager for Little Bites Snacks. “Our new vanilla muffins capture the rich, creamy flavor of a classic favorite, while tropical pineapple muffins, available for a limited time, add a playful tropical sensation. We can’t wait for families to join us on this flavor journey.”
Birch Benders, a Hometown Food Co. brand, is unveiling its first organic bread and muffin mixes. The new mixes come in two flavors: organic blueberry (13.5 oz), a baking mix made with blueberries that “delivers the perfect balance of tangy and sweet in moist, tender muffins or quick bread,” Birch Benders said; and organic chocolate chip (14.3 oz), a baking mix filled with chocolate chips that “creates indulgent treats with melt-in-your-mouth chocolate goodness in every bite,” Birch Benders said.
“We are excited to introduce our organic blueberry and organic chocolate chip quick bread and muffin mixes, the first organic options of their kind on the market,” said Dan Anglemyer, chief operating officer of Hometown Food Co. “These mixes bring the perfect balance of convenience, quality and flavor, all made with real, organic ingredients. We’re proud to offer a simple and delicious way for our customers to enjoy fresh, wholesome baked goods at home.”
Clif Bar & Co., a Mondelez International, Inc. brand, is debuting a line of energy caffeinated bars. The Caffeinated Collection bars are offered in vanilla almond and caramel chocolate chip flavors. Each bar is formulated with organic oats and 65 mg of organic caffeine.
“At Clif Bar, we know that the simple step of getting started is often what takes the most energy,” said Nicolas Henault, senior marketing director of Clif Bar & Co. “Sometimes, you need that extra boost to get moving on the journey to raise your bar. Our Caffeinated Collection not only delivers a kick of caffeine to help you tackle your next workout but it also helps provide the sustained energy that Clif Bar is known for, in two appealing new flavors that make getting started a truly enjoyable experience.”
Permanent menu additions and limited-time items make their debut.
New snack products are entering the category.