Better-for-you foods: Mmmly, BetterBody Foods and Love Grown Foods unveil NPD

29 Mar 2021 --- As consumer demand for better-for-you foods is rising, industry is looking to appeal to the health-conscious crowds by lowering sugar and boosting nutritional value. NutritionInsight is looking at some of the latest NPD in this space which boasts plant-based options, prebiotic benefits, as well as keto and low sugar positionings.

The drive toward healthier food choices will remain robust in sweet treats throughout this year, as emphasized in Innova Market Insights’ latest report. 

Indulgent taste is essential to confectionery, sweet bakery, ice cream and desserts, which brings on challenges in “better-for-you” reformulations. 

Sugar reduction and protein enhancement are two concepts most sought after in purchasing decisions and are therefore significant focuses for “better-for-you” development, notes the market researcher.

Recognizing this, the Hershey Company recently announced it is conducting a multipronged strategy to lead the better-for-you chocolate category – a market worth an estimated US$1.3 billion or 6 percent of category retail sales. 

Plant-based cookies
Mmmly is a plant-based reimagined cookie company that launched recently. Mmmly’s cookies feature clean ingredients like root vegetables, prebiotic fiber, fruits and healthy fats that fuel the brain, supports gut health and overall well-being. 

Click to Enlarge Love Grown’s current positioning in better-for-you, plant-based cereals and granolas, and is now adding a keto-friendly line.The ingredients were carefully chosen to deliver the functionality and health benefits of a cookie, without nutritionally useless ingredients.

One serving contains 5-6 g of prebiotic fiber to boost gut health, 4 g net carbs, and only 2 g of added sugars, which is 65 percent less than its leading competitors. Mmmly contains non-GMO ingredients that are grain, gluten, wheat and cane sugar-free. 

The direct-to-consumer brand is releasing its first collection of better-for-you cookies in four flavors: Banana Chocolate Chip, Blueberry Shortbread, Dark Chocolate Chip and Sweet Almond. 

Less sugar for BetterBody Foods
BetterBody Foods has launched its Oatsome Creamer Lite Oat Milk, which is a low-fat, low-calorie creamer within its Oatsome line.

Oatsome Creamer Lite is a low-fat, low-calorie creamer that's perfect for coffee, oatmeal and smoothies, with only ten calories per serving.

The plant-based, vegan creamer has a smooth taste and texture, added to hot or cold beverages and meals easily for a rich sweetness. It is made from organic, gluten-free oats with no gums, thickeners or stabilizers.

The sugar reduction trend is going strong and Innova Market Insights’ analysis reveals that 91 percent of consumers are “at least a little” influenced by sugar reduction claims. Strategies in this context vary and include complete removal of sugar, blending of sugar with sweeteners and advances in sugar science.

Low sugar, keto-friendly
Building upon the launch of its Ray’s No Sugar Added sauces last summer, Sweet Baby Ray’s is expanding the lineup with Ray’s Sweet & Spicy Barbecue Sauce and its versatile, flavor-packed Ray’s Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce.

Click to EnlargeSweet Baby Ray’s is expanding the lineup with less sugar in its new launches.Ray’s No Sugar Added sauces appeal to those seeking choices that fully deliver on flavor while fitting their lifestyle and dietary preferences for no added sugar, the company says. One serving has 15 calories and contains 1 g of sugar.

Ray’s Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce is a smooth, sweet compliment to hot dogs, chicken tenders and tasty air fryer creations. One serving has 130 calories and 0 g of sugar.

“The response to Ray’s No Sugar Added sauces has been outstanding. We focused first on making sure that our sauces would taste great then ensured that everyone around the table, whether watching sugar intake, following a KETO-friendly eating plan or looking for plant-based and gluten-free options, could enjoy them,” says Tom Murphy, vice president, brand marketing for Sweet Baby Ray’s.

Ray’s No Sugar Added Barbecue Sauces are sweetened with allulose, a low-calorie sweetener naturally found in small quantities in foods like raisins, figs and maple syrup, and is shown to have no impact on blood glucose or insulin levels. The sauces are also all gluten-free.

Keto on the rise
Love Grown Foods, a plant-based and gluten-free cereals company, has announced the launch of its keto-friendly granola line, featuring three gluten-free, low-sugar flavors: Chocolate Cherry Cashew, Maple Cashew Pecan and Pumpkin Almond Cashew.

Click to EnlargeBetterBody Foods has launched its Oatsome Creamer Lite Oat Milk, which is a low-fat, low-calorie creamer.The keto diet has seen extreme growth in the last few years, making it one of the most popular diets in the US. 

Based on Love Grown’s current positioning in better-for-you, plant-based cereals and granolas, adding a keto-friendly granola line is a natural extension of the brand. 

“Love Grown is debuting keto-friendly granolas to satisfy consumers’ cravings for a luscious, decadent, low-sugar granola with healthy fats and protein,” says Debora Sperling, director of sales for Love Grown.

In accordance with the keto diet, these granolas are made from a hearty blend of cashews, pecans, and almonds and are lightly sweetened with a touch of real maple syrup and monk fruit for a delectable flavor with less guilt. 

The granolas range from 150-160 calories per one-third cup serving and boast 5 g of protein and only 4-6 g net carbs. In addition to being certified gluten-free, the Love Grown Keto Granola line is also grain-free. 

By Kristiana Lalou

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