Better-for-you snacking NPD addresses mood support and transparency demands
19 Jul 2021 --- Functional and better-for-you snacking NPD is targeting key demands for high-performance ingredients, including focus-enhancing formulas and gluten-free alternatives. In this space, The Functional Chocolate Company launched Brainy Chocolate Bars, while Calbee and Blops rolled out alternatives to traditional snacks like chips.
According to a 2020 survey from Innova Market Insights, an average of 71 percent of respondents indicated that it was either “important” or “very important” to choose food and drink products that positively boost nutrition or benefit how the body functions.
The Functional Chocolate Company’s new formulation is designed to assist with focus and productivity.
“As we come out of such an unusual year, the challenge of balancing work or studies with outside responsibilities and passions is more difficult than ever before,” says CEO Nicole Smith.
The orange-flavored treat includes botanicals like ginkgo, bacopa and rhodiola. This is paired with a blend of amino acids, omega 3 fatty acids and Chocamine, a patented cocoa-based ingredient that may help improve cognitive function.
Brainy Chocolate features a host of botanicals and other ingredients.
The company was first launched in February, with offerings that address the most-cited conditions that impact women: PMS, menopause, low-libidos, and stress and anxiety.
Alternatives to tortilla chips
Meanwhile, Calbee America has brought San Joaquin Almond Nut Chips to market. The grain-free tortilla chips are primarily made from almonds and cassava flour. They are then cooked in avocado oil.
“For the growing number of health-conscious consumers seeking an alternative to corn-based tortilla chips, our new San Joaquin Almond Nut Chips deliver,” says Sandra Payer, marketing director with Calbee America.
The company also emphasizes the “guilt-free” snack’s environmental credentials. Its almonds are sourced from Naraghi Family Farms in California.
The family-owned farms use modern, sustainable farming practices, such as efficient irrigation, solar power, whole orchard recycling, composting, pest and weed management, as well as practices that enhance the local habitat for pollinating bees. 
San Joaquin Almond Nut Chips are free from artificial colors and flavors, corn and soy.
These credentials help the company address increasing consumer demand for transparency, as three in five consumers have demonstrated interest in learning more about where their food comes from and how it’s made, according to Innova Market Insights.
Harnessing a superfood
Across the Atlantic, Blops is a UK-based example of vegan better-for-you snacking. The name is derived from “blossom pops,” as the company offers popped lotus seeds.
Lotus seeds have been consumed as a “superfood” snack for thousands of years in countries such as India and China.
The range is marketed as all-natural, a good source of fiber and gluten-free. According to the company, popped lotus seeds can enhance digestion, heart health, sleep and healthy aging, while helping manage diabetes and high blood pressure.
In the wider nutrition industry, NZMP and Kerry are among companies flagging the potential of functional F&B. For instance, the latter recently launched new dairy-free flavors fortified with probiotics in its Big Train line of beverage mixes for foodservice.
By Katherine Durrell
