Prepared Foods showcases new bakery products entering the foodservice marketplace in November 2018.

Flowers Bakeries Foodservice, part of Flowers Foods Inc., Thomasville, Ga., introduced a frozen, thaw-and-serve Ancient Grain bun under the company’s European Bakers brand.

Flowers tells operators, “Made from a rich grain blend, this premium on-trend bun lets you easily elevate menus and appeal to customers seeking healthier options. [It’s] packed with 7g of protein and versatile for any entrée—breakfast, lunch or dinner.”

Flowers says the product’s five-grain, nut-free formula includes millet, spelt, amaranth, Khorasan flour and buckwheat. It adds that each 2.8oz., 4.25-inch delivers 7g of protein and 3g of fiber.

Flowers notes foodservice consumers will pay more for upscale entrees and that customers are looking for on-trend offerings that feature ancient grains. Meanwhile, the buns bring diversity to any menu and can be featured in a wide range of dayparts—from breakfast (such as an Egg ‘N’ Hash sandwich) to dinner (Ancient Grain Veggie Burger).

In other news, Flowers Bakeries Foodservice website says the business also offers new frozen, thaw-and-serve Premium Philly Rolls in 8in, 10in and 12in sizes (unsliced). “Baked traditionally for superior taste, texture and density, our Philly rolls have a strong hinge for hearty sandwich builds. Perfect for cheesesteak, meatball subs, deli-style sandwiches and more,” the company says.

General Mills Foodservice, Minneapolis, introduced several new Pillsbury frozen baked goods to help commercial operations.

Pillsbury Frozen Baked Goods, which can be baked fresh on site, give restaurants, retail bakeries and foodservice operations added versatility and creativity to build out their menus and bake up revenue. 

New Pillsbury branded offerings include Unbaked Biscuit Dough (4.5oz Buttermilk and 4.5oz Southern Style EZ Split), TubeSet Muffin Batter (Cinnamon and a Variety Pack with two Blueberry, two Chocolate, Chocolate Chip and two Cinnamon), BatterPro Muffin & Cake Batter (Vanilla and Chocolate),

Unbaked Twirls (Orange and Caramel) and Unbaked Scones (Chocolate Chocolate Chunk, Lemon Poppy Seed).

“Whether it’s a warm, gooey cinnamon roll for breakfast or a scrumptious muffin as a treat, consumers love fresh-baked goods and that can mean a big business opportunity for foodservice operations,” says Alyca Judge, senior marketing manager for General Mills Foodservice. “Pillsbury Frozen Baked Goods make it possible for operations of any size to bake fresh items on site that they can use to stock their bakery case and build out their menu with infinite possibilities.”

General Mills Convenience & Foodservice division serves the convenience, foodservice and bakery industries. The $1.93 billion division markets Big G cereals as well as products under the Yoplait, Nature Valley, Gold Medal, Pillsbury, Chex Mix, Bugles, Gardetto’s and Annie’s brands.

This summer saw ARYZTA, Los Angeles, expand its school foodservice line of Otis Spunkmeyer Delicious Essentials, which includes everything from frozen pre-portioned cookie dough to thaw-and-serve muffins.

In time for back-to-school season, Otis Spunkmeyer introduced Chocolate Chip Muffins to the Delicious Essentials line. Made with whole grains and rich chocolate chips, the new muffins meet school nutrition standards, for both breakfast entrees and “smart snacks”—all without sacrificing taste, officials say. 

Chocolate Chip Muffins are available in a 2oz (1CGOE) size. The muffins are individually wrapped to stay fresh for 21 days at room temperature once thawed, making them convenient to store and serve for foodservice professionals. 

The Delicious Essentials muffins line also includes such flavors as Blueberry, Banana, Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Apple Cinnamon and Corn.

In other news, Aryzta’s La Brea Bakery unit introduced a line of limited-edition holiday breads starting October 1. The breads and rolls are sold to supermarket in-store bakeries, which bake them fresh for daily display. New seasonal offerings include TAKE & BAKE Holiday Stuffing Rolls, which are savory rolls with sage, celery, thyme and black and white pepper. They’re ideal for Thanksgiving leftover sandwiches and carry a SRP of $3.99 for a 12oz package of six. Also available is a new 12-ounce White Chocolate Cranberry Loaf for a SRP of $4.49. “The sweet, creaminess of white chocolate balanced by the tartness of cranberries with subtle sour notes,” says La Brea.

The last offering is a 16-ounce Cranberry Walnut Loaf, which features toasted walnuts and tart, slightly sweet cranberries. It carries a SRP of $3.99.

Originally appeared in the November, 2018 issue of Prepared Foods as Culinary Creations: Plant to Plate.