Satisfy At-Home Snacking

Hormel Foods, Austin, Minn., expanded its Hormel Gatherings line with a new Hormel pretzel bites and cheese tray, sold in the grocer’s refrigerated deli section. Officials say it “capitalizes on the growing snack trend, an increase in home-based working and schooling, and the move to smaller get-togethers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

"The Hormel pretzel bites and cheese tray comes at a perfect time," said Emily Klotz, brand manager. "Pretzels are one of the up-and-coming snack trends we see in the marketplace. Soft pretzel bites are increasing on restaurant menus across the United States and we are excited to bring this restaurant trends into our consumers' homes."

Hormel pretzel bites and cheese tray come with 4oz of soft pretzel bites, 4oz of cheddar cheese sauce and a packet of sea salt. Ideal for up to four people, it can go from the refrigerator to the microwave to the table in just a few minutes, the company says. 

The Hormel pretzel bites and cheese tray retails for $6.99-$7.99.

 

Snack Mashup

Frito-Lay North America, Plano, Texas, introduced Cheetos Crunch Pop Mix, a combination of traditional Cheetos Crunchy and Cheetos Popcorn.

Officials say it ties into food and snack mashup trends that emerged during 2020, including the infusion of snack mixes into mealtime occasions. That’s led to other innovations and campaigns such as Cheetos Mac 'n Cheese, a Cheetos cookbook and even a new PepsiCo Foods North America recipe hub, MoreSmilesWithEveryBite.com. 

"2020 was a year unlike any other in that we saw the incredibly popular introduction of Cheetos Popcorn in January, quickly followed by world-changing events that affected every industry differently," said Rachel Ferdinando, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Frito-Lay North America. "For our brands, we saw trends like Cheetos recipe searches skyrocketing 190%. So now we're thinking with that lens through everything we introduce to the world. Hopefully Cheetos Crunch Pop Mix can provide a small moment of joy and bring a few smiles this year."

Cheetos Crunch Pop Mix is available in a 7oz bag for $3.99 SRP and 2.25oz bag for $1.89 SRP at retailers nationwide.

 

Flavor Forward

This February saw Campbell Soup Company’s Kettle Brand expand its Krinkle Cut Potato Chip line-up with two new bold flavors: spicy Habanero Lime and a decadent Truffle & Sea Salt. 

In a separate but related move, Kettle brand officials said they redesigned all Kettle Krinkle Cut packaging and brought back two fan favorite flavors: Salt & Fresh Ground Pepper and Dill Pickle.

Habanero Lime first hit the shelves first at Whole Foods. 

Says Campbell’s, “Our new Habanero Lime chips are hot - like must-eat-with-a-glass-of-milk-handy hot! With extra bold flavors of spicy pepper and zesty citrus, Kettle Brand Krinkle Cut Habanero Lime Chips are sure to take heat lovers to their happy place. Don't say we didn't warn you!”

Officials describe new Truffle & Sea Salt as “earthy, oaky and downright decadent.”

All four flavors will roll out to additional retailers including Kroger, Publix and Albertsons later this spring in 5oz bags for $2.99 and 8.5oz bags for $3.89. 

 

Grain-Free, Keto 

Bubba’s Fine Foods, Loveland, Colo., expanded its grain-free snacking line with six Keto Nut Mixes, available at its website, its Amazon store and retailers nationwide.  

“These finger-licking new options are packed with protein, antioxidants, vitamins, and taste bud tingling spices for a crunch and zip that rivals their junk food counterparts,” the company says. “Best of all, they’re perfect for anyone living a low carb, Paleo, or Keto-centered lifestyle since they only have 2g-3g net carbs and plenty of protein for that sustaining energy and feeling of fullness.”

New Savory Keto Nut Mixes come in 1.2oz snack packs with a blend of walnuts, pecans, and healthy seeds. Varieties include Pepperoni Pizza, Traditional Recipe, and Sour Cream & Chive. Each delivers up to 7g of protein, only 3g of net carbs, and 19g of nutritious fats.

Sweet Glazed Keto Nut Mixes also come in three varieties including Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Maple Cinnamon Praline, and Thai Sweet Chili. 

 

 

Salted Egg Chips

Having made its debut in U. S. Asian food retailers, Cocoba USA, LLC, South El Monte, Calif., has created a website (www.eatirvins.us) to sell its IRVINS Salted Egg packaged chip brand directly to U.S. consumers.  

A variety of IRVINS chips is available online: Salted Egg Potato Chips, Spicy Salted Egg Potato Chips, Salted Egg Cassava Chips, Spicy Salted Egg Cassava Chips and Salted Egg Crunchy Roll. Officials say all chips are made in Singapore with the familiar Asian flavor of salted duck egg yolk; as well as hand-picked stem-to-stem curry leaves; and red chili pepper, for additional flavor.

"We are ecstatic about our expanded availability in the U.S.," says Yosuke Yazawa, business development manager of North America. "IRVINS Salted Egg products bring a distinctive flavor and premium quality to the American snack food market, and we look forward to earning a place in the conversation as more people can try our product."

Officials say IRVINS already is established in Southeast Asia with brick-and-mortar stores and a following in the nine countries. IRVINS products already are available in the U.S. at Asian markets including 99 Ranch, Seafood City and H Mart.