Prepared Foods showcases new retail packaged natural, organic foods and beverages.

Natural Appeal

Last fall saw Applegate Farms, LLC, Bridgewater, N.J., introduce DO GOOD DOG, which it said is the first nationally available hot dog made with beef raised on verified regenerative US grasslands. Beef for the DO GOOD DOG hot dog comes from SunFed Ranch in Northern California and boasts the Savory Institute's Land to Market Seal, the world's first regenerative sourcing verification.

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Regeneratively sourced beef has mostly been available at farmers markets or high-end restaurants. Officials said Applegate's size and experience scaling specialized supply chains in the meat category aims to make regenerative agriculture familiar and accessible in the mass market. According to the Savory Institute, the cattle that supply the beef for the DO GOOD DOG hot dog are part of a system that is contributing to the regeneration of up to 260,000 acres of US grasslands, making it one of the largest verified systems for regeneratively-sourced beef.

The new DO GOOD DOG hot dog is available at select major retailers and on Amazon with an SRP of $6.99. It is gluten free, a good source of protein and contains no added sugar.

Better Beverages

Lifeway Foods, Inc., Morton Grove, Ill., used the Specialty Food Association’s Winter Fancy Food Show to debut Lifeway MSHRM Oat, a new three-item line featuring 10 live and active probiotic cultures, heart-healthy beta-glucans, functional mushrooms and adaptogens.

Varieties include Reishi and Vanilla (Calm), Mushroom Immune Blend with Aronia (Support), and Lion's Mane Golden Milk with L-Theanine from Green Tea (Focus).

Lifeway also showcased new Lifeway Organic Oat, the brand's new, nationally distributed probiotic oat milk, which recently won the 2022 KeHE Summer Show OnTrend Award in the Dairy & Refrigerated category.

Sweeter Snacking

Already known for its organic, gluten-free crackers, Mary's Gone Crackers, Reno, Nev., extended its business into the sweet side. Three new varieties of Mary's Gone Kookies are Honey, Chocolate, and Cinnamon.

"We are excited to expand our portfolio and provide consumers with a delicious, better-for-you snack that satisfies their sweet cravings. These are products that can be enjoyed by consumers of any age," said Mary's Gone Crackers Vice President of Sales Jason Galante. "The three flavors were inspired by a favorite childhood treat and dessert ingredient. Our products are pure, delicious and ethically sourced. They will have your tastebuds dancing – you won't believe they are gluten free."

All of Mary's Gone Crackers' offerings are made in a certified facility that’s USDA Organic, non-GMO Project Verified. These low-sugar and low-calorie Kookies join the current portfolio of Original, Super Seed and Real Thin Crackers.

Taste of Spring

National Beverage Corp., Fort Lauderdale, Fla., introduced a spring-inspired flavor to its LaCroix sparking water line: Cherry Blossom.

“For centuries, the cherry blossom has represented freshness, splendor and delicate beauty,” said a company spokesperson. “The flavor of LaCroix Cherry Blossom uniquely ‘blooms’ with the bliss, fragrance and calming essence of this brilliant flower. We developed the distinctive taste and stunning packaging of Cherry Blossom to convey the dazzling taste of spring!”

LaCroix Cherry Blossom will be available at select retailers nationwide in March 2022. The product’s can notes that the sparkling water is “naturally essenced.”

Kid Friendly

Clover Sonoma, Petaluma, Calif., introduced organic plus milks to its Clover the Rainbow line for kids. There’s a new Lactose Free Organic Whole Milk and a DHA Omega-3 with Choline Organic Whole Milk.

The milks are the second product and category launch in the Clover the Rainbow brand, which started in August 2021 with organic yogurt smoothies with fruits and vegetables.

New Lactose Free Organic Whole Milk (64 oz.) is high in calcium, has 8g of protein per serving and no added sugar. Clover Sonoma adds a lactase enzyme to fresh organic milk that breaks down the lactose into two easily digestible sugars—glucose and galactose—making it easy-to-digest for sensitive stomachs and kids who are lactose intolerant. Omega-3 with Choline Organic Whole Milk (64 oz.) delivers 100mg Choline to support brain health, 50mg DNA Omega-3 and 8g of protein per serving.

Clover the Rainbow organic whole milks are available at Safeway, Whole Foods Market, and independent retailers in California at MSRP $5.99.

Organic, Low Alcohol

Damn Right Cocktails, San Francisco, introduced a USDA certified organic, 100% de agave Tequila sparkling cocktail in Texas and California. The line has two SKUs: a lime margarita called “Devil of a Lime” and a Strawberry Basil cocktail called “Son of a Basil.” The brand is distributed by Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC).

Officials say Damn Right is the only low alcohol, USDA certified organic Tequila cocktail. Each can comes in 5% ABV and with only 110-130 calories per serving.

"Our consumer is getting exactly what they've been looking for: an affordable, but premium and organic, great tasting tequila cocktail in a can that's also low in calories," says co-founder, Gabby Fitzpatrick. "These drinks are refreshing and taste as if they were just shaken up by an experienced bartender.”

The brand is distributed by Republic National Distributing Company.