New product innovations were in full force at the recent Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo, which took place earlier this month in Denver. The expo was smaller compared with recent years, yet several new foods and beverages were introduced to the 8,000-plus registered dietitian nutritionists attending the conference.
Here are some of the trends I spotted:
1. Tinned fish jumps from the can to the pouch
While tinned fish was a viral trend on TikTok, it appears that pouches are the next evolution. Chicken of the Sea showcased a variety of wild-caught light tuna and pink salmon in pouches, including Sweet & Spicy and Lemon Garlic tuna with partner McCormick & Co. The pink salmon featured the popular Everything Bagel seasoning. Similarly, Bumble Bee shared pouches of Spicy Thai Chili and Lemon & Pepper tuna. Promoted as on-the-go protein, the fish packets feature a range of serving ideas, from salads and sandwiches to Mediterranean-inspired pasta and Asian-style lettuce cups.
2. Fruit moves into new spaces and forms
Most Americans fail to eat enough fruit, so several new products are helping to make it a bit easier to up your fruit intake. PepsiCo introduced new Quaker Oats Fruit Fusion instant oatmeal. These packets of colorful whole grain oats feature real fruit pieces and come in such varieties as Raspberry Strawberry, Blueberry Blackberry and Strawberry Peach. Moving beyond breakfast, Wyman’s is making fruit an appealing snack or dessert. The family-owned Maine company sampled several varieties of Just Fruit, cups of frozen fruit and small bites of Greek yogurt, banana or coconut that you shake before eating – reminiscent of the beloved Dippin’ Dots brand from childhood. Additionally, The Wonderful Co. introduced new naturally seedless lemons.
Read more at Progressive Grocer.
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