As consumers across Europe continue to grapple with coronavirus lockdowns, health is front-of-mind for many. This week's NPD trend tracker reflects the importance of health and nutrition as an innovation driver. We hear from a French food company rolling out 'gourmet' spirulina and get details on the launch of a 'nutrient-rich' chocolate treat in the UK.
Pic: Getty/eternalcreative
As consumers across Europe continue to grapple with coronavirus lockdowns, health is front-of-mind for many. This week's NPD trend tracker reflects the importance of health and nutrition as an innovation driver. We hear from a French food company rolling out 'gourmet' spirulina and get details on the launch of a 'nutrient-rich' chocolate treat in the UK.
Pic: GettyImages-eternalcreative
Spirulina 'invites itself in the kitchen' which the launch of organic spirulina flakes from French seaweed specialist Gourmet Spirulina.
Spirulina algae is known for its nutritional properties. It is rich in vitamins, minerals and trace elements. The new SKU is organic and certified vegan.
"The health benefits of spirulina have long been recognized. It is often found in the food supplements department... Gourmet Spirulina has a broader view and thinks that we can consume spirulina differently. The brand offers the possibility of consuming it as a 100% natural superfood," the company said.
On potential uses, the company said the ingredient can be added to salads, guacamole, smoothies, or vinaigrette. It can be mixed in quiche, yogurt, omelette or muesli, the seaweed brand suggested.
Tenzing has brought forward the launch of its 'most powerful plant-based energy drink' to meet the needs of 'people concentrating on keeping active' during lockdown.
Tenzing Blackberry & Açaí includes anti-oxidising berries and plant-based Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs). The company noted that 'most' BCAAs are derived from animal sources. The company has developed a way of sourcing BCAAs from corn using fermentation and prebiotics.
The bigger 330ml can also includes 30% more caffeine than their previous two blends.
"This new super-charged blend unlocks the power of plants to energise a workout, hydrate the body,
support muscle growth and reduce post workout muscle burn.
"We found a way to source BCAA from corn and are excited to launch the world’s first naturally energising drink with plant-based BCAAs," founder Huib van Bockel said.
Naked Glory, the plant-based brand launched by Kerry Foods last year, is launching a new ready-to-eat SKU in order to capitalise on growing demand for plant-based and convenient options.
The new Deli Readybites will include three varieties: Tikka, Roast and Smoky BBQ.
This is the first ready-to-eat range created by Naked Glory, which first launched in September last year to provide a range of meat-free alternatives that 'don’t compromise on high quality, meaty taste and succulent texture'.
Alison Lees, Marketing Manager, Naked Glory, said: “We know that lunchtime can be poorly catered for in terms of reliable meat-free options, and there’s only so many times the classic cheese sandwich can be on the menu before it starts to get boring. Providing variety and convenience is key for retailers, so we’re really excited to see our brand-new Deli Readybites hitting shelves up and down the country this month, helping to liven up the nation’s lunchtime.
"They don’t require any cooking at all, so are perfect for dishing up quick and convenient lunches and snacks – whether that’s on their own, tossed through a salad or used to recreate a classic coronation ‘chicken’ for jackets and sarnies."
Unilever is launching Magnum Ruby in France.
Magnum Ruby is a white chocolate ice cream with a swirl of raspberry sauce and a coating of Ruby chocolate.
Magnum was the first ice cream brand in Europe to launch this pink chocolate, the company noted. Ruby has been recognised as the fourth chocolate, after dark, milk and white. It is made from Ruby cocoa beans, which give chocolate its natural berry notes. The pink chocolate is free from artificial colouring or flavouring.
UK start-up Prodigy is launching 'nutrient-rich' chocolate bars.
"As we become more aware of what we are consuming at the moment, it is not surprising that consumers may be searching for foods that deliver on functionality with added health benefits. With many falling short of the recommended daily intake of 30g of fibre, Prodigy is the perfect answer," the company said.
The new bars include added inulin, a natural fibre sourced from chicory root. Each bar contains 6-8g of fibre, which is approximately 25% of the recommended daily fibre intake. The bars are a 'great source of prebiotic fibre' that will help 'work towards a healthier gut'.
Prodigy reforms chocolate classics to prove 'nutritional snacking doesn’t have to be boring'. From Coconut and Peanut & Caramel flavours to classic favourites.
French drinks maker Life Juice has developed a new line of pomegranate drinks to 'gently support' the body's cycle.
The new beverages are available in two varieties: pomegranate, purple carrot juice and turmeric, as well as pomegranate beetroot ginger.
The juices contain active compounds including antioxidant polyphenols (more than 2g per liter), organic acids, potassium, vitamins (Vitamin C and Vitamin B) and folic acid.
The new variety will be available in two pack formats: 75cl bottles and a six pack of individual bottles (6 × 120ml).
Life Juice is available in the fresh department at Monoprix throughout France and at Carrefour Market, Carrefour City, Leclerc, Auchan Hypermarché (in Ile-de-France) and at Géant Casino (in the south).
