In the latest edition of our new product development trend tracker, FoodNavigator covers a new range of chunky tartare sauces, a range of flavoured seitan products crossing the pond, and new meat-free formats from Richmond Sausages.
In the latest edition of our new product development trend tracker, FoodNavigator covers a new range of chunky tartare sauces, a range of flavoured seitan products crossing the pond, and new meat-free formats from Richmond Sausages.
Pic: GettyImages/Sergey_Nivens
US brand Upton’s Naturals is bringing three new SKUs to Europe: Italian, bacon, and chorizo flavoured seitan.
Seitan is based on wheat protein, using flour that has had all starch removed.
The Italian SKU is a savoury, minced vegan sausage that Upton’s says works great as a pizza topping, mixed into pasta, or as a breakfast sausage.
The bacon variety champions a ‘deep, hickory flavour and meaty texture’. The product’s smoky notes work well in a vegan BLT or crumbled over salad, the company suggested.
And the chorizo version can be teamed with tacos, nachos or a spiced breakfast fry up. It is flavoured with Guajillo chillis and cumin.
UK-based Nim’s Fruit Crisps, which makes air-dried fruit and vegetable crisps, is looking to strengthen its presence in the drinks sector with an infusions range.
Nim’s is targeting major supermarkets and independent retailers with the range, which is designed to garnish drinks and infuse water bottles, teas and alcoholic beverages.
The flavours - which include pink grapefruit and kumquat, lemon, lime, orange and cucumber and grapefruit come in resealable pouches.
“We want to try and replicate the success of our fruit and vegetable crisps by taking infusions into the major supermarkets by investing heavily in new branding, easy to seal packaging and ongoing product development that will bring lots of new infusion pairings to market in the coming months,” said founder Nimisha Raja.
“The infusions come in packs of 12 to 20 slices, taste great and are a sustainable way of having orange, lemon, lime and other fruit at the ready. There is no waste that you would usually get when using fresh fruit, our slices rehydrate to their original state once added to the drink and are ideal for people who have got their own home bar or are attempting to make new creations whilst under lockdown.”
Nimisha added: “At £3.95, the resealable pouch format for Nim’s infusions make them a really convenient and sustainable purchase for the consumer, whilst also offering retailers a point of difference with a great impulse buy.”
Richmond Sausages has expanded its meat-free range with the launch of two meat-free formats: frozen sausages and a twin pack SKU.
The brand hopes the new formats will help retailers cater to the ‘growing demand’ of plant-based meal occasions.
“We’re really excited to be building upon the strong growth of our meat-free range to date by introducing two brand new formats to help retailers make the most of the demand for plant-based products,” said marketing and category director at Kerry Foods (which owns Richmond Sausages), Victoria Southern.
“We’re committed to bringing families together at mealtimes with great tasting food – and meat-free options that don’t compromise on delicious taste or succulent texture.
“To really make the most of this trend, it’s vital retailers offer a variety of meat-free formats to suit different occasions and consumer needs – whether that’s getting the freezer stocked for an upcoming BBQ or making a round of breakfast baps with our new twin pack.”
Street food pop-up brand 2 Fingers has launched a new range of chunky tartare in the UK.
The line is made up of four varieties: original; original vegan; spicy Creole; and fiery Wasabi.
The sauces are made using free-range egg mayonnaise, which includes shallots, Lilliput capers and cornichons. The products contain no artificial sweeteners, colours or flavours.
“We’re incredibly exited to launch 2 Fingers’ new range of artisan chunky tartare sauces. Overtime, tartare sauce has become a byword for a bland gloop of an excuse condiment to accompany our love of seafood,” said 2 Fingers’ founder and director Rick Panesar.
The range is available direct-to-consumer online, or at selected independent retailers and restaurants, with a suggested RRP of £4.50.
Australian brand Swisse Me has launched a new range of high protein vegan snacks in the UK. The range features protein balls in four flavours: Cacao & Hazelnut; Cinnamon & Almond; Raspberry & Chia and Matcha & Cacao and protein powders in four flavours: Vanilla & Cinnamon, Cacao & Hazelnut, Raspberry & Strawberry and Salted Caramel.
Both products come packaged in fully recyclable materials and are ‘naturally tasty, with no 'hidden nasties’, said Swisse Me. The ingredients include magnesium to 'help electrolyte balance', and vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, D, B6, B7, B9 and B12 to help nourish the body. Vitamin D helps contribute to normal immune system function, and Biotin helps with the maintenance of normal hair, skin and nails and B group vitamin complex to help with normal psychological function, the company said.
Nykkea Maretic from Swisse Me commented: “The lifestyles of consumers have changed. Traditional proteins are associated with bulking up and weightlifting. We're changing the narrative to focus on holistic wellness.
"For consumers who are looking for a new take on protein powders- with added benefits for mind and body support - this is perfect.”
The balls are priced at £21.99/8 x 40g (£2.75/serve). The powders are priced at £29.99 for 600g pack (£1.50/serve) or £15.99 for 8 x 30g Travel pack (£2/serve).
