As we move into 2024, we’ll continue to bring you the latest in new product development across Europe, and occasionally from further afield. In this edition of our NPD Trend Tracker for example, we cover Nestlé’s recent launch of Maggi Soya Chunks in Central and West Africa. Closer to home, PepsiCo is launching non-HFSS Sunbites crisps, and retailer Asda is announcing a new ‘Health menu’ range. Scroll through the photo gallery for more…
GettyImages/real444
As we move into 2024, we’ll continue to bring you the latest in new product development across Europe, and occasionally from further afield. In this edition of our NPD Trend Tracker for example, we cover Nestlé’s recent launch of Maggi Soya Chunks in Central and West Africa. Closer to home, PepsiCo is launching non-HFSS Sunbites crisps, and retailer Asda is announcing a new ‘Health menu’ range. Scroll through the photo gallery for more…
GettyImages/real444
Nestlé is expanding its product range in Africa with the launch of its Maggi-branded Soya Chunks. According to the food major, the product is a ‘tasty’ and ‘affordable’ plant-based meat alternative that enables consumers in Central and West Africa to add ‘high-quality’ protein to their diets.
Made from soy, the product contains less saturated fats and cholesterol compared to animal protein. It is also sold at a lower cost. Further, the product has been fortified with iron and zinc to help address the main micronutrient deficiencies in the region.
Each shelf-stable pack format provides enough protein for up to eight people. The chunks can be used in a variety of family meals ranging from rice dishes to stews and spaghetti.
"We're focused on using more plant-based ingredients as part of our efforts to deliver affordable, nutritious products that contribute to closing the protein gap that exists for many consumers,” said Céline Worth, R&D Program Manager for Affordable Nutrition at Nestlé.
“Our soya chunks are not only delicious but serve an excellent choice for families looking to enhance their daily diets with increased protein and essential micronutrients in an affordable way.”
Image source: Nestlé
We’ve all heard of session beer, but what about session wine? London-based start-up NICE is looking to kickstart the trend with a new lower ABV Session Wine to offer consumers more choice in the low-and-no alcohol category.
The 3.4% ABV Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot products now mean that drinking three glasses is the equivalent of drinking one glass of their full-strength counterparts.
“Moderation of alcohol isn’t new and it isn’t niche. Three out of four UK adults are proactively moderating their alcohol intake; the same as the number of people who consume alcohol at least once per week,” noted NICE co-founder Lucy Busk.
“It’s also not just a Gen Z phenomenon, we can see from the data that it’s happening across all age groups. That’s why we created Session wine, to offer consumers more choice.”
The lower alcohol offerings are available online and on trade in 750ml bottles with an RRP of £10.
Image source: NICE
Retailer Asda is launching a range of nutritionist-approved products this month to help consumers find healthier food on a budget.
Starting at 75p per serving, the Health Menu range includes ‘nourishing and energising’ meals such as Smoky Beef Chilli Power Pot and Fiery Jerk Chicken Bowl. Four one-pan scratch-cooking kits are also including in the line, including Sticky Teriyaki Beef Noodles.
"At Asda, we believe that healthy eating should be simple, convenient, and accessible to all. That’s why we’ve developed our new Health Menu range, full of nutritious meals that are quick and easy to prepare,” said Sophie Rose, Nutrition and Health Strategy Manager at Asda.
“Healthy eating shouldn’t cost the earth, and with prices starting at just 75p, we hope to empower customers to make healthy choices whilst showing them that you don’t need to count calories or compromise on taste to live a healthy lifestyle.”
The range is made up of more than 45 products and is available in-sore and online from this month onwards.
Image source: Asda
Drinks-to-snacks major PepsiCo is revamping its Sunbites crisp range with recycled plastic packaging and non-HFSS status thanks to product reformulation.
The new range is made with 50% recycled plastic, which PepsiCo estimates will reduce Sunbites’ use of virgin plastic by more than 200 tonnes over the next 24 months.
At the same time, the range is now classified as non-HFSS thanks to reformulation efforts and ‘months of trials’ that have resulted in reduced sugar and salt content while maintaining crunch and flavour.
“The Sunbites transformation marks our ongoing commitment to offering products that are better for both people and planet. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made so far to reduce the fossil-based plastic we use and meet growing demand for healthier snacking options without sacrificing taste,” said Gareth Callan, Sustainable Packaging Lead for PepsiCo UK.
Although PepsiCo says it is ‘working hard’ to reinvent its packaging, it believes policymakers can help efforts. “To help us do this at scale, we are urging the UK government to recognise the role that chemical recycling and other emerging mechanical technologies could play in creating demand for food-contact flexible plastics – including the modification of the Plastic Packaging Tax to stimulate a circular economy for packaging in the UK,” added Callan.
Image source: PepsiCo
Today marks the second day of the year, and the second day of Veganuary: a month that sees many consumers turn their backs on animal products. In Germany, plant-based seafood start-up BettaF!sh is getting involved, announcing it is a cooperation partner for the event alongside DeutscheBahn, Pizza Hut and Coop Switzerland.
In teaming up with partners across retail, food service and the manufacturing industry, the start-up hopes to get its TU-NAH product in front of ‘millions of consumers’ across Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
“It’s not just essential for us to find and onboard new partners, but also to grow together with existing ones,” said founder and CEO Deniz Ficicioglu.
“With BettaF!sh, we’re proving that sustainability can simultaneously taste great and be affordable for everyone. In the last 18 months, we have successfully won over exceptional partners in retail, foodservice and industry in over eight countries, showing that TU-Nah and seaweed will play an important role in the future of food,” she added.
Image source: BettaF!sh
Subway is another company getting behind Veganuary with the launch of its Plant Picante sub launching 10 January across the UK.
The vegetarian sub is made with a spiced plant patty topped with crispy onions, sweet onion and garlic & herbs sauces and American-style cheese. The sub can also be made completely plant-based with a Vegan Cheeze substitute. Both options come with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, and can be sold in salad or wrap formats.
“We’re excited to be launching the Plant Picante this January, which like all our Subs is fully customisable to your taste and adds to the range of vegetarian and plant-based options that we have at Subway,” said Rusty Warren, Senior NPD and Product Innovation Manager at Subway.
“For a vibrant and flavourful option during Veganuary, why not give it a try with our Vegan Cheeze and our legendary Vegan Double Choc Cookie for a fully plant-based meal.”
Image source: Subway
