NPD Trend Tracker: From ice cream inspired sweets to blood-flow boosting apple juice

NPD-Trend-Tracker-From-ice-cream-inspired-sweets-to-blood-flow-boosting-apple-juice.jpg
NPD Trend Tracker: From music and ice cream inspired sweets to blood-flow boosting apple juice. GettyImages/baranozdemir (Getty Images)

Spring is in the air and summer is firmly on the horizon in this week’s new product roundup: there are ice-cream inspired sweets and a seasonally special-edition menu. In other news we discover a supercharged apple juice, with heart-healthy properties, and a brand with a brand-new look. Click through to discover more…

Spring is in the air and summer is firmly on the horizon in this week’s new product roundup: there are ice-cream inspired sweets and a seasonally special-edition menu. In other news we discover a supercharged apple juice, with heart-healthy properties, and a brand with a brand-new look.

Click through to discover more…

Photo credit: GettyImages/baranozdemir

NPD Trend Tracker: From ice cream inspired sweets to blood-flow boosting apple juice
NPD Trend Tracker: From ice cream inspired sweets to blood-flow boosting apple juice (baranozdemir/Getty Images)

Spring is in the air and summer is firmly on the horizon in this week’s new product roundup: there are ice-cream inspired sweets and a seasonally special-edition menu. In other news we discover a supercharged apple juice, with heart-healthy properties, and a brand with a brand-new look.

Click through to discover more…

Photo credit: GettyImages/baranozdemir

Nestlé and Jordan Banjo create ice-cream dream
Nestlé and Jordan Banjo create ice-cream dream (Nigel Davies)

Nestlé is adding a summery twist to its sweets with the launch of a new range of ice cream inspired sharing bags.

The new range of sharing bags includes Neapolitan flavour Aero Melts, Raspberry Ripple flavour Milkybar Buttons, Cookie Dough Ice Cream flavour Munchies and Ice Cream shaped Rowntree’s Randoms Foamies.

“We’re so excited to introduce our new Nestlé sharing bag range,” said Cat Mews, brand manager at Nestlé. “Taking inspiration from those classic frozen flavours that we all know and love, we’ve developed some nostalgic taste combinations that chocolate fanatics will be sure to love.”

To celebrate the launch, Nestlé has partnered with dancer and KISS FM host, Jordan Banjo, to release two ice cream van jingles to up the fun factor.

Shoppers can pick up the new range of flavours in supermarkets and retailers nationwide now.

Photo credit: Nestlé

Mindful Chef and LEON spring into action with new spring menu
Mindful Chef and LEON spring into action with new spring menu

The Mindful Chef is collaborating with LEON to launch six new recipes and brand-new flavours as part of their new spring menu.

The limited-edition menu is available from 10th to 23rd March and is the first to feature LEON Grocery’s new Microwave Rice.

The menu options include LEON’s Honey Halloumi with Herbed Rice, LEON’s Chicken, Coconut & Lime Curry, LEON’s Gochujang Tiger Prawns with Korean Fried Spicy Rice, LEON’s Golden Glow Dhal, LEON’s Lentil & Butternut Squash Masala and LEON’s Aioli Chicken with Rice & Rainbow Slaw.

“This collaboration is a fantastic way to kick off Spring” said Ashley Davis, managing director at LEON. “It’s great to be partnering with Mindful Chef again. There’s some real innovation on the new menu, with recipes that are healthy, easy, flavourful and sustainable. I can’t wait for people to taste our latest offering.”

The menu is available online now.

Photo credit: The Mindful Chef and LEON

Supercharge your juice experience
Supercharge your juice experience

Scientists in Germany have discovered a new ‘super’ apple juice, with the potential to improve heart health by boosting blood flow.

Researchers at Hochschule Geisenheim University have found a way to maximise polyphenols in apple juice by using a novel squeezing method called a spiral filter press, which actively takes out oxygen by vacuum-driven pressing. What’s more, they ensure oxygen is excluded from all other processing steps, therefore reducing nutrient deterioration.

According to the researchers, a 280ml serving of the new apple juice would be enough to provide 100% of the ideal intake for a key group of polyphenols, called flavan-3-ols, which help promote a healthy blood flow.

“Apple juice is already a source of polyphenol compounds, but you would need to drink several glasses to reach the levels recommended by scientists for heart health effects,” explained Professor Ralf Schweiggert, lead author of the paper. “The new juicing method that we’ve investigated takes the polyphenol content to a new level by minimizing the nutrient losses we typically see during juicing.”

Photo credit: Fruit Juice Science Centre

Turn your kitchen into a café with Oatly Barista Organic Oat Drink
Turn your kitchen into a café with Oatly Barista Organic Oat Drink

Oatly is stepping into the organic market with its new organic oat drink.

Interest in organic milks has increased in recent years and this offers a plant-based option for vegans.

“Since launching Oatly’s iconic Barista Edition, we’ve received strong interest from Baristas, partners and customers alike to expand the range and offer an organic option,” Bryan Carroll, Oatly General Manager UK & Ireland noted. “In close collaboration with top skilled Baristas, we’ve worked tirelessly to develop a product that meets those needs and doesn’t compromise Oatly’s high standards when it comes to taste, performance and sustainability.”

Oatly Barista Organic is available in Tesco, Sainsbury’s and selected independent retailers across the UK.

Photo credit: Oatly

Eat Real is embracing a new look with a bold rebrand
Eat Real is embracing a new look with a bold rebrand

Snacking brand, Eat Real has undergone a major rebrand. The healthy snack brand offers crisp (chip) flavours, including Zesty Lemon and Chilli, Tomato and Basil and Mango and Mint. And that’s not all, the rebrand will see new multipack options available

The new look is available in Waitrose and ASDA  

Keeping to its roots, the new design continues to highlight the brand’s better-for-you credentials, including plant-based and gluten-free. All Eat Real products remain free from artificial colours, flavours, and ingredients, with the Hummus and Lentil ranges containing 30% less fat than regular crisps. 

"This is a really exciting time for Eat Real, as we relaunch into this next phase of growth,” said creative director Becky Akers. "By refreshing our packaging and celebrating the food, we're not just offering a new look but also reinforcing our commitment to providing healthier, flavour-packed snacking options that our customers know and love."

Eat Real’s new packs are available at Waitrose and ASDA now and will be available in other retailers from April 2024.

Photo credit: Eat Real