This week's innovation round-up showcases Unilever's latest paper packaging innovation for the Coleman's brand and Organix's efforts to educate kids' pallets and acclimatise them to 'grown-up' savoury flavours.
Pic: GettyImages-FamVeld
This week's innovation round-up showcases Unilever's latest paper packaging innovation for the Coleman's brand and Organix's efforts to educate kids' pallets and acclimatise them to 'grown-up' savoury flavours.
Pic: GettyImages-FamVeld
FMCG giant Unilever and packaging supplier Mondi have developed a new high barrier paper-based packaging material for Unilever’s Colman’s dry Meal Maker and Sauces range.
The new packaging replaces unrecyclable multi-material laminate packaging with recyclable paper packaging. The aluminium, as well as all unnecessary plastic layers of the previous material, were eliminated. This resulted in a new packaging solution with paper content of 85% and an ultra-thin functional plastic layer that seals the packaging, and provides barrier protection for the food. Mondi and Unilever’s R&D teams identified this layer as the minimum acceptable protection needed to ensure a long shelf life while maintaining high quality and reducing food waste.
Unilever wants its entire packaging portfolio to be technically recyclable, reusable or biodegradable by 2025. It also wants to halve the amount of plastic used by the same deadline.
Fikerte Woldegiorgis, Foods Marketing Director, Unilever UK&I commented: “At Colman’s, we’re big and bold when it comes to our flavours, and we’re keen to make equally bold steps when it comes to our sustainability commitments. We are delighted to partner with Mondi to develop this recyclable paper packaging, becoming the first big brand within the category to do so. The new packaging, which uses a paper-base, ensures that shoppers can enjoy the same great tasting product they know and love, and now with the added benefit of being able to recycle the packs.”
Torsten Murra, Global Head of Key Accounts Consumer Flexibles, Mondi, added: “MAP2030, Mondi’s action plan for the next 10 years to achieve our ambitious 2030 sustainability commitments, focuses on circular driven packaging and paper solutions, created by empowered people, taking action on climate. By working closely with Unilever, we were able to co-create a packaging solution that will deliver on all counts and is recyclable, providing a valuable resource for the circular economy to drive real change towards a more sustainable future.”
Image supplied by Coleman's
UK kids food brand Organix is launching Veggie Mini Mix-Ups, a snack made with organic vegetables, designed to give little ones a taste of 'grown-up, savoury flavours' during their first year of weaning.
The Veggie Mini Mix-Ups pack contains a mix of mini heart, hoop and star veggie puffs in three flavours: Green Pea, Carrot & Beetroot and Parsnip. It is suitable for children 9+ months.
Organix said the range is the 'first of its kind' and has been developed with the aim of introducing new savoury flavours at the weaning stage.
"Organix knows that what little ones are fed during the weaning stage supports them in having a healthy relationship with food in later life, so have created the Green Pea Stars, Carrot & Beetroot Hearts and Parsnip Hoops to give little ones a head start on learning to love veggie flavours. The new mini shapes also make snack time more fun, letting little hands explore shapes and encouraging self-feeding by helping the development of the pincer grip," the company explained.
Emily Day, Head of Food Development explained that the new product is designed to address a particular pain point for parents, who can struggle to introduce the bitter flavours associated with vegetables. "Introducing new flavours at the weaning stage can often be a challenge for parents, especially veggies, so our new Mini Mix-Ups are a great way of getting their littles ones used to these unfamiliar, flavours that will challenge their taste buds."
Like the rest of the Organix line up, the Veggie Mini Mix-Ups carry a ‘No Junk Promise’ that means they are made with organic ingredients and free from artificial colours, flavours and added salt.
Image supplied by Organix
ZAG is a new alcohol-free beer alternative that claims to deliver a 'curious and unique' taste experience by combining ingredients like green tea and kombucha.
Mint is combined with cucumber, which ZAG notes, is high in nutrients, essential vitamins and minerals. Lemon and lime provide a 'zesty kick' and boost of vitamin C. Blending these 'big bold flavours' and providing a 'more mellow undertone' is green tea, which 'may boost fat burning and brain function' and is high in antioxidants.
ZAG has also added kombucha – the fermented ingredient believed to boost immunity and aid weight loss, digestion and rid the body of toxins. This provides the beer alternative with a 'gentle fizz' accentuating the 'herbaceous and fruity notes' of the other ingredients, the company claimed.
ZAG said: "Whether you are off the sauce completely, fancy a change and want a tasty alternative to beer or simply want a cold, refreshing can of something awesome on a hot day, it’s time to invest in the unknown and dive into something refreshingly different."
Zag is available in: 5, 12 and 24 pack cans or 12 pack bottles.
Image supplied by ZAG
Sproud, the Swedish scale-up behind a range of plant-based milk made from yellow split peas, has secured a liting in the UK. The company’s products are now available in 250 Holland and Barrett stores and via the retailer’s website.
Holland and Barrett’s stores will stock two Sproud variants: Unsweetened and the Barista. Unsweetened is an alternative to semi-skimmed milk and contains zero grams of sugar, is low in carbs and has five times the protein found in almond milk. The Barista variety has a creamy texture, which Sproud says makes it ideal for frothing and foaming. It also contains a third less sugar than the leading oat milk equivalent, the company noted.
Originally launched in 2018, Sproud now has a presence in 20 countries including the UK, Scandinavia, the United States and Canada
The company claims Sproud has 'one of the lowest carbon footprints of any dairy alternative' as it is made from yellow pea, one of the most sustainable sources of plant-based protein. Being shelf-stable removes the need for chilled distribution.
Maria Tegman, CEO and co-founder at Sproud commented: “With Sproud, we want to help improve the health of our planet and customers alike. As the UK’s leading health and wellbeing store, with a big focus on sustainability, Holland and Barrett shares our mission, and makes for an ideal retail partner.
“We are so proud of the many brilliant partnerships we’ve been able to strike in the UK since first launching in 2019. And equally proud to get recognition of our products from the likes of the Free From Awards, which recently awarded us the gold medal for Sproud, and Sugarwise, which made us the first-ever alt-milk company to receive its certification. There is such great interest for pea-milk right now, and we look forward to continuing work to make our fantastic products available to customers right across the UK.”
Sproud is already available via the likes of Waitrose, Ocado, Booths and Amazon in the UK.
Image supplied by Sproud
Indian snacks manufacturer Cofresh has expanded its Grills and Crackers range with the launch of two new products featuring 'popular Anglo-Indian flavours' – Mango Chutney and Onion Bhaji.
Developed in response to growing consumer demand for taste adventure, the two new snacks are designed to appeal to all ages and capitalise popularity of shared snacking occasions.
The Mango Chutney Grills (80g) combine sweet and spicy elements of thisc condiment, including a hint of mint, in a crunchy potato-based snack. The Onion Bhaji Corn Crackers (60g) recreate the flavour of this famous Indian appetiser. Both are suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.
“The last year in lockdown has seen increased demand for new varieties but people are also embracing the comfort factor found in familiar flavours,” commented Jon Roberts, Cofresh brand manager. “The renewed interest in health and well-being also means there’s a fantastic opportunity for our Grills to shine – with 30% less fat than the market leader and no reduction in the flavours that Cofresh is renowned for, they’re exactly what consumers are seeking.”
The new Grills and Crackers have been developed as part of Cofresh’s 'extensive' NPD programme and will be supported by PR, advertising and social media campaigns, as well as in-store promotional activity such as multibuys and WIGIGs.
Image supplied by Cofresh
Miss Jones Baking Co. launched its Everyday Delicious line, giving consumers the 'ability to bake like a pro' while still 'keeping it real' by using the 'highest quality ingredients'.
Free from artificial flavours or hydrogenated oils, Everyday Delicious is made with 100% whole grain. It also contains 'SmartSugar', the 'first-ever' sugar replacement made with all-natural, plant-based ingredients that bakes 'exactly like sugar', has 50% less sugar, 2 grams of fibre and no aftertaste.
Everyday Delicious is available in five different mixes including: Monster Cookie Mix, Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix, Fudgy Brownie, Blueberry Muffin & Bread Mix and Banana Bread & Muffin Mix.
Image supplied by Miss Jones Baking Co
