NPD Trend Tracker: From keto jams and spreads to kefir yoghurt and water

NPD-Trend-Tracker-From-keto-jams-and-spreads-to-kefir-yoghurt-and-water.jpg
Image: GettyImagespeshkov (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

This week’s look at new food launches takes in some keto-friendly jams and spreads, a range of drinks made using water kefir, while Biotiful has introduced a choco-lite flavour to its kefir protein.

This week’s look at new food launches takes in some keto-friendly jams and spreads, a range of drinks made using water kefir, while Biotiful has introduced a choco-lite flavour to its kefir protein.  

GettyImagespeshkov
GettyImagespeshkov (peshkov/Getty Images/iStockphoto)

This week’s look at new food launches takes in some keto-friendly jams and spreads, a range of drinks made using water kefir, while Biotiful has introduced a choco-lite flavour to its kefir protein.  

Image: GettyImagespeshkov

Maple syrup energy gel
Maple syrup energy gel

Natural sports nutrition company Protein Rebel has launched Maple Ignite – which it claimed is the UK’s first pure maple syrup energy gel. Made from a light maple syrup harvested from Canadian maple trees and blended with sea salt, Maple Ignite delivers a sustained energy boost to support endurance exercise such as running and cycling. 

“Maple syrup is nature’s performance fuel,” said Tim Boote, founder of Protein Rebel. “It’s high in sucrose which provides a balanced and prolonged energy source while being very gentle on the gut.”  

Maple syrup is naturally high in carbohydrates and the electrolytes potassium and calcium. By blending the syrup with sea salt, this provides added sodium to replenish salts lost through sweating. Each 36g tube of Maple Ignite provides 24g of carbohydrates, 110mg of sodium, 90mg potassium, 27mg calcium as well as iron, manganese and antioxidants. 

As Maple Ignite gels are free from chemicals and don’t contain high levels of fructose and maltodextrin which are commonly used in chemical gels, they’re unlikely to cause any stomach issues, said Boote.  

“Many people struggle to digest fructose and maltodextrin-based gels which end up sitting in the gut, causing gastrointestinal upset, accelerating dehydration, and not providing the vital energy needed. By replacing chemicals with all-natural Maple Ignite, the stomach is at very low risk of distress and you can be confident of getting the energy boost you need when your body most needs it.” 

Image from Protein Rebel

New range of gut-friendly Water Kefir
New range of gut-friendly Water Kefir

Newly-launched PiQi has created a range of drinks made using water kefir, a fermented, living ingredient with a powerful probiotic punch and immune-boosting benefits. The PiQi range features organic ingredients and unique water kefir flavour combinations that include butterfly pea flower and grapefruit and cardamom. 

Water kefir has recognized probiotic qualities and can help support healthy gut microbiota, which plays an important role in digestion, weight management, and the immune system, according to Aksana Fitzpatrick, co-founder of PiQi. “We wanted to provide variety to consumers, specifically options outside of the dairy isle with a unique set of probiotic strains to support gut-health and overall wellbeing,”​ he said.

“A healthy gut is a diverse gut, and we know that diversity of our microbiome decreases with age. Yet there aren’t many strains in general that are used commercially in foods like yogurt for example. You tend to see the same few, which is why we believe that turning to traditional foods and getting naturally occurring probiotics from a variety of fermented foods and drinks, like water kefir, can be a better alternative.” 

Image from Piqi

Protein Works launches new range of protein porridge
Protein Works launches new range of protein porridge

Health and wellness brand Protein Works has unveiled its new Vegan Protein Porridge aiming to fulfil consumer demand for healthy, tasty, low sugar and 100% plant-based breakfast options.

Each bowl of Protein Works’ Vegan Protein Porridge 360 is high in fibre and under 250 calories. It also contains 15g of premium plant protein and enough vitamins and minerals to hit 30% of our daily vitamin needs.

It's available in four flavours: apple and cinnamon, original, chocolate, salted caramel. “Versatile and convenient, Protein Works’ Vegan Protein Porridge 360 has been developed by the nutritional experts at Protein Works using the latest food technology to create nutritionally-complete and affordable breakfast solutions and meals that are quick to make, simple, and delicious,” the company said.

Image from Protein Works

Keto jam
Keto jam

Keto brand SRSLY Low Carb has brought out a range of mixed berries and raspberry jams, which it claims are “ideal for those watching their calories or sugar intake and any breakfast enthusiast who simply craves delicious, guilt-free, fruity spreads”. The jams have 17kcals, 2.9g of net carbs and 1.9g of sugar. Andy Welch, founder of SRSLY Low Carb, said: “Our vision was to make a nearly zero sugar alternative that mirrors a top-quality jam. From the first dollop on the toast to the lingering experience of fresh fruit flavours building towards a gentle fruit sour bite at the back of the mouth crescendo but with a lot less calories and sugars.” 

Image from: SRSLY Low Carb

Hard seltzer listing
Hard seltzer listing

Premium British hard seltzer brand SERVED, co-owned by singer and songwriter Ellie Goulding, has announced that it has launched into Morrisons as part of its ‘Growing British Brands’ accelerator programme. SERVED is available nationwide in selected stores and online.

SERVED is designed for the modern health-conscious consumer who enjoys drinking in moderation, and prioritises quality, provenance, and sustainability. SERVED contains 57 calories and doesn’t contain any sugar, sweeteners or anything artificial. 

SERVED is crafted by infusing sparkling spring water with wonky fruit and pairing this with their own vodka. The result is a refreshing 4% ABV plant-based, gluten-free alcoholic sparkling water with a crisp, fresh flavour, and a touch of natural sweetness. 

Ellie Goulding comments: “We couldn’t be more excited to partner with the Morrisons team to launch SERVED with its ‘Growing British Brands’ programme this January. It’s fantastic to see them championing British brands and we look forward to working with them to establish SERVED as the category leader when it comes to quality, provenance and sustainability.” 

Darren Smith, Senior Sourcing Manager at Morrisons, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to offer our customers SERVED as it is just the sort of drink they are looking for. The products taste delicious and the brand has really impressed us with its drive and ambition too.  We’re thrilled to be working with them as part of our Growing British Brands programme and look forward to continuing to support the team over the coming months.”

The ‘Growing British Brands’ programme gives game-changing, innovative products the potential to sell products in all 498 Morrisons stores as well as listings in other parts of the business including Morrisons.com and wholesale channels like Amazon. 

SERVED Lime Hard Seltzer 250ml and SERVED Raspberry Hard Seltzer 250ml will be available in Morrisons for £2.20 each.

Image from SERVED

Violife’s vegan alternatives to cheese launch in two new vegan offerings at Pret A Manger
Violife’s vegan alternatives to cheese launch in two new vegan offerings at Pret A Manger

For the first time ever, Violife’s 100% vegan alternatives to cheese will feature at Pret A Manger, giving more options to vegans, flexitarians or those looking to try new tastes and make a difference for the planet, as part of the restaurant’s new 2023 menu. 

Launching with a kick, the Spicy No’duja Toasted Focaccia includes mushroom No’duja, red pesto, red pepper, and fresh basil leaves, accompanied by Violife’s Smoky Cheddar Slices in a rosemary focaccia ready to be toasted by Pret’s chefs for a delicious warming lunch.

Or, for those looking for a plant-based alternative to the classic flavours they love without compromising on taste or texture, the Plant Based Ploughman’s Baguette is sure to be a new favourite. The crispy baguette includes Violife’s vegan alternative Smoky Cheddar Slices with spicy chipotle ketchup and Pret pickle chutney, finished with roasted tomatoes, sliced red onions and a salad mix.

Both sandwiches include Violife’s Smoky Cheddar Flavour Slices with a hickory smoky rind which promises to always deliver on flavour. Perfect for sandwiches that meet all dietary needs and lifestyle choices, like all Violife products, these Smoky Cheddar Slices are 100% vegan and free from dairy, lactose, soya, gluten and preservatives. 

Simon Lawrence, Head of Violife Professional, Northern Europe, said: “We’re excited to announce that Pret A Manger’s new 2023 menu will include Violife’s vegan alternatives to cheese in two new vegan products. 100% plant based, the tasty Violife Smoky Cheddar Slices mean all Pret stores will have more options for all dietary requirements when on the go or grabbing a bite to eat with friends, whilst enjoying the delicious tastes and textures they expect from Pret’s range.”

The Spicy No’duja Toasted Focaccia and Plant Based Ploughmann’s Baguette will be available in selected Pret A Manger stores across the UK from January 11th 2023.

Image from Violife

Kefir Protein Choco-Lite
Kefir Protein Choco-Lite

Biotiful Gut Health have added a new product to its range with the launch of Kefir Protein Choco-Lite into Sainsbury's this month. Biotiful Gut Health said its kefir protein is a unique combination of high-protein quark, gut-friendly kefir and choco-lite. It has a “pure, natural taste and a delightfully thick and creamy texture”. Available in 250g, Kefir Protein Choco-lite is great on its own, with fresh berries or nuts.

Image from Biotiful Gut Health

A hazelnut spread with ‘better-for-you convictions’
A hazelnut spread with ‘better-for-you convictions’

Yummtella’s hazelnut spread has moved into bricks and mortar retail. Yummtella describes itself as a sugar-free/keto-friendly nut spread alternative that also meets the distinct needs of the low carb/high protein, gluten-free, vegan communities, with no palm oil, sweeteners, preservatives bulkers or maltitol.

Yummtella was crafted by food entrepreneur and type 1 diabetic Jolie Gindi who wanted to create a low carb/high raw protein choc spread that offered the perfect blend of sweet taste meets superior ingredients (without resorting to unwelcome seed oils) packed with beneficial minerals and vitamins. “We’ve exciting retail/online opportunities to share over the coming weeks for our modish spread in 2023 having spent a lion’s share of 2022 building a passionate D2C following whilst commissioning our stunning new packaging,” said Gindi.

Image from Yummtella