NPD Trend Tracker: From KitKat Nescafé to orzo pasta

KitKat Nescafé released​

Two of Nestlé’s most well-known brands are collaborating with the launch of Nescafé Dolce Gusto KitKat hot chocolate pods.

This comes after Nescafé’s previous offerings of hot chocolate centred around Nestlé’s chocolate brands: Aero Peppermint Mocha and Quality Street Green Triangle Mocha.

The products are, according to Nescafé, non-HFSS, and made with sustainably sourced cocoa.

“We are really excited to have partnered with KitKat to launch our new Nescafé Dolce Gusto Hot Chocolate pods,” said Sophie Demoulin, marketing director at Nescafé Dolce Gusto UK.

“Inspired by the world's favourite break, these pods allow you to recreate your coffee shop experience and enjoy the iconic KitKat from the comfort of your sofa.”

They are available in major retailers and Nescafé’s website now.

Plant-based yoghurt brand releases high-protein ‘yog’​

UK plant-based yoghurt brand The Coconut Collab has released a high-protein ‘yog’, which, according to the brand, contains 10g of protein per 170g serving.

According to the brand, the coconut-flavoured yog, which uses soy and almond protein, is naturally low in sugar and contains all nine essential amino acids. The yog is also fermented with gut-friendly live cultures.

According to The Coconut Collab, the coconuts are all ethically farmed. Furthermore, all coconuts in the supply chain are used, meaning that there is no food waste.

“The Coconut Collab is one of the fastest growing plant-based yoghurt brands with the taste and quality of our products proven time and again, and unanimously loved by our customers,” says Coconut Collab founder James Averdieck.

“Our position as the UK’s leading plant-based coconut yoghurt brand has been spearheaded by the proven success of our existing coconut-based yoghurt range, which includes natural and flavoured varieties, as well as our Gut Health Plain Yog. We’re therefore hugely excited to have the opportunity to offer our customers a simple way of upping their daily protein intake, without compromising on the delicious taste and product quality that they know The Coconut Collab always delivers.”

The 350g pot is available now at an RRP of £2.75 from UK retailers Tesco and Ocado.

Ben’s Original releases new meal ranges ​

The Mars-owned rice brand Ben’s Original has announced the launch of a range of vegetable and grain ‘Lunch Bowls’, and ‘Favourites’, a range of rice dishes, as part of Mars Food and Nutrition UK’s new cupboard-ready meal range.

According to Nielsen IQ, the ‘heat and eat’ trend has been growing 7% year-on-year. Mars, therefore, has taken advantage.

The Lunch Bowls include flavours such as Moroccan Style Chickpea & Raisin, Spicy Mexican Bowl - Bean & Corn, Mediterranean Bowl – Sundried Tomato and Spicy Thai Style Coconut. The favourites include Risotto – Tomato & Italian Style Herbs, Risotto – Chicken & Mushroom, Paella – Chorizo & Vegetable and Chilli Con Carne – Minced Beef & Vegetable.

“We know people want to enjoy healthy, tasty meals, but often don’t have the time to prepare them from scratch. This insight has driven our ready meal innovation strategy which is all about giving consumers a range of tasty and nutritious meals that can be made in minutes,” said Nick Reade, general manager of Mars Food and Nutrition Europe.

“Ben’s Original Favourites and Lunch Bowls will join an existing line-up of exciting products that have hit shelves in recent years, including Ben’s Original Plant Powered and Dolmio Pronto pasta products.”

The range is available now in Tesco, with wider trade rollout later this year.

Fatso launches new flavour ​

Dark chocolate brand Fatso has launched a Sweet Tart flavour which is, according to the brand, inspired by cherry bakewell.

The chocolate bar combines cherries and almonds with shortbread. The brand sources its chocolate from Colombian chocolate company Luker.

“We pride ourselves in our no-compromise approach to sourcing the very best single-origin cacao through our partnership with the future focused, family-run Luker Chocolate in Colombia. As we continue our mission to prove that dark chocolate doesn’t have to be all seriousness and restraint our latest launch is girl-powered, bakewell inspired, chunky and downright delicious. We can’t wait to hear what our customers think,” said Fatso co-founder Ella McKay.

The product is available now from Fatso’s website for an RRP of £6.75 for an 150g bar, and £3.25 for a 40g bar.

Napolina launches orzo and macaroni ​

UK-based Italian food brand Napolina is launching two new additions to its pasta range: macaroni and orzo.

The brand has chosen to launch orzo in particular after a significant increase in interest of the pasta type across the UK, including higher sales in supermarket and its increasing use on UK Italian restaurant menus.

“At Napolina, we’re always keeping a close eye on the market to see what consumers are enjoying, and we spotted a gap in the pasta market for Italian food lovers, particularly Orzo fans,” said Jeremy Gibson, marketing director at Napolina.

“We’re proud to have created two new pasta products to add to our extensive range of authentic Italian ingredients, offering customers high quality ingredients for great value. The two new additions are perfect for all year round, from Mediterranean summer dishes and al fresco dining, to soups and risotto-style for the cooler months.”

The pasta will be released throughout July and August at different UK supermarket retailers, starting with Asda and finishing with Sainsbury’s, at a RRP of £1.50.

Gym Kitchen launches new food-to-go in Tesco​

UK food brand The Gym Kitchen is launching three new food-to-go meals in supermarket retailer Tesco.

The new range includes BBQ Chicken Pasta (RRP £2.85), Chicken Katsu Wrap (RRP £3) and Chicken Tikka Bites (RRP £1.30), which the brand claims are high in protein. They are aimed towards people leading an ‘active lifestyle.’

The brand is also launching further frozen meals in Tesco, including Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken & Chorizo Paella and Meat Feast Pasta, which are available now at an RRP of £2.50 for 400g. Instant noodles, available in flavours Curry and Chicken & Mushroom, join them at an RRP of £1.50 for 64g.

“Expanding The Gym Kitchen proposition across multiple categories is central to our mission to make healthy, wholesome high protein options accessible to everyone and we want to thank all our retail partners for their support in making this happen,” said the brand’s founder, Segun Akinwoleola.