NPD Trend Tracker: From plant-based crispy bacon to free-from ready meals

Food and drink NPD is often a rich and vibrant space with new products joining supermarket shelves Europe-wide following, in many cases, years of R&D and trial and error.

So, which innovations topped the list this week and when will they launch?

Crispy vegan bacon strips

Vegan plant-based meat alternative maker Squeaky Bean has added new Crispy Bacon Style strips to its line-up, making a UK debut 25 September.

The new, ready to eat range promises a sweet and salty taste complimented by a crispy texture.

Dubbed a market first, the launch builds on Squeaky Bean’s reputation as an innovation leader in plant-based, the brand said, and follows recent launches like Cooking Chorizo Style Sausage and Beechwood Smoked Salmon Style Slices.

The new crispy bacon-style slices were designed for vegans and vegetarians who say they miss the taste of bacon.

“Research shows that bacon continues to come out top of the list of foods vegans and vegetarians miss the most. But, until now, there hasn’t been a plant-based ready to eat bacon that can dare to compare to its meat counterpart,” said Squeaky Bean head of marketing Jen Herbert.

RRP: ​£2.75

Available: ​In select UK Sainsbury’s store from 25 September

Image: ​Squeaky Bean

Free-from food allergies and packed with veggies

A new range of free-from, vegetable-packed ready meals will be launched by kids food specialist brand Flourish by Kirsty’s.

The range of mini meals have been developed for children with food allergies and intolerances, with a view to helping parents make mealtimes easier and more nutritious to boot.

The three-strong line-up has been made in an allergen-free food factory and will be available in two major UK retailers, Ocado and Morrisons.

The range includes Pasta Bolognese; Chicken & Sweetcorn Pie; and Cottage Pie.

“My free-from journey started many years ago when my son was diagnosed with food allergies and intolerances, so I have first hand experience with how daunting this can be,” said Flourish by Kirsty’s founder Kirsty Henshaw.

“This is exactly why I wanted to create Flourish, to allow young children to enjoy deliciously healthy meals without compromise, and of course make life a little easier for families.”

RRP: ​£2.50/200g meal

Available: ​In UK Morrisons stores and on Ocado

Image: ​Floruish

A chocolate orange with no orange

Much-beloved British Christmas chocolate classic Terry’s has launched a new Terry’s Chocolate Milk variant, joining a line-up of three this festive period.

The new line was developed to appeal to the 70% of British consumers who like plain, milk chocolate and is the brand’s first milk chocolate product and follows its sell-out mint variant last Christmas.

“We are always very careful to balance innovation with the brand’s core,” said Terry’s senior marketing manager Lorène Decam. “Our research showed a 90% purchase intent ​for the new product by non-Terry’s shoppers, demonstrating a huge growth opportunity for the festive season and beyond.

“Launching a plain version is something most brands start with, but Terry’s will always be different. Our ambition is to tap into the 40% of the category that is plain chocolate but with the unique ritual and format of Terry’s chocolate balls. There’s a huge growth opportunity for the brand and the category”

RRP: ​£2.00

Available: ​September in major retailers and full distribution by October

Image: ​Terry’s

Canned water makes a splash

Radnor Splash has launched its three water flavours in a new canned format, confirming a number of pre-listings in major UK retailers.

Previously available in a straw-free 250ml Tetra, sports cap and plain cap 500ml, as well as a 1.5l recyclable bottles, it is hoped the new 330ml cans will make a splash with consumers.

The three flavours of Lemon & Lime, Apple & Raspberry; and Strawberry are made using sparkling spring water and natural flavourings.

“Radnor Splash is one of our best-performing brands and we’re excited to be offering consumers a new convenient canned version,” said Radnor Hills managing director Simon Knight.

“Completely sugar-free and low-calorie, our new canned range is available in our three best-selling flavours.”

The range is pre-listed before launch in foodservice distributors Brakes and Bidfood, as well as Youings, Universal Product Solutions and Dunsters Farm.

Sold: ​24x330ml packs

Available: ​Various foodservice distributors

Image: ​Radnor Hills