Edible utensils and a riff on nori and sandwich wraps are among the stand-out innovations inducted on Mondelēz’s latest CoLab

SnackFutures – Mondelēz’s innovation and venture hub – has announced the nine start-ups selected to participate in its third cohort of CoLab, each with the potential to strengthen the Oreo maker’s core business while offering the potential to explore new categories. The CoLab students will receive a 12-week curriculum of virtual and hands on sessions, a $20,000 grant and access to Mondelez’s experts and global network. Reimagined utensil developer Incredible Eats and New Gem - which is daring consumers to wrap their sandwich/sushi in mango or apple - are among the fledgling firms that are turning snacks on their head. According to CoLab head Jackie Haney, the theme of each class is carefully curated to be a collaborative, growth-centric experience. “SnackFutures’ focus is to curate a portfolio of disruptive brands that can give Mondelēz International first-mover advantage on snack innovation, get us even closer to the consumer, and accelerate our financial, reputational, and cultural growth,” said Haney. “CoLab is pivotal to that because it allows us to work with, learn from and nurture early-stage brands that have the potential to scale.” 2023 CoLab cohot Incredible Eats’ edible spoons and straws come in sweet and savoury options and provide an alternative to single-use plastic. Plant-based is not new, but Mezcla is shaking it up with a puff-crispy snack experience in unique flavour profiles. Whoa Dough is the ‘on-the-go’ version of better-for-you cookie dough that also will appeal to consumers who are gluten-free and vegan. Freezcake are scratch-made bites of cheesecake that can be enjoyed in the car. Legally Addictive’s cracker-based cookies is a sweet ’n salty experience all-in-one bite. CocoTerra’s chocolate machine enables fans to create their own dark, milk and white chocolate in their own kitchens. DreamPops are plant-based, clean label frozen pops, bites and shelf-stable candy crunch. New Gem is a riff on nori with mango, apple, carrot and tomato wraps that can also be used to replace bread and tortillas, both being among the world’s largest contributors of fod waste. Steiner’s Coffee Cake of New York takes gluten-free up a notch, using grandmother’s beloved recipe.

Edible utensils and a riff on nori and sandwich wraps are among the stand-out innovations inducted on Mondelēz’s latest CoLab

CoLab is designed to build a venture pipeline of early-stage brands and this year’s inductees are doing disruptive things to make snacks delicious.

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