NPD Trend Tracker: From plant-based ice-cream to gluten-free fast food

On our NPD Trend Tracker this week, we have a range of new products from big brands; new flavours from Kettle Chips, plant-based thighs from This, plant-based ice cream from Flora Professional, and a gluten free range from Leon. We also have a collaboration between Disney and Cawston Press and a limited edition beer from Belgian brand Chouffe. Image Source: Getty Images/John M Lund Photography Inc On our NPD Trend Tracker this week, we have a range of new products from big brands; new flavours from Kettle Chips, plant-based thighs from This, plant-based ice cream from Flora Professional, and a gluten free range from Leon. We also have a collaboration between Disney and Cawston Press and a limited edition beer from Belgian brand Chouffe. Image Source: Getty Images/John M Lund Photography Inc Upmarket fast food chain Leon is launching a gluten-free range in UK supermarket retailer Morrisons. All of the products in the range are 100% gluten free, and will be located in Morrisons’ ‘free from’ freezer section. “We’re really excited to be launching our bestselling frozen range into over 400 Morrisons. We look forward to further expanding our grocery range to help more people across the UK enjoy naturally fast food at home,” said Miriam Rose, Head of Leon Grocery. The range will launch on 21 May, and includes GFC Nuggets (RRP £4), Waffle Fries (RRP £2.85) and Garlic & Herb Waffle Fries (RRP £2.85). Image Source: Leon Upfield-owned Flora Professional, the bulk ingredients division of plant-based brand Flora, has announced the release of its dairy-free ice cream mix. While its original flavour is vanilla, it can be developed into other flavours. The mix works as a base for gelato and soft serve. It is, according to Flora Professional, very easy to use and requires no special equipment. “The new Flora Professional ice cream mix seamlessly replaces standard dairy mixes and provides a delicious, plant-based ice cream. Adding your ingredients to the base is all it takes to create a perfect Gelato, just like you're used to. With its smooth texture and fantastic taste, it's a wonderful addition to any menu!” said Pim Otten, advisor for gelato and pastry for ice cream equipment supplier Carpigiani Ambachtelijk Benelux. Image Source: Flora Professional Plant-based brand This has launched plant-based chicken thighs, available throughout the UK in Tesco from today. According to the brand, they are ‘the first nationally distributed plant-based chicken thighs on the market’. Made from soya and fava bean protein, they are, according to the brand, high in both protein and fibre, and are developed using This’s extrusion tech. According to This, its protein fibres are bound together by a network of intramuscular fat and connective tissue, a structure which provides the product’s texture. They are bound together with olive oil-based fat, and coated in a seaweed layer to replicate chicken skin. "We're reinventing the way people experience plant-based dining and we’re incredibly excited to share our latest product launch, This Isn't Chicken Thighs. We’re on a mission to lead a revolution to change what people eat, to protect animals and the environment - and with our ridiculously delicious and nutritious plant-based food we’ve got you covered with the ultimate plant-based chicken thigh,” said Mark Cuddigan, CEO of This. A pack of four is available now in Tesco at an RRP of £3.80. Image Source: This Crisps brand Kettle Chips is today adding two new flavours to its ridge cut range: chorizo and red pepper, and sour cream and chive. Both flavours, according to the brand, are hand cooked, free of artificial flavourings, and HFSS compliant. “We’re overjoyed to be able to treat consumers to our two new flavours, each the result of the passion and creativity of our Innovation Chef. From the mouth-watering spice of chorizo to the delicate hum of chives, every element has been refined from the highest quality ingredients to build the perfect seasoning. We know that our firm fans and new faces alike will enjoy tucking into a bag of both,” said Phil Halford, head of brands at Valeo Snackfoods, which owns Kettle’s European business. The flavours are now available from UK supermarket retailers including Asda and Morrison’s across the UK at an RRP of £2.39. Image Source: Kettle Chips Belgian brewer Chouffe Brewery has announced the launch of a magnum-sized, limited edition version of its Big Chouffe beer, in UK supermarket retailer Waitrose. The brand often commissions artists to design the label, and this year it is designed by Belgian comic book artist Michel Constant. His design includes Chouffe’s gnome mascot, Marcel. The blond beer has, according to Chouffe, spicy notes and hints of citrus, which are followed by the aroma of fresh coriander, finally complemented by a hint of banana and a long finish. The beer will be available in Waitrose and on Waitrose online from 5 to 18 June, the run up to Father’s Day, at an RRP of £14. Image Source: Chouffe Brewery UK-based juice brand Cawston Press has collaborated with Disney to promote the latter’s new film, Inside Out 2. The collaboration features an on-pack promotion of the film on the brand’s fruit water range, which is featured on the packaging of flavours including apple and summer berries, apple and pear, apple and mango, and sunshine orange, all of which are, according to the brand, school approved. It will run between 27 April and 31 August. The promotion also provides consumers with a chance to win a trip to Lisbon. “Here at Cawston Press, we get emotional about our ingredients, with added sugars creating anger and fruit fakery serving anxiety. That’s why you won’t find any of that jiggery pokery in our range. Just naturally fruity goodness serving up everyday moments of joy. We’re delighted to be working with Disney and Pixar to inject even further joy to our much-loved Fruit Waters range and spread the power of natural goodness to Disney and Pixar cinema fans in the UK,” said Millie Tuck, senior brand manager at Cawston Press. “Our collaboration with Disney and Pixar’s ‘Inside Out 2’ builds on our messaging that it's really what’s on the inside that counts, showcased through our No Jiggery Pokery promise. All our drinks are made the right way with natural ingredients, free from artificial sweeteners, colours or preservatives and no added sugars. The project sees our first collaboration with a global IP scale and integration across our whole marketing plan targeting both on-trade and off-trade customers. It’s also excitingly the first time Cawston Press will reach a new cinema audience!” Image Source: Cawston Press

NPD Trend Tracker: From plant-based ice-cream to gluten-free fast food

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