Sep 17, 2021

This year’s slate of Editors’ Picks does more with less By Progressive Grocer Staff Confirming a trend of some years’ standing, many of the products chosen as 2021 Editors’ Picks proudly touted their short ingredient lists, stressing their commitment to uncomplicated recipes and to quality over quantity. For some items, like Ark Foods Clean Label Salads, that brand proposition was in the name, while others contented themselves with providing their bona fides in their entry descriptions. These products, which spanned a wide range of categories — the frozen department, with Nubocha Dairy Free Gelato; the refrigerated case, with Vital Farms Pasture-Raised Egg Bites; the snack aisle, with Pipcorn Heirloom Snack Crunchies; the baking section, with LusOasis’ pancake and waffle mixes; and even the health, beauty and wellness offerings, with Topco’s TopCare Mineral Continuous Spray Sunscreen, to name just a few — received a big boost from consumers preoccupied with optimal health amid a lingering pandemic, but make no mistake: Simpler formulations, crafted with “real,” easy-to-pronounce ingredients, are here to stay. The most popular of those ingredients was — also in line with a huge trend of the past few years — plant protein , as evidenced by the dozens of items boasting one or more types of this coveted attribute. Entries that won over our editorial judges included American Flatbread Meatless Evolution Plant-Based Pizza, Blount’s Family Kitchen Plant-Based Chili, Bubbies Vegan Mochi Ice Cream, plant milk products from Califia Farms and newcomer NotMilk, Eat the Change Organic Mushroom Jerky, Nasoya Plantspired Breakfast Scramble Superfood Skillet, PlantBoss Meatless Crumbles, RightRice Risotto, Seapoint Farms Mighty Lil’ Lentils, and more. Meanwhile, keto- and Paleo-friendly products continued to provide lower-carb versions of such consumer favorites as ice cream, cookies, breakfast food, baking mixes, sweeteners, nutrition bars and meat snacks. Another key ongoing trend noted by Progressive Grocer editors was the growing contingent of private-brand products from the likes of Lidl, Schnucks and, as mentioned earlier, Topco. As own-brand penetration rises in the United States, these items offer price-conscious shoppers affordable on-trend innovation across the store. In 2021, PG’s editorial team sifted through a record number of submissions to arrive at 100-plus Editors’ Picks, which can be found below. 1776 BBQ Sauce $2.99 per 21-ounce bottle After a successful launch of a restaurant and whiskey, country music star John Rich has turned his Redneck Riviera brand into a lifestyle of “work hard, play hard.” The latest product tied to the brand is 1776 BBQ Sauce, a condiment completely sourced in the USA (including the bottle). Unlike other barbecue sauces, the first ingredient is tomato purée, and the sauce is made with real sugar. Red Gold is donating a portion of the proceeds from every bottle to Folds of Honor, a charity that provides educational scholarships to families of fallen military members. Meanwhile, the company plans to continue growing the brand through upcoming line extensions, while using more marketing tactics to gain trial, including collaborating with influencers who are known for grilling. a2 Milk Half and Half $4.49 per 32-fluid-ounce carton Following the successful launch of its a2 Milk line, the a2 Milk Co . recently introduced Half and Half made by cows that naturally produce only the A2 protein. These products are targeted at consumers who get stomach discomfort from the regular A1/A2 protein mix of dairy, or just prefer the taste of the A2 version. The Half and Half contains only real cows’ milk and cream, with no added sugar, additives or rBST growth hormone. The global market for milk containing only the A2 protein is forecast to expand at a 10.3% compound annual growth rate over the next decade, according to the company, which envisions the A2 market as a lucrative premium segment for grocers. It’s supporting its latest launch with an integrated marketing campaign. Airly Oat Clouds $2.99-$3.69 per 7.5-ounce package Airly Foods is pioneering what it claims is the first-ever climate-friendly snack developed to remove greenhouse gases from the air: Airly Oat Cloud crackers. The company farms in a way that its oats can remove carbon dioxide from the air by sequestering it into the soil. Then, to offset carbon dioxide during production and transportation, Airly invests in agricultural and forestry projects by purchasing carbon credits, which further benefits the land. Every box of Airly Oat Clouds has the carbon footprint printed on the back. To help further educate consumers, the brand is using such marketing efforts as content creation and social engagement. The crackers come in both sweet and savory options. Alex’s Awesome Sourdough Plant-Based Vegan Margherita $8.99 per 13-ounce box Alex’s Awesome Sourdough is the first frozen pizza made with naturally fermented sourdough, which makes it easier to digest and with a lower glycemic load, according to the company. The Vegan Margherita uses dairy-free cheese from Forager and other ingredients from carefully curated local suppliers, most of which are organic certified. Alex’s Awesome Sourdough is using a combination of aggressive trade support and consumer outreach to spread the word about its pizzas. In addition, the company has several new SKUs ready to launch in 2022. American Flatbread Meatless Evolution Plant-Based Pizza $8.99 per 11.2-ounce box In response to the growing trend of flexitarian diets, American Flatbread developed what it says is its most requested line of frozen pizzas yet: Meatless Evolution. The plant-based products, which contributed to the brand’s nearly 30% growth in the conventional retail channel in 2020, include two vegan and two vegetarian options to cater to various lifestyles. American Flatbread sources 100% organically grown wheat, creating relationships with local New England farmers, and sources organic ingredients for sauces and toppings. Its plant-based meat toppings are powered by pea protein. The company has developed a successful direct-to-consumer business and is backing its retail launch with media outreach, including targeted advertising and social media platforms. $3.29 per 14.2-ounce can The latest soup offering from Amy’s Kitchen was inspired by Mexican flavors and features organic sun-ripened tomatoes, corn masa, bell peppers, black beans and fire-roasted sweet potatoes. It also satisfies a number of dietary restrictions and preferences, including gluten-, dairy- and lactose-free; vegan; kosher; and plant-based. Amy’s Kitchen is promoting the soup via social media, primarily Instagram, to build awareness among its fan base and beyond. If consumers start repeating their stock-up shopping habits from last year, this zesty soup is a good one to have on hand. Andrew & Everett Rustic Thick Cut Shreds $4.99-$5.99 per 8-ounce package In the latest offering in its natural cheese portfolio, Andrew & Everett is introducing Rustic Thick Cut Shredded Cheese, a larger-cut shred that’s great for melting and maintains its flavor and cheesy texture when heated. Available in Sharp White Cheddar, Mozzarella and Fiesta Blend varieties, these cheeses start with high-quality milk from grass-fed cows that are raised humanely on family-owned farms throughout America’s heartland. The products contain no artificial hormones or preservatives. Since the launch occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, Andrew & Everett joined forces with influencers across the nation to promote their favorite home-cooked recipes using the shreds. The company has observed that consumers are purchasing thick-cut cheeses to use in different ways, resulting in organic sales gains versus trade-off gains with regular-cut cheeses. Ark Foods Clean Label Salads $4.99-$5.99 per 6.5- to 7-ounce bowl Ark Foods is bringing plant-based innovation to the grab-and-go category with its new line of Clean Label Salads. While most salad bowls are filled with processed cheeses and dairy-laden dressings, these salads offer a ready-to-eat wholly vegan meal with a short list of ingredients. They also feature some unexpected veggie options: For example, Cashew Kale Caesar contains watermelon radishes and toasted chickpea croutons, while Crunchy Kale Ranch highlights sundried tomatoes and shredded Brussels sprouts. Other varieties include Ginger Sesame Greens and Bright Pesto Greens. Ark Foods hopes to encourage repeat purchases by keeping the price point accessible for many consumers. Meanwhile, the company will continue promoting its new line with an omnichannel approach, following up on National Salad Month promotions that it conducted in July. Aussie Select Lamb Pastrami $23.99 per package (weights vary) Billing its Lamb Pastrami as the only lamb charcuterie on the market, Aussie Select hopes to persuade consumers that lamb belongs in the deli. Its pasture-raised all-natural lamb offers an “intense, mouthwatering flavor,” according to the company. Aussie Select is backing its claims with a robust integrated marketing campaign focused on the retail and foodservice trade. The company plans to eventually expand the SKU set to other items like salami, pepperoni and mortadella, and is exploring the idea of seasonal offers for holidays including Christmas and Easter. Lamb Pastrami has performed well with consumers so far, with particular appeal for Muslim and Jewish communities, according to Aussie Select’s research. Babe 100 Rosé $8.99 per 4-pack of 8-ounce cans With just 100 calories and 0 grams of sugar per can, Babe 100 is the latest bubbly alcoholic beverage from Anheuser-Busch/Babe Wine that’s sure to appeal to the calorie- conscious consumer. Each can is equal to one full glass of wine, at 6.9% ABV. The product recently launched with support from social/digital media and has performed well in test locations, according to Anheuser-Busch. Varieties include rosé, red and white. In July, the brand launched a variety pack featuring all three flavors. Babybel plus+ Probiotic and Babybel plus+ Vitamins $4.49 per 4.23-ounce 6-count package Babybel plus+ offers the same cheesy taste of Mini Babybel that many consumers already love, but now with added probiotics or vitamins to appeal to those looking for functional benefits in their foods. Each Babybel plus+ Probiotic contains 1 billion live and active LGG probiotic cultures, while Babybel plus+ Vitamins provides vitamins A and B12, which are touted as supporting eye health and metabolism, respectively. When the products hit the shelves earlier this year, Babybel executed a 360-degree launch plan including video, social media and influencer tie-ins. To prompt trial and retail sell-through, the company rolled out national consumer promotions as well as retail-specific activations. Babybel says that it anticipates more functional dairy snacks like these in the future. Bio360 Probiotics Cognitive Support Formula $24.98-$31.98 for 30 tablets Bio360 ’s Cognitive Support Formula features eight strains of probiotics, including Lactobacillus rhamnosus, which has been shown to reduce stress-induced anxiety, along with vitamins B5, B6 and B12 to help with memory, focus and neurotransmitter synthesis. It also features folic acid, which plays a role in the nervous system as a neuro-protectant. The supplement is manufactured in a GMP-certified, FDA-inspected facility to maintain quality standards and to ensure efficacy. Bio360 is conducting marketing, PR, social media and influencer campaigns to promote its message that its supplements are scientifically proven and targeted for specific health needs. Bio360 Probiotics Kids’ Formula $17.98-$23.98 for 30 tablets Probiotics specifically formulated for children have become a growing trend, especially as parents look to keep their kids as healthy as possible during pandemic times. The new Bio360 Kids’ Formula is a multistrain probiotic that supports children’s digestive balance and contains the No. 1 pharmacist-recommended strain that has been extensively studied in kids, Lactobacilllus rhamnosus GG, according to the company. Another bonus: The supplement contains no syrup, cornstarch or added sugars, and no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Each probiotic is packaged in on-the-go blister packs and doesn’t require refrigeration. Blount’s Family Kitchen Plant-Based Chili $6.99 per 12-ounce bowl; With 17 grams of protein per serving, Blount’s Family Kitchen Plant-Based Chili packs a powerful punch in the refrigerated meals sections of grocers’ delis. The company bills its new product as the first plant-based chili in the fresh meal segment. Featuring a “regal chili” taste with pinto beans, plant-based crumbles, mixed bell peppers and onions all simmered in a blend of tomatoes and spices, these microwaveable bowls are now being rolled out at top grocery retail accounts, according to the company. Blue Circle Lemon and Herb Salmon Salad $5.99 per 8-ounce package; $10.99 per 16-ounce package Made with fresh Atlantic salmon that’s sustainably farmed in Norway, Blue Circle Lemon and Herb Salmon Salad is a great catch for retailers’ delis, offering an alternative to traditional tuna salad. The salmon is packed with omega-3s and free from antibiotics and mercury. Blue Circle is committed to “feel-good standards” in its farming and fishing practices: Its fish is 100% tradeable, and the company is regularly audited by third-party organizations. This is the first deli product it has launched, and so far, the item has been well received at retail. Blue Circle has supported the salmon salad via social media and a paid influencer campaign. Bonafide Provisions Organic Vegetable Broth Made from 10+ Nourishing Vegetables $4.99 per 32-ounce container Many vegetable broths that are currently on the shelf are made from powders and concentrates that are concocted miles from an actual field. Bonafide Provisions aims to change that with what it says is a first-of-its-kind certified Organic Vegetable Broth made from more than 10 whole vegetables, including broccoli, spinach, collard greens and fennel. The broth contains no powders, extracts, concentrates, “natural” flavors, added sugar, citric acid or canola oil. Created by a nutritionist and chef, the Vegetable Broth is being promoted by traditional marketing tactics such as digital coupons, trade promotions and retail displays, as well as a robust social media strategy including educational videos on TikTok. Bonafide Provisions anticipates that its product will elevate the shelf-stable broth category and stir up interest among new shoppers. Brazi Bites Homestyle Breakfast Sandwiches $4.49 per sandwich Brazi Bites Homestyle Breakfast Sandwiches are the first single-serve better-for-you breakfast sandwiches inspired by Brazil’s popular version of grilled cheese, queijo-quente. Available in four varieties, including Turkey Bacon, Turkey Sausage, and Double Egg and Bacon, each sandwich is packed with 16 to 19 grams of protein. They’re also gluten-free and feature “clean” ingredients like nitrate-free bacon and cage-free eggs. Another compelling attribute is the packaging, which uses an innovative Micro-Grill sleeve to crisp the bread, essentially turning consumers’ microwaves into a panini grill. Brazi Bites launched the Breakfast Sandwiches in frozen departments earlier this year at Target and has been actively supporting its rollout with both national and regional retailers. Bubbies Individually Wrapped Vegan Mochi Ice Cream $1.49-$2.00 per 1.25-ounce package Taking the mochi ice cream trend to a new level is category leader Bubbies with its individually wrapped vegan mochi ice cream in strawberry and chocolate flavors. The mindfully indulgent treats bring a plant-based option to the mochi category at a time when plant-based is among the most desirable attributes a product can have. Bubbies took super-premium coconut milk-based ice cream and wrapped it in sweet and delicate mochi dough to provide consumers with an 80-calorie on-the-go indulgent snacking experience that’s certified vegan, gluten-free and non-GMO. To top it off, the packaging uses 75% less plastic than competitors, according to Bubbies. Califia Farms Hemp Barista Blend and Mushroom Oat Barista Blend $5.99 per 32-fluid-ounce carton At-home baristas have a new friend in Califia Farms Mushroom Oat Barista Blend, the only ready-to-use oat milk and creamer blended with certified organic cordyceps and lion’s mane mushrooms. The product steams, stretches and foams to make the barista experience delicious, easy and accessible. Tapping into the trends of increased at-home coffee consumption, growth of oat milk and demand for functional mushrooms, Califia Farms Mushroom Oat Barista Blend, launched at leading natural and national retailers, including Whole Foods Market and Kroger. The product is shelf-stable, allergen-free and low-sugar. Meanwhile, shelf-stable Hemp Barista Blend, a smooth, delicious hemp milk and creamer with a mild, nutty flavor, is an excellent source of calcium and contains omega-3 ALA fatty acids with no added sugar. To help drive demand, Califia Farms partnered with influencers to create social and video content to showcase the products. Califia Farms Protein Oat $5.99 per 48-fluid-ounce bottle Boasting a nutrition profile that it contends is superior to conventional dairy milk, Califia Farms Protein Oat is a one-of-a-kind protein-packed oat milk that provides consumers with a low-sugar option -- just 8 grams of protein. Consumers want more protein in their diets, often from plant-based sources, and Califia Farms Protein Oat delivers, with as much protein as dairy milk from high-quality plant-based ingredients such as sunflower oil, sunflower butter and pea protein, while outperforming dairy milk’s nutritional values with all nine essential amino acids; complete omega-3, -6 and -9; vitamin D; potassium; and 45% of the daily value of calcium per serving. Protein Oat stands out in the plant-based milk category with higher protein levels than competitive offerings, which helped it to secure distribution at Whole Foods Market, Target, Kroger and Sprouts Farmers Market. Cappello’s Almond Flour Ravioli $9.99-$11 per 9.9-ounce package Tapping into the trends of clean label and free-from, Cappello’s Almond Flour Ravioli is made with simple, real food ingredients, including cage-free eggs and almond flour. These tasty packages of pasta come in three frozen-fresh, restaurant-quality choices: Five Cheese, Spinach and Cheese, and Butternut Squash. The product sought to stand out from others in the category by blending thoughtful nutrition and best-in-class gourmet flavors. The nutrient-dense product is packed with protein and healthy fats, and gives those with an aversion to grains a flavorful option. The Cappello’s team took a multipronged approach to the product launch, employing classic marketing techniques with a heavy dose of digital to generate awareness, trial and repeat purchase to secure increased distribution. Captain Omega Cod Pearls $6.99 per 16-ounce package Making fish fun for kids is how Captain Omega Cod Pearls has endeared itself to parents who want to feed their children nutritious protein. The MSC-certified product can be ready in 15 minutes or less, and is distinctive in the frozen aisle because it’s the only Cod Pearl product for children with a hero character starring a YouTube animated series introducing kids to seafood at an early age. In addition to the YouTube series, the product was supported with influencer campaigns, radio spots, programmatic digital advertising, Google ads, social media and merchandising product placement. The strategy worked, and looking ahead, a gluten-free option is due in 2022, with season two of “Captain Omega” set for the fourth quarter. Carbone Fine Foods Sauces  $8.99 per 24-ounce jar It’s all about authenticity for Carbone Fine Foods , which made a splash with the introduction of its Arrabbiata, Marina and Tomato Basil sauces. The super-premium sauces were created by master chefs Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi using traditional home-made processes in small batches with fresh Italian-grown tomatoes, whole onion and garlic. They also boast many of the attributes that have become key drivers of shoppers’ purchase decisions, such as vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, kosher and  no added sugar. There are plenty of sauces claiming Italian authenticity, but to deliver on that value proposition Carbone shuns the practice of creating sauces by mixing tomato paste with dehydrated ingredients in a process that typically lasts eight minutes. Instead, the company employs an hour-long process that relies on fresh ingredients. The trio of sauces launched in March 2021, and to generate awareness, the company placed a heavy emphasis on social media, garnering more than 875,000 impressions, in addition to more than 1 billion media impressions. It’s still early days to determine the brand’s impact on the category, but additional SKUs are in the works, including a Roasted Garlic variety. Catalina Crunch Keto-Friendly Cereals $8.99 per 8- or 9-ounce pouch Consumers are crazy about Keto, and Catalina Crunch taps into that trend with its line of low-carbohydrate cereals made with 11 grams of plant proteins. Catalina Crunch Keto-Friendly Cereals’ blend of seven plant proteins and fibers is designed for optimal nutrition and to help consumers feel full longer. They don’t contain artificial ingredients, flavors or colors, and are non-GMO. With studies showing that more than 57% of Americans are reducing their sugar intake and an estimated 30 million reporting food allergies, Catalina Crunch makes it possible to enjoy cereal again. Social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Tik Tok were leveraged to drive awareness and promote sales. Catalina Crunch Keto-Friendly Sandwich Cookies $7.99 per 6.8-ounce package To deliver a tasty treat that doesn’t sacrifice health was the mission behind the introduction of Catalina Crunch Keto-Friendly Sandwich Cookies. Available in chocolate vanilla, peanut butter, vanilla crème and chocolate mint, the cookies bridge the gap between a satisfying treat that’s plant-based, low-sugar and low-carb, yet deliciously delightful. They enable consumers to eat cookies and have their keto, too. As consumers do so, they will ingest pea protein and prebiotic fiber for a combination of 4 grams of plant protein, 3 grams of fiber, 5 grams of net carbs and only 1 gram of sugar in the form of allulose. Cheeky Panda Plastic Free 100% FSC Certified Bamboo Bath Tissue $8.09 per 9-pack The Cheeky Panda brand has combined the sustainability attributes of bamboo into a bath tissue product in a unique pack size with distinctive branding elements. Doing so helped the brand break through in the tissue aisle, with shoppers looking for a highly sustainable product made from the fastest-growing plant in the world. Already available in 30 countries, Cheeky Panda is gaining distribution in the United States among retailers eager to offer a brand made from a renewable resource that doesn’t rely on plastic packaging. In addition to tissue, the brand also offers baby wipes, makeup wipes, diapers and facial tissue. Chomps Pepperoni Turkey $1.99 per 1.15-ounce stick The meat snack category has become crowded, but Chomps Pepperoni Turkey stands out with a unique blend of attributes to connect with consumers. The product uses a beef collagen casing and sources only domestic, free-range and antibiotic-free turkey that’s also 100% Non-GMO Project Verified. Chomps contains no added sugar and is free from the top nine food allergens. In addition, the brand uses sea salt and celery juice to achieve 13 months of shelf stability and clearly communicates its value proposition through transparency in its packaging and on its website. Clio Granola & Yogurt Parfait Bar $2.49 per 1.94-ounce package Guilt-free indulgence comes to life in the Clio Granola & Yogurt Parfait Bar. The product combines a core of creamy Greek yogurt and a layer of crunchy granola made from gluten-free oats, slivered almonds and dried fruit, all wrapped in a decadent chocolate or yogurt coating. It’s a better-for-you indulgent snack that tastes like a sweet treat but contains 10 grams of protein and probiotics. The product is unique in that it’s the first to take Greek yogurt and turn it into a bar by solving the manufacturing challenge of combining a layer of granola and an exterior coating. Clio Less Sugar Yogurt Bars $1.89 per 1.59-ounce or 1.76-ounce package As the name indicates, the key attribute of the Clio Less Sugar Yogurt Bar is what’s not in it. The product offers guilt-free indulgence with strained Greek yogurt that imparts a cheesecake-like texture within a chocolate coating. The product contains almost no sugar — only 1 gram per bar — along with 8 grams of protein, which makes Clio’s Less Sugar Yogurt Bars a keto-friendly treat option. The product was launched online and at Walmart, and supported by an extensive influencer and PR campaign, in addition to a heavy social media push that resulted in roughly 308 million impressions. Coca-Cola with Coffee $2.32 per 12-fluid-ounce can Coca-Cola pioneered a new refreshment category with the introduction of Coca-Cola with Coffee. The innovative beverage provides an option to those faced with choosing between a Coke or a cup of coffee. In development for two years, this “refreshment coffee” is infused with Brazilian coffee and available in three flavors: dark blend, vanilla, and caramel. Additionally Coca-Cola with Coffee Zero Sugar is available in dark blend and vanilla varieties. The United States was the 50th market to receive the product with the support of a fully integrated marketing campaign, including a clever component that involved the drone delivery of the product to a community in Coffee County, Ga. Compostic Cling Wrap $8-$11.30 per package containing 150 square feet of wrap Compostic is looking to disrupt the consumer products industry by eradicating single-use plastic from consumers’ lives while providing convenient alternatives. This is the case with Compostic Cling Wrap, which relies on a compound of biopolymers that are designed to mimic traditional plastics in functionality, but actually break down in less than 24 weeks — less time than an orange peel. Compostic maintains that its product performs as well as traditional plastic cling wraps, which is important, because the company’s research also shows that consumers won’t sacrifice performance, even though they desire sustainable alternatives to plastic. Country Archer Provisions Zero Sugar Beef Jerky $5.99-$6.99 per 2-ounce pouch Crafting real food for a better world is the mission behind Country Archer Provisions Zero Sugar Beef Jerky. That process starts with a focus on clean ingredients, such as grass-fed and -finished, pasture-raised beef, and by using ingredients such as chickpea miso in place of soy, to ensure the avoidance of allergens. The product was crafted in partnership with New York City chef Will Horowitz, who helped develop unique flavor profiles. This approach helped the brand stand out in the meat snack category, where added sugars are common. Country Archer launched the new line as part of an overall rebranding that drew additional interest to the line. Culinaria Gooey Butter Cake Ice Cream $5.49 per 48-fluid-ounce tub Schnucks and Perry’s Ice Cream worked together to create an own-brand Gooey Butter Cake Ice Cream. Regarded as a favorite in Schnucks’ hometown of St. Louis the product, sold under the Schnucks Culinaria brand, is loaded with gooey butter cake pieces and buttery crumb swirls. To drive sales, the grocer featured the Culinaria brand as part of its regular promotional schedule and on end caps, which helped Gooey Butter Cake Ice Cream become the second-highest ranked flavor in the category. Further growth is expected as promotions continue, and the local-themed product is tied into social media efforts. Culinaria Raspberry Lemon Italian Soda $2.99 per 25.4-ounce bottle Offering a unique variety created with all-natural flavors and colors and no preservatives, Schnucks’ Culinaria Raspberry Lemon Italian Soda comes in an elegantly shaped bottle with attractive label art that helps the product stand out on the shelf. To promote the item, Schnucks runs regular promotions year-round, with secondary displays during the heat of summer and also in the fourth quarter. These efforts have paid off, as in this section, Schnucks’ Own Brand sales and tonnage have grown 18.5% and 19.5%, respectively. The grocer plans to expand its private-brand soda assortment and continue support for the products via promos, displays and social media. Culinary Tours Gruyere Cheese $5.99 per 6-ounce package Made according to strict specifications and aged for the appropriate amount of time, Culinary Tours Gruyere delivers a flavorful cheese in distinctive packaging at an affordable price. Topco members have promoted the item prominently in their cheese shop displays, in advertisements featuring complementary products and in seasonal picnic-themed advertisements to encourage trial. The product is also supported via marketing tools and online presence, as part of Topco’s Culinary Tours program. Generating new dollars and increased own-brand assortment for retailers, Culinary Tours Gruyere Cheese offers a competitive option for own-brand sales growth. DeIorio’s Rectangle Pizza Kit $14.99 per 42-ounce kit making two pizzas While frozen pizza sections are full of par-baked topped pizzas or whole dough balls, there’s never been anything in between — until now. DeIorio’s rectangle pizza kits fill this gap, providing a foundation for customers to create fresh homemade pizza without having to make the dough from scratch. DeIorio’s initial efforts to drive consumer awareness focused on social media, email drip campaigns, digital ads and sponsorships to drive consumer awareness and interest. Shelf talkers and end cap introductory placement, along with cross-promotions with topping components, are in place to celebrate Frozen Food Month in 2022. In the near future, the kit will boast enhanced packaging and offer pizza shells made with more than 30% superfood vegetables. Diestel Family Ranch Ultimate Turkey Burgers with Uncured Bacon $7.99 per 16-ounce box of four patties Diestel is one of the only frozen turkey burger brands to add premium ground pork bacon to its grind, which, according to the company, significantly elevates the flavor while still keeping the fat content down compared with beef patties. The result is lower sodium, fewer calories and 20 grams of protein in each 4-ounce turkey burger. Leveraging its relationships with longtime customers, the company introduced a range of promotional offers, some of which are still ongoing, and used digital platforms to help get the word out about the product, with a particular focus on social media and Diestel’s blog. Feedback from customers and consumers will help guide the development of new products and enhancements. Dry Botanicals Bitters & Soda $8.99 per 4-pack of 8.45-fluid-ounce bottles Dry Botanical Bitters & Soda deconstructs the essence of conventional bitters by blending notes of botanicals, herbs and citrus for a complex, multilayered nonalcoholic drinking experience. Crafted with zero sugar and natural flavors and extracts, the zero-proof, non-GMO, gluten-free line provides three distinct flavors – Aromatic, Bright/Herbal and Sweet/Spicy – inspired by the ritual of craft mixology. The product was supported through social media partnerships and giveaways highlighting its attributes, and through targeted broadcast promotion. Dry Botanical Bitters & Soda is one of the first ready-to-drink zero-proof craft cocktails on the market and is actively leading both brands and consumers in creating a space where nonalcoholic ready-to-drink cocktails are as accessible and accepted as traditional spirit-based cocktails. Eat the Change Organic Mushroom Jerky $5.99 per 2-ounce pouch Eat the Change uses what it calls “perfectly imperfect” portobello and crimini mushrooms – ones that wouldn’t otherwise make it to grocery stores – to make its organic jerky, which is marinated and smoked with real hickory wood, like a traditional animal-based jerky, for a rich, savory taste. The company has promoted the line’s approachable but elevated flavor profiles through consumer promotions; digital ads; organic social, email and influencer marketing; press; field marketing; websites; and blogs. Galvanized by the jerky’s success, Eat the Change plans to expand into other categories with plant-friendly snacks, including a kids-oriented product this fall. Egglife Everything Bagel Egg White Wraps $5.99 per 6-ounce pouch of 6 wraps Compatible with low-carb diets, gluten-, grain- and soy-free Egglife Everything Bagel Egg White Wraps provide just 1 gram of carbs per serving, as well as high-quality, easy-to-digest clean protein and on-trend flavor. Employing media outreach, social and paid media, and customer relationship management, Egglife Foods shared news of the line extension; held a teaser campaign across its owned channels for consumers to guess the new flavor; and hosted such activities ahead of the launch as product giveaways of a year’s supply of wraps. The company is now busily developing additional innovative flavors for the product line, which is made using patented technology that converts liquid egg to solid matter. Food Club Monk Fruit and Food Club Erythritol  $4.49-$5.99 per 16-ounce pouch of either As consumers seek better-for-you alternatives, sugar continues to be a concern, while traditional sugar substitutes often contain chemicals that shoppers wish to avoid. In contrast to national-brand plant-based, keto-friendly, 100% natural sugar substitute options, Food Club Monk Fruit and Food Club Erythritol offer two own-brand options in this emerging sweetener category at a much more reasonable price. Topco supported the products through Food Club’s marketing tools, online presence and in-store advertisements. The sweeteners have enabled Topco members to capitalize on the category’s largest growth segment while delivering unique and differentiated own-brand offerings. Topco aims to continue educating consumers about the line’s benefits, expanding both shopper knowledge and purchase intent. Fresh Cravings Hummus $3.99 per 10-ounce tub Fresh Cravings hummus contains clean high-quality ingredients, including Chilean extra-virgin olive oil, giving the spread a smooth, creamy mouthfeel. Available in such varieties as Classic, Roasted Garlic and Roasted Red Pepper, the tubs sport a clear top window so consumers can see the product within. Further, the vegan, plant-based, kosher, and dairy- and gluten-free hummus is sold at an affordable price point in the produce section, separately from other brands, where it attracts a healthier consumer. Fresh Cravings partnered with Duda Produce for a cross-promotional Olympics-themed sweepstakes pairing the hummus with Duda’s Dandy celery and carrot sticks, with 360 degrees of digital extensions, among other campaigns. Throughout the fall, more SKUs are slated to roll out to new and existing retail partners. Fresh Cravings Pico de Gallo Salsa $$2.98 per 14-ounce tub; $4.99 per 32-ounce tub (Costco only) Fresh Cravings Pico de Gallo Salsa boasts a unique recipe and a competitive price point. Made with fresh Roma tomatoes that are never cooked or pasteurized, the refrigerated item features the larger chunks of tomatoes and peppers of traditional Pico de Gallo, in Mild and Medium Crave varieties. Further, the vegan and gluten- and additive-free product is sold in the produce section, making it stand out even more. The brand focused on Millennial and Gen Z targeted digital platforms and used key social influencers to activate content for Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. Fresh Cravings is currently exploring different heats and sizes of the salsa, based on the success of the 32-ounce tubs at Costco. Full Circle Market Global Spices $2.99 per jar (various sizes) In response to the pandemic-driven trend of at-home chefs’ greater experimentation with restaurant flavors, Topco’s Full Circle Market brand created nine premium exotic spices that are both accessible and affordable. A first-to-market own-brand offering, Full Circle Market Global Spices are inspired by the cuisine and flavors of the Middle East, Asia, North Africa and Central America. This collection allows Topco members to grow their own-brand share by differentiating their own-brand assortment from the competitive set. Topco hopes to extend the Full Circle Market Global Spice line, providing more world-flavor offerings within the spice category. Full Circle Market Gluten Free Baking Mixes $3.49-$4.99 per 11.36-ounce to 18.2-ounce package Knowing that gluten-free offerings can often be bland and uninspired, Topco’s Full Circle Market brand set out to create a line of gluten-free baking mixes with restaurant-inspired flavors in the following varieties: Cheddar Biscuits, Cornbread, Cinnamon Streusel Cake and Oatmeal Cookies. Full Circle Market Gluten Free Baking Mixes has brought flavor innovation to the gluten-free category, providing a destination for Topco members’ specialty diet shoppers with products that not only offer a clear own-brand value proposition, but also innovative flavor options previously unavailable in the category. Topco intends to continue expanding on offerings within the specialty diet category with such products as protein pancake mixes and keto options. Full Circle Market Meatless Burger $3.49 per 10-ounce box of four 2.5-ounce patties Offering taste profiles unique to the category, Full Circle Market California Style Meatless burgers, Southwestern Style Black Bean Chipotle burgers and island-inspired Caribbean Style Plantain burgers offer consumers a variety of own-brand frozen options containing 5 to 7 grams of certified vegan protein per serving, with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Topco members have promoted the burgers in ads featuring complementary Crav’n Flavor/Full Circle Market items or with national brands to encourage trial and meal deal solutions. Generating new dollars and increased own-brand assortment for retailers, Full Circle Market Meatless burgers provide a competitive solution to grow own-brand sales by meeting in-demand trends at an affordable price. Full Circle Market MSC-Certified Sustainable Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon $12.99 per 12-ounce package Full Circle Market MSC-Certified Sustainable Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon delivers a safe eating experience at a reasonable price. Freezing the fish whole protects it from environmental impacts, helps preserve the ocean-fresh flavor, reduces food waste, and aids in dramatically reducing emissions across the supply chain. In response to Full Circle Market’s leading-edge category innovation, which yielded a higher margin rate compared with competing items, the salmon has quickly become the top seller in the brand’s traceable seafood program. To further increase own-brand penetration and sales, Topco continues to encourage its member retailers to feature the product in end cap and brand block displays of frozen Full Circle Market traceable seafood items. Full Circle Market Plant-Based Breaded Chickenless Nuggets $2.99 per 9-ounce package Offering parents an affordable better-for-you own-brand option while providing even the pickiest kids with a flavor they love in a familiar format, Full Circle Market Plant-Based Breaded Chickenless Nuggets are certified plant-based and certified vegan, with a single serving of nuggets delivering a whopping 15 grams of protein. To enhance sales performance, Topco will continue communicating to its membership the superior attributes and profitability/margin rates of Full Circle Market Plant-based Breaded Chickenless Nuggets versus the national brands. Plans are also underway to promote complementary items and meal deal solutions during the key back-to-school season. Full Circle Market Power Bowls $2.99 per 9.24-ounce bowl Full Circle Market Power Bowls provide quick, convenient, vegan-certified, restaurant-quality world flavors in the frozen aisle, with 10 to 12 grams of plant protein per serving. Consumers seeking better-for-you vegetarian and vegan meal options can choose from Mediterranean Style Power Bowl with Falafel, Korean Style Power Bowl with Tofu, or Moroccan Style Power Bowl with Chickpea and Cauliflower, all conveniently sold in a disposable, ready-to-microwave bowl. Shoppers have expressed strong repeat purchase intent with regard to these globally inspired offerings, and the affordably priced bowls have generated new dollars and boosted own-brand assortment for Topco’s member retailers. Gelatelli Crème Brûlée Gelato $2.99 per 23.6-fluid-ounce tub Created in France, Gelatelli Crème Brûlée Gelato from Lidl features the flavors of sweet custard and caramelized sugar, and is made with milk from cows not treated with rBST. Offering a high-quality product at such a low price point may be uncommon, but Lidl forged ahead, launching the gelato with in-store signage and featuring the item on the deep discounter’s website. The release of the Crème Brûlée flavor helped bring more awareness to Lidl’s own-brand ice cream line. The retailer intends to take feedback from this year’s launch to help build upon next year’s product introductions in the Gelatelli line. Gilbert’s Craft Sausages Tuscan Recipe Chicken Sausage $5.99 per 10-ounce package Gilbert’s Tuscan Recipe Chicken Sausage offers an easy and sophisticated way for consumers to add their favorite flavors to mealtime. The brand uses a distinctive low-temperature sous-vide process that results in a higher-quality, better-tasting sausage as well as individually sealed links that ensure freshness and limit mess. Additionally, the all-natural sausage provides 13 grams of protein per link. In tandem with the launch of Tuscan Recipe Chicken Sausage, the company also launched a fun brand campaign, For Friendlier Taste, featuring custom-made puppets and colorful storytelling. A lighter option that comes in no-mess packaging, the once seasonal and now permanent product is an appealing option to bolster the sausage category. The Good Crisp Co. Potato Crisps $3.49 per 5.6-ounce canister A stacked chip that evokes memories of a popular mainstream brand but adds a clean-ingredient twist, The Good Crisp is free of gluten, MSG, artificial flavors and colors, and many of the most common allergens. The company actively posts on social media channels and supports local events such as sponsored drive-in movie theaters, soccer games, and other family-focused activities, receiving what it calls “a ton of content” from enthusiastic consumers. As a result, The Good Crisp has enjoyed fast growth, particularly during the pandemic, during which it rebranded and added new flavors. The brand plans to continue to increase distribution nationally as well as provide consumers with exciting snack  innovations. Herdez Avocado Hot Sauce $3.39 per 5-ounce bottle; $6.49 per 12-ounce bottle What’s hot, smooth and shaped like an avocado? It’s Herdez Avocado Hot Sauce from Hormel Foods’ Mexican food brand Herdez. The product’s flavor is unique, tangy and well balanced, and its texture is creamy and smooth, thanks in part to its base of real avocados, according to Herdez. Its unique bottle shape cleverly resembles an avocado, and the cap mimics the volcanic rock used in molcajete recipes, bringing more authenticity to the product. It was introduced in June with a campaign called “Avocado Found its Fire.” The Herdez team was also planning to reach more consumers this summer with a sampling activation. Retail support will include custom plans for in-store displays, banner ads and push notifications. High Road Brownie Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough $5.99 per 9.52-ounce package (makes nine stuffed cookies) High Road Craft Ice Cream took two of its favorite cookie doughs and rolled them into one tasty treat to make High Road Brownie Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Sold in the refrigerated dough section, this pop-and-bake dessert was honored with a 2021 Sofi Award for its innovation. The dough contains no artificial colors, flavors or hydrogenated oils. High Road is using in-store promotions, digital marketing strategies and other tactics to build product awareness and drive retail sales. The company also makes a Peanut Butter version of its Brownie Stuffed Dough and plans to continue adding flavors to the line. Honest Earth Mashed Sweet Potatoes Brought to You by Idahoan Foods $2.99 per 9.9-ounce pouch This new “heat and eat” sweet potato offering will save consumers time on preparation, cooking and cleanup, while also providing a great source of vitamin A, fiber, antioxidants and minerals. Each pouch is ready to eat after being heated in the microwave for just 60 seconds. The sweet potatoes, which can be eaten as a side dish or used as an ingredient in sweet and savory recipes, offer a new alternative to canned sweet potatoes. Idahoan Foods developed the product after observing growing sales in heat-and-eat pouches, along with an over-indexing among Millennials and young families. The company is backing its launch with a robust public relations program that includes a partnership with a registered dietitian and in-store marketing plans. Hope & Sesame Chocolate Hazelnut Sesamemilk $4.99-$5.99 per 33.8-ounce carton Described by Hope & Sesame as tasting like “drinkable chocolate hazelnut spread,” it’s hard to pass up this Chocolate Hazelnut Sesamemilk, which is also produced in a decidedly sustainable way that will appeal to many consumers. Sesame is naturally pest-resistant and can self-pollinate, thereby helping to conserve bee populations. Additionally, Hope & Sesame’s core sesame protein comes from the production of sesame oil, so it’s “upcycling” the sesame seeds for this beverage. Sesamemilk contains 8 grams of complete plant-based protein, including all nine essential amino acids, and features vitamin D and calcium, yet the Chocolate Hazelnut flavor contains half the sugar of traditional chocolate dairy milk, according to the company. The beverage has already rolled out to Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market and Kroger, and is on target to expand to additional retailers in 2022. Hormel Black Label Bacon Thick Cut Ranch $5.99 per 12-ounce package Bacon lovers will appreciate this innovation from Hormel Foods : Black Label Bacon Thick Cut Ranch, a thick-cut hardwood-smoked bacon that’s hand-rubbed with a proprietary blend of seasonings resulting in a rich, complex ranch flavor. The company suggests trying it on sandwiches, salads and baked potatoes. To drive in-store trial and conversion at shelf, Hormel placed “New” on-pack stickers and instant redeemable coupons on the package. The company also rolled out a multichannel media campaign that included print magazine ads, outdoor billboards, national TV ads and in-store cart signage. Retailer-specific omnichannel campaigns were used to integrate both the digital shelf and in-store shelf. Since launching the product last fall, Hormel estimates that it has already driven nearly $500,000 in incremental dollars for the category. Hormel Black Label Breakfast Combos $2.99 per 2.83-ounce or 4.33-ounce package These ready-to-heat breakfast combinations will make mornings happier for busy consumers who enjoy traditional breakfast offerings. Packaged in refrigerated microwavable trays, the entrées heat more quickly than frozen products. Hormel says that it developed the products to have “superior flavor and texture,” along with a longer shelf life. New offerings include Pancakes with Sausage and Syrup, and Pancakes with Bacon and Syrup (both sold with syrup on the side). The percentage of shoppers who have tried the Breakfast Combos has tripled over the past nine months, while the percentage of repeat purchases has doubled, according to Hormel. The company is looking to build on this success with more flavor varieties planned for the future. Hormel Pretzel Bites and Cheese Tray $5.99-$6.99 per 8.1-ounce package Building on its Hormel Gatherings line, Hormel launched the Pretzel Bites and Cheese Tray earlier this year to capitalize on the growing snack trend, an increase in home-based work and school, and the move toward smaller get-togethers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each tray comes with 4 ounces of soft pretzel bites, 4 ounces of cheddar cheese sauce and a packet of sea salt. Ideal for up to four people, it can go from the refrigerator to the microwave to the table in just a few minutes. Hormel is promoting the trays as a perfect addition to retailers’ delis, and has already executed successful retailer-specific promotions during the Super Bowl, March Madness and graduation season. Hungry Buddha Keto Bars $2.49 per 1.4-ounce bar Buddha Brands bills its Hungry Buddha Keto Bars as the first keto bars on the market made without the use of palm oils, sugar alcohols, dairy or soy. They’re also peanut- and gluten-free. What they do contain is MCT oil and sunflower seed butter as sources of healthy fats, pea protein for plant-powered fuel, and monk fruit for a touch of sweetness. The company is using social media platforms and traditional public relations, while partnering with like-minded brands and influencers, to get the word out about its products. This summer, it worked with Sprouts Farmers Market on a fun giveaway tied to the bars. Hungry Planet Chicken Crispy & Fried $4.49 per 8-ounce bag of two patties These chef-crafted plant-based chicken patties were designed to be true to the natural taste and texture of conventional chicken, according to Hungry Planet Foods . They’re packed with protein and fiber, but are lower in fat and have fewer calories than conventional chicken, and contain zero antibiotics or hormones. Hungry Planet began a partnership with Post Holdings in early 2021 and is now releasing multiple heat-and-eat plant-based meats. With a robust digital marketing strategy, Hungry Planet is drawing traffic to retail via geo-targeted ads, custom creative marketing and a dedicated sales team. Justin’s Refrigerated Protein Bars $2.29 per 1.4-ounce bar Justin’s is bringing its beloved nut butters into a new category with the introduction of Refrigerated Almond Butter Protein Bars. Each vegan-friendly bar has 10 grams of plant-based protein and just 5 to 7 grams of sugar, which is 40% less than the leading refrigerated bars, according to the Hormel-owned brand. The flavors in the protein bar line are Almond Butter, Honey Almond Butter and Dark Chocolate Chip Almond Butter. Justin’s has employed both digital and in-store shopper marketing initiatives to drive purchase at the shelf and create awareness about its new products. Looking ahead, the brand is focused on product line extensions and new pack sizes to align with how customers are shopping the category. Kashi Go Keto-Friendly Cereal  $4.99 per 7-ounce box Kashi launched its first keto-friendly offering, Kashi Go Keto-Friendly Cereal, in January to reach consumers who are looking to limit their sugar intake, increase protein and avoid grains. Kashi’s cereal is set at a more affordable price point than other keto-friendly offerings, according to the company, and is also Non-GMO Project Verified. The cereal comes in two flavors: Cinnamon Vanilla and Dark Cocoa (made with cocoa that’s Fair Trade Certified). Each version is made with 12 grams of plant-based protein and contains just 1 gram of sugar (the cereal is sweetened with allulose and monk fruit). The cereal’s launch has been supported by earned media strategy, influencer gifting, shopper marketer promotions and paid social media. Kidfresh Real Fruit Pops $3.99 per 12.8-ounce package of eight ice pops Kidfresh , known for its frozen entrées, is making its debut in the frozen novelty category with Real Fruit Pops. The company is taking a parent-friendly approach with popsicles that are made from real fruit, including strawberries, raspberries and apples; 100% juice; and only 4 to 5 grams of sugar per bar. When Real Fruit Pops launched, they were promoted across Kidfresh’s social media channels, and the company provided free samples to drive awareness and trial. It has pledged to continue promoting the products on its digital channels and through shopper marketing tactics. The Laughing Cow Blends $3.29 per 4.9-ounce container of eight wedges There’s nothing funny about The Laughing Cow brand’s latest foray into plant-based dairy trends. On the contrary, these new hybrid cheeses offer the same spreadable, smooth goodness of the brand’s beloved creamy cheese, but with ingredients including beans, chickpeas and lentils. Each wedge is also infused with bold spices and/or herbs to complement the flavors. The line’s varieties are Chickpea & Cheese with Herb, Lentil & Cheese with Curry, and Red Bean & Cheese with Paprika. Edible Inc., the company behind the Laughing Cow brand, has launched a broad campaign targeting both consumers and the trade, including a collaboration with TikTok’s Corporate Natalie. Litehouse Purely Balanced Greek Yogurt Dressings $3.49 per 9-fluid-ounce bottle Do we need another Greek yogurt dressing? Why, yes we do, and Litehouse Purely Balanced Greek Yogurt Dressings hit all of the attributes that consumers are looking for: no high-fructose corn syrup or artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or sweeteners; five thick and creamy flavors; and all for 45 calories per serving. The pandemic accelerated demand for products that address a variety of dietary and health concerns, and this line of Greek yogurt dressings is available in five flavor-forward varieties — Garden Ranch, Tzatziki Ranch, Garlic Caesar, Cilantro Lime and Lemon Basil — that are ideal for salads, dips and marinades. Little Northern Bakehouse Organic Gluten-Free Loaves $6.99 per 455- to 494-gram loaf Gluten-free consumers often feel that they need to make sacrifices when it comes to the taste, texture and nutrition of their food. Today, as consumers are also prioritizing organic products more than ever before, the hurdle to find a product that “has it all” is even greater. Little Northern Bakehouse ’s new Organic Gluten-Free Loaves meet this need, offering a flavor that tastes like the “real thing,” and a soft texture using only organic, non-GMO and third-party-verified glyphosate-free ingredients. Little Northern Bakehouse launched a two-tier influencer program to share news of the new organic loaves and a unique recipe featuring the brand, which led to more awareness of the products. LusOasis Pancake & Waffle Mix $9.99 per 9.8-ounce package LusOasis offers triple value to consumers looking for the three most sought-after healthy food attributes — gluten-free, keto-friendly and vegan — which no other brand in the pancake/waffle mix category offers. The product doesn’t just aim to be better-for-you, it aims to be best-for-you. The pancake/waffle mixes come in four unique flavors that redefine pancakes and waffles: Raw Chocolatey, Sweet Savory, Tomato Basil and Gourmet Spicy. Unlike other keto products, the mixes have no added sugar or sweeteners that would result in more sugar cravings and hormonal disruption. Consumers are also empowered with LusOasis recipe ideas to create other delicious bakery foods (waffle sandwiches, churros, doughnuts, scones, pizza, peach cobbler, etc.) from the mixes for meals beyond breakfast. Melinda’s Black Truffle Hot Sauce $4.99 per 12-fluid-ounce bottle Melinda’s is known for bringing the habanero pepper to the United States more than 25 years ago, and now the brand is embracing the super-hot black truffle trend to create a perfect  balance of heat and flavor in a hot sauce. Its newest offering, Black Truffle Hot Sauce, combines red cayenne peppers, black truffles from Italy, and a touch of fine Colombian honey to create a sauce with rich and complex flavors and fragrance, along with a hint of sweetness that helps to offset the cayenne peppers to create something that’s truly irresistible on food. The product is the most affordable truffle hot sauce on the market and twice the size of any other truffle sauce option. Within the first week of launching the product, the company sold 700 bottles through e-commerce sales alone, outselling its best-selling Reserve Pepper Sauce five to one. MelloSweet $3.49 per pound MelloSweet is unique to the melon category due to its super-sweet honey flavor. The fruit also offers a higher-than-average sugar content and softer, juicier flesh than others in the category. In addition to being refreshingly juicy, loaded with fiber and a great source of vitamin C, MelloSweet melons are naturally moisture resistant, resulting in a longer shelf life — a big plus for grocers and shoppers alike. MelloSweet is supported through a comprehensive turnkey retail playbook including associate/manager education, information on target consumers, ordering information, retail planning and promotion calendars, point-of-sale material, retail mockups, in-store announcements, press releases, logo guidelines, color palettes, typography, writing guides, recipes and social media support. Next up from Topco: a proprietary, exclusive- brand mini watermelon. Milo’s Extra Sweet Tea and Famous Sweet Tea 6-Pack $1.39 per 20-fluid-ounce bottle of Sweet Tea/$4.99 per 6-pack Milo’s Tea is already a leading brand in the category, but the Milo’s marketing team developed and executed a multipronged strategy for two new products: Milo’s Extra Sweet 20-fluid-ounce product and Milo’s Famous Sweet Tea 6-Pack. Milo’s Extra Sweet Tea gives tea drinkers who think store-bought tea “just isn’t sweet enough” a product they love, while Milo’s Famous Sweet Tea 6-Pack offers consumers’ favorite refrigerated tea product in an on-the-go format. Category consumers enjoyed and shared Milo’s Famous Sweet Tea as they brought the 6-pack to work, gatherings with family and friends, and the refrigerator at home. Milo’s multipack also started its own category of multipack refrigerated tea, as there are no others like it in the category. Moocho Dairy-Free Shreds $4.99 per 8-ounce bag Moocho’s new collection of shreds aims to change the game for consumers looking to make a seamless switch to dairy-free cheese. Moocho cheeses use fermented cultures in the recipe and aging to create complex, rich flavors. Cheddar and Mozzarella’s melty texture complements a perfect pizza or grilled cheese, while the Fiesta blend takes tacos over the top. Further, unlike other vegan cheeses on the market, Moocho products don’t require heat to deliver rich, tangy flavors. In fact, many consumers report that their preferred way to eat them is chilled, straight from the bag. Moocho cheeses taste delicious and are offered at an accessible price point, with an intention of bringing as many people as possible into the category. Mtn Ops Slumber $1.99 per single-serve packet Anxiety and fear over the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in another pandemic: insomnia. Mtn Ops Slumber is here to fight the world’s sleep problems with a sleep-inducing collagen powder that can be mixed into milk or water. The product includes Hibern8, a deep-sleep formula using local trace minerals from the Great Salt Lake, coupled with melatonin, L-theanine and natural extracts to cultivate a deep, calming sleep. Collagen ensures the health and vitality of skin, hair, tendons, cartilage, bones and joints. Mtn Ops Slumber also includes a non-stimulated, tannin-free rooibos tea. Rooibos has 50 times more antioxidants than green tea, helping reduce cell-damaging free radicals in the body for optimal recovery. Nasoya Plantspired Breakfast Scramble Superfood Skillet $5.99 per 7-ounce pouch Nasoya is looking to make plant-based eating more accessible with its first-to-market breakfast skillet meal solution. The product is packaged in a convenient pouch, ready to heat and serve on its own, or paired with toast or wrapped in a tortilla. Packed with 19 grams of plant-based protein, Breakfast Scramble Superfood Skillets feature Nasoya’s organic Super Firm Tofu, green peppers and hearty potatoes for a satisfying and flavorful bite, with no prep work required. Like all Nasoya products, Plantspired Breakfast Scramble Superfood Skillets are a sustainable and nutritious option that doesn’t sacrifice taste. Made with layers of chorizo-inspired flavors and satisfying, fresh ingredients, Plantspired Breakfast Scramble Superfood Skillets are delicious, convenient and nutritious. Niman Ranch Applewood Smoked Pulled Pork $9.99 per 12-ounce package American consumers can’t get enough of pork flavors, and Niman Ranch offers a pork product that creates versatility. For one thing, it doesn’t include sauce, which allows for the product to be used in many different preparations and cuisines. Consumers are increasingly looking for clean, sustainable and humane meats. This product checks all of those boxes: The premium pork is slow-smoked over real hardwood, hand-pulled, and free of added nitrates or nitrites. The only ingredients are pork, water, sea salt, and rosemary extract to help the flavor of pork shine through. The brand is offering recipes featuring this product to showcase its versatility, including Banh Mi Bao, Air Fryer Pulled Pork Egg Rolls, Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Spicy Slaw, and Pulled Pork Empanadas with Cilantro Mojo Sauce. No Fade Fresh $14.99 per 6.4-fluid-ounce bottle No Fade Fresh isn’t your grandmother’s semi-permanent hair color. It’s the only on-shelf product that can make the following claims: vegan, gluten-free, no sulfates, no PPD, no parabens, no mineral oil, and PETA-Certified/Cruelty Free, with no animal testing ever. All No Fade Fresh products contain built-in bond rebuilder to repair hair from past damage. The brand has offered a new incremental category to food, drug and mass retailers that enhances the box hair color category. No Fade Fresh’s shampoos and conditioners work together as a system, along with the stand-alone BondHeal conditioning mask, and encourage multi-SKU sales. The introduction of the category has allowed retailers to generate additional sales and offer further color options to the customer, including Blue Blast, Hot Pink, Spicy Copper, Sunflower Brite Blonde and Raspberry Rush. NotMilk Whole and NotMilk 2% Reduced Fat $4.99 per 64-fluid-ounce carton NotMilk is unlike any other non-dairy milk. The company uses patented AI technology to create plant-based options that taste, feel, cook and function just like their animal-based counterparts; NotMilk is nearly indistinguishable from dairy milk. Also, the brand is available in Whole and 2% Reduced Fat options to give consumers the ability to choose the best option for themselves the same way they’re used to choosing their dairy milk. The product mimics cow-based milk by featuring an unexpected combination of ingredients — such as peas, pineapple and cabbage — making it free of lactose, soy and gluten. It’s also non-GMO, kosher, and Certified Halal to cater to a wide variety of specialty diets while serving as an excellent source of calcium, potassium, and vitamins D and B12. Nubocha Dairy Free Gelato $8.99 per 14-ounce tub The artisan ice cream SKUs behind freezer doors just keep proliferating, but Nubocha is not just artisanal, it’s also a brand that aims to start a dairy-free gelato renaissance. Nubocha has created a clean, creamy, vegan, low-sugar gelato for people who care about their health but don’t want to sacrifice sweet indulgences. The product combines sustainably sourced ingredients such as cacao, nuts and spring water to create maximum clarity and smoothness. The product also uses allulose, a virtually calorie-free premium rare sugar found naturally in foods like figs, with no aftertaste. Om Mushroom Superfood Mushroom Coffee Blend $19.99 per 10-pack of 0.21-ounce packets According to a recent Shopify report, innovative superfoods marketed to boost immunity will be one of the top food and beverage industry trends in 2021 – and functional mushrooms are at the top of that list. That’s because consumers are becoming more familiar with the benefits of functional mushrooms and, at the same time, wanting more nutrition out of the foods and beverages that they’re consuming. Om Mushroom Superfood Mushroom Coffee Blend is crafted with single-origin Arabica bean coffee and organic superfood mushroom powder to create a new kind of coffee beverage with many functional benefits. The combination of lion’s mane, turkey tail, cordyceps and Om’s proprietary whole-food reishi extract standardized to 35% beta glucans, plus 120 milligrams of naturally occurring caffeine and ginkgo biloba, supports cognitive performance, promotes immune hea