Luna launches new varieties for protein line

EMERYVILLE, CALIF. — Luna, a Clif Bar brand, has rolled out two new flavors to its Luna Protein line: lemon vanilla and chocolate coconut almond.

Lemon vanilla is the first Luna Protein bar without a chocolate coating. According to the company, it has a “zesty lemon taste with a creamy vanilla outer shell,” while chocolate coconut almond is “wrapped in chocolate with hints of toasted coconut and chopped almonds.”

Luna Protein is gluten-free and provides 12 grams of protein. The new varieties are available on-line and at select grocery and natural food retailers, and will roll out to all food retailers nationwide in early April 2014. The suggested retail price is $1.39.

Hershey’s Spreads offer alternative to peanut butter

BATTLE CREEK, MICH. — Hershey Co. is introducing Hershey’s Spreads, a line of chocolate spreads. Inspired by Hershey’s pure chocolate flavor, the creamy, rich spreads will be available in three varieties: chocolate, chocolate with almond and chocolate with hazelnut.

“The average American snacks more than two times a day and what better way to transform everyday snacks into delicious treats, than with the genuine chocolate flavor that only Hershey can deliver,” said Anna Lingeris, spokesperson for Hershey. “We have been delivering genuine chocolate experiences in a variety of forms for 120 years and our legacy as the leader in chocolate continues with Hershey’s Spreads.”

Hershey’s Spreads are now available nationwide at food, mass, drug and convenience stores and will be offered in 13-oz jars that retail for $3.79. The new product will be supported by an integrated marketing campaign that began in the fourth quarter of 2013 and will continue through 2014.

Snyder’s pairs sweet and salty in new flavored pretzel piece line

HANOVER, PA. — Snyder’s of Hanover has added cinnamon sugar and salted caramel varieties to its existing line of Flavored Pretzel Pieces.

Both of the sweet and salty varieties will retail around $3.69 for a 10-oz bag.

“Sweet and salty remains a popular consumer snack request, so adding the flavor combination to our Pretzel Pieces line was a natural extension,” said Bob Gould, marketing manager for Snyder’s of Hanover. “There are so many wonderful ways to enjoy them. Get creative by pairing them with your favorite desserts, like ice cream, or eat them right out of the bag.”

Cascadian Farms debuts pea protein bars

SEDRO-WOOLLEY, WASH. — Cascadian Farm, a brand within General Mills, Inc.’s Small Planet Foods unit, has introduced a new line of bars made with organic pea protein, a protein source derived solely from plants. The new chewy bars are available nationwide in two flavors: peanut butter chocolate chip and honey roasted nut. The bars have 9 grams of protein per serving.

“We know consumers are searching for innovative products made with protein from legumes, vegetables and nuts, and so we are thrilled to introduce a new line of bars made with organic pea protein,” said Scott Lee, marketing director for Cascadian Farm. “What’s especially exciting about these bars is that we’ve found a way to deliver this protein source while also fulfilling our promise to provide our customers with delicious organic foods the whole family will enjoy.”

While whey protein comes from dairy manufacturing, pea protein used in the Cascadian Farm protein bars is 100% derived from organic peas. The bars come packaged in boxes of five at a suggested retail price of $4.49.

Van’s extends snack line

VERNON, CALIF. — Van’s Natural Foods is extending its snack line with the introduction of certified gluten-free, multigrain snack chips and PB&J sandwich bars.

Earlier this year, Van’s launched its first gluten-free snack line with crackers, cereals and snack bars.

Van’s Multigrain Chips have a suggested retail price of $3.49 and are available in Nacho, Nacho, Man! and Mighty Good BBQ! The chips have 18 grams of whole grains and 130 calories per serving, and are made with gluten-free brown rice, oats, millet, quinoa and amaranth.

Van’s PB&J Sandwich Bars are a classic blend of real peanut butter and fruit spread, sandwiched between two gluten-free bars made with whole grains. Available in blueberry and strawberry, the sandwich bars have 10 grams of whole grains and retail for $4.49.

Van’s new snack line also includes crispy baked crackers made with nutrient-rich whole grains and gluten-free oats, brown rice, millet, quinoa and amaranth in three flavors: Multigrain, Lots of Everything! and Say Cheese! The crackers have a suggested retail price of $2.99.

Van’s rounds out its latest offerings with fiber- and whole-grain-rich, Non-GMO Project-certified Love Your Heart Waffles for $3.49. Made from a mix of whole grains such as whole wheat, barley and oats, Van’s Love Your Heart Waffles have 34 grams of whole grains and 7 grams of fiber per serving.

Smart Balance enters snack market

BOULDER, COLO. — Boulder Brands, Inc. recently made its entrance into the snack market with the launch of Smart Balance Peanut Butter Popcorn Nuggets.

Made with Smart Balance peanut butter, peanuts and oats, the popcorn snacks are gluten-free and made with nonbioengineered ingredients.

The popcorn nuggets come in 15-oz reclosable bag with a suggested retail price of $6.99.

Kellogg’s Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory cereal to roll out nationally

DURANGO, COLO. — Kellogg’s Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Chocolatey Almond Cereal, which was introduced last year in select Target stores, will be rolled out nationally after a successful test period. The cereal features sweetened flakes of corn, rich chocolatey morsels and sliced almonds.

“Sales of Kellogg’s Limited Edition Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Chocolatey Almond Cereal exceeded our expectations during the test marketing phase, and we were recently pleased to learn that Kellogg is rolling out the specialty cereal to a majority of its retail distribution channels,” said Bryan Merryman, chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Inc. “We have always believed that the strength of our national brand represents an asset that can be leveraged, through licensing agreements, into other product categories, and we are hopeful that our success in the cereal industry will lead to additional licensing opportunities going forward.”

Chex Chips hit convenience stores

MINNEAPOLIS — General Mills, Inc. has rolled out Chex Chips at convenience stores around the nation.

The chips come in 1.5-oz bags and are available in four flavors: caramelized onion, cheddar jalapeno, wasabi, and brown sugar and cinnamon.