CHICAGO — “Modern attributes and authentic flavors” are the focus of new products from Conagra Brands, Inc., the company said. The Chicago-based company has unveiled a slew of new offerings within its Frozen & Refrigerated Meals, Snacks & Sweet Treats, Condiments & Enhancers, and Shelf Stable Meals & Sides segments set to debut through the first half of 2020.
Upcoming innovation in the frozen aisle includes Birds Eye Veggie Shreds, which “save time and steps in the kitchen,” Conagra said. The shredded vegetables are lightly seasoned and steam in the bag. Varieties include white cabbage and carrots, carrots and broccoli florets, Brussels sprouts, and potatoes and sweet potatoes with broccoli and cauliflower florets.
“Conagra Brands is a leader in frozen food, a category that has a long runway of opportunity for growth,” said Darren Serrao, executive vice-president and co-chief operating officer for Conagra Brands. “Data tells us that frozen meals are perfect for today’s busy consumers, so we’re tailoring our new product innovation to bring premium food with the right nutrition, sustainability attributes and price points to the freezer aisle and digital shelf.”
In the snacks and sweet treats segment, Conagra is doubling down on its Duncan Hines brand. The company is introducing Duncan Hines Gooey Bakes warm cookies and brownies available in four varieties: chocolate chip cookie, chocolate chunk brownie, confetti sugar cookie and butterscotch cookie.
Additionally, Conagra has reworked its Duncan Hines Mug Cake mixes to include frosting. The brand originally launched the microwavable product in February 2017 under its Perfect Size for One platform and sold frosting separately. The new mug cakes come in six varieties: brownie mix mug cake with chocolate frosting, confetti mug cake with vanilla frosting, lemon mug cake with vanilla frosting, strawberry mug cake with cream cheese frosting, chocolate lover’s mug cake with chocolate frosting, and carrot mug cake with cream cheese frosting.
New sweet sips from Conagra Brands come from the Swiss Miss brand in the form of Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa and Unicorn Marshmallow Magic Hot Cocoa. The pumpkin spice variety pairs pumpkin spice with chocolate in a cocoa drink that contains no artificial sweeteners, flavors, preservatives or colors. The unicorn cocoa is made with nonfat milk and includes rainbow-colored marshmallows.
“Conagra Brands’ $2 billion snacking portfolio ranks in the top 10 in the industry and is also one of the fastest-growing,” said Tom McGough, executive vice-president and co-chief operating officer for Conagra Brands. “We are excited to introduce new snacking and grocery options from iconic brands and look forward to launching additional, on-trend products throughout the remainder of the fiscal year.”
Two new non-G.M.O. products are joining Conagra Brands’ portfolio of condiments and enhancers. The Earth Balance brand is launching Pressed Oil Spreads, a line of plant-based spreads with a high smoke point. Made with only three to four ingredients, including pressed oil and sea salt, the spreads are dairy-free, vegan, kosher, lactose free and Non-GMO Project verified. Earth Balanced Pressed Oil Spreads come in three varieties: pressed sunflower oil, pressed avocado oil and pressed olive oil.
The PAM brand is also going non-G.M.O. with its new Non-G.M.O. Oil Cooking Sprays in avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil varieties. The sprays “can be applied directly to food to lock in flavor and texture or sprayed on pans and skillets for easy cooking and cleanup,” Conagra said.
Also debuting in the condiment aisle is P.F. Chang’s Home Menu Mango Sweet & Sour Sauce, one of many new products from Conagra designed to bring global flavors to consumers’ tables. With a kick of ginger and lemon, the vegan sauce contains 50 calories per 2-tablespoon serving.
“Great for dipping, cooking and marinating, this versatile sauce allows you to enjoy an authentic Asian dining experience in the convenience of your home,” Conagra said.
Delivering the flavors of Mexico, new RO*TEL Diced Tomatoes with Serrano Peppers features tomatoes, chilies and serrano peppers for “bold, adventurous flavors that will bring heat to Mexican dishes, salsa recipes and more,” Conagra said. The spicy mix is made with non-G.M.O. ingredients.
Two new tomato varieties are joining the Hunt’s brand lineup. New Hunt’s San Marzano Style Whole Peeled Tomatoes, featuring plum tomatoes from Italy, come in original; garlic, olive oil and basil; and garlic and crushed red pepper varieties. The tomatoes may be used to create sauces, bruschetta and more. Hunt’s Petite Diced Garlic and Olive Oil Tomatoes are steam-peeled and seasoned with garlic and olive oil.
Conagra Brands’ is beefing up its shelf stable meals and sides business with new Wolf Brand Chili Angus Beef. Made with chunks of Angus quality beef and a blend of spices all kettle cooked together, the chili is available with beans and without beans.
“As the company works to accelerate growth and maximize value creation, Conagra continues its demand-driven approach to innovation by launching a slate of on-trend products from iconic and emerging brands,” Conagra Brands said.