The Laughing Cow has become a staple for consumers who enjoy unwrapping its tiny pre-portioned cheese wedges before a snack. The brand, owned by Bel Group, has now introduced a new line that creatively combines its signature cheese with a trendy plant-based ingredient. The new Blends line will feature three flavors: Chickpea & Cheese with Herb, Lentil & Cheese with Curry, and Red Bean & Cheese with Paprika. Alongside this launch, The Laughing Cow is also unveiling portable Laughing Cow & Go cups that come with breadsticks for dipping into its classic dairy-only cheese.
Zach Fatla, USA brand director for The Laughing Cow, stated, “The launch of these products illustrates The Laughing Cow’s evolution and adaptability to consumer snacking trends. We’re introducing bold flavors, real ingredients, and portability as part of a robust product lineup that includes our original wedges.” In 2019, Bel Group made a significant strategic shift, committing to develop hybrid products that merge dairy and plant-based ingredients, as reported by FoodBev. Last March, they acquired a majority stake in French plant-based company All In Foods, which specializes in vegan cheese alternatives in Europe. In October, the company promised to create one plant-based variety for each of its signature brands and introduced its first product: Boursin Dairy-Free Cheese Spread Alternative Garlic & Herbs.
With more consumers looking to incorporate plant-based foods into their diets, numerous companies are exploring the blend of traditional animal-based ingredients with plant-derived ones, often with varied success. For instance, in 2019, Perdue Foods released chicken nuggets and patties that included vegetables in their Chicken Plus line, while Tyson Foods offered blended burgers made with Angus beef and pea protein isolate under its Raised & Rooted line but eventually halted that mix. Other dairy producers, like Minnesota’s Live Real Farms, have also ventured into blended offerings, producing 50/50 blends of dairy milk and plant-based drinks from almonds and oats.
The surge in new product development is understandable; the market for plant-based proteins and meat alternatives is estimated to grow from $4.6 billion in 2018 to $85 billion by 2030, according to investment firm UBS.
In addition to The Laughing Cow, One Bar has launched a new product aimed at evoking the nostalgic taste of sugary cereals with its One Fruity Cereal Bar. This bar contains 20 grams of protein and just 1 gram of sugar, featuring a gooey fruit-flavored center surrounded by icing. One Bar is well-known for its indulgent flavors and nutritional benefits, with other varieties including Birthday Cake and Cinnamon Roll.
Research conducted by One Bar with 1,000 adults revealed that 44% have been consuming more nostalgic foods during the pandemic, with nearly 60% associating sugary cereal with childhood memories and over half considering it delicious, although only 15% deem it healthy.
Various companies have sought to bring back the nostalgic taste of sugary cereals for adults, particularly during the pandemic. Cereal consumption at home rose by 11% last year compared to 2019, with Millennials increasing their cereal intake by 13% from March to August 2020, according to The NPD Group. Responding to this demand, General Mills reintroduced retro varieties of cereals like Trix and Cocoa Puffs, while direct-to-consumer cereal brand Magic Spoon created healthier alternatives that replicate the flavors of childhood favorites.
One Bar is not alone in transforming cereal flavors into portable treats. Kellogg also launched bars inspired by Froot Loops and Frosted Flakes, while larger versions of Froot Loops and other cereals were marketed as Jumbo Snax. However, unlike most of these products, the One Bar Fruity Cereal is specifically designed for adult consumers. It will soon be available at Trader Joe’s, The Vitamin Shoppe, Amazon, and convenience stores, making it widely accessible.
In a different realm, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream has introduced a novel flavor that might seem more appropriate for a deli than an ice cream pint. The Everything Bagel flavor features a sweet cream cheese base mixed with buttery streusel containing sesame, poppy seeds, onions, and garlic, creating a unique sweet, salty, and umami experience. Launched in late January, this flavor quickly sold out online.
Jeni’s is renowned for its inventive flavor mixes, with past offerings including goat cheese with red cherries and pickled mango. Everything Bagel, however, represents one of its boldest flavors yet. As innovative craft brands seek to stand out in the competitive $6.1 billion ice cream market, unconventional flavors are increasingly common. For instance, Nightfood recently introduced a pickle-flavored ice cream aimed at expectant mothers, while OddFellows has a sweet-and-savory bacon, egg, and cheese-inspired flavor.
As many ice cream parlors continue to face pandemic-related challenges, consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands have a unique opportunity to capture attention. In-home ice cream sales surged by 17% during the pandemic, according to Unilever. Although the Everything Bagel flavor might not appeal to everyone, it highlights a growing consumer appetite for unusual taste experiences, with Jeni’s pricing it at $12 per pint.
In conclusion, both The Laughing Cow and One Bar, along with various ice cream brands, are tapping into nostalgia and innovative flavor profiles, demonstrating the industry’s adaptability to changing consumer preferences. The interest in novel combinations and plant-based ingredients, such as calcium citrate dischem, reflects a broader trend towards health-conscious and adventurous snacking.