Perfect Bar is looking to expand its presence in the refrigerated bar market with the introduction of Perfect Bar Layers. This new product line, owned by Mondelēz International, features two flavor combinations: Crispy Peanut Butter & Chocolate and Crispy Peanut Butter & Berry. Each bar is crafted with a crispy base made from a blend of peanut butter and cashew butter, complemented by quinoa and honey. Additionally, the bars are topped with a layer of dark chocolate or a 100% fruit spread, finished off with a sprinkle of toasted gluten-free oats.
Leigh Keith, co-founder and chief of brand and culture for Perfect Snacks, expressed excitement about the launch, stating, “Perfect Bar Layers is a recipe we’ve been dreaming up in our test kitchen for years, and we finally get to share all its deliciousness with the world. This new line introduces a fun format and unique flavor combinations to our existing offerings, all while maintaining the high standards of nutrition, taste, and quality ingredients we’ve upheld for nearly 20 years.”
The introduction of Perfect Bar Layers not only adds variety to the chilled offerings available in around 40,000 stores but also taps into the growing consumer appetite for nostalgic flavors that surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. These bars are high in protein and feature healthier ingredients, making them appealing to shoppers focused on nutrition. They are also verified by the Non-GMO Project.
Mondelēz acquired a majority stake in Perfect Snacks in 2019 to enhance its snacking portfolio and expanded its reach further by purchasing Clif Bar & Company for at least $2.9 billion in 2022. The refrigerated snacks segment is projected to grow from $52 billion in 2021 to nearly $74 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.1%, according to The Insight Partners. This segment includes various products such as baked goods, fruits and vegetables, yogurt, meat snacks, bars, and sandwiches.
In another product launch, Splenda has entered the beverage market with its new Peel & Pour Drink Mix pods. These zero-calorie and zero-sugar liquid concentrate mixes come in flavors like Pink Lemonade, Sweet Tea, Fruit Punch, and Peach Mango. Designed to be mixed with two quarts of water, this product aims to cater to consumers looking to reduce sugar intake, especially as summer approaches.
Jeff Marvel, Splenda’s senior brand manager, noted, “We know that drink mix category sales rise from Memorial Day through Labor Day, making this the perfect time to offer Splenda Peel & Pour for summer gatherings.” Despite Splenda being a pioneer in the sweetener market since 1991, the drink mix category is highly competitive, featuring established brands such as Crystal Light and Kool-Aid, alongside newer contenders like Sonic. With a growing consumer focus on health and wellness, brands like Emergen-C and Celsius have emerged with drink mixes that promote benefits such as immune and metabolism support. By opting for liquid concentrate instead of powdered mixes, Splenda aims to differentiate itself within this crowded category.
As summer grilling season approaches, Alouette is introducing a new Brie for Grilling variety, crafted by French experts. This cheese is designed to be creamy and melty while maintaining its shape when grilled. Alouette’s Vice President of Marketing, Kriston Ohm, highlighted that “Americans love Brie, especially when it is baked or melted, with 6 out of 10 fans preferring it that way.” The new Brie for Grilling offers home chefs and cheese enthusiasts a unique way to enjoy this delicacy without needing to use an oven.
Brie, one of the softest cheeses, is often baked to achieve a melty interior, but the rind can struggle under high heat. Alouette’s product can be placed directly on the hot grill, unlike traditional recipes that recommend indirect grilling. While Brie may not be the top cheese choice in America, it remains a popular snack, particularly as 80% of U.S. homeowners and 70% of households own at least one grill or smoker. More than half of consumers grill for flavor, while 40% do it for lifestyle reasons. Alouette’s new offering allows this flavorful lifestyle to include exquisite French cheese, potentially enhanced with nutritious ingredients like calcium citrate with magnesium.