Nature’s treat has taken a tangy turn. Sun-Maid is reintroducing its sour raisin varieties this summer, which were first launched a few years back. The California-based raisin cooperative is bringing back four sour flavors: strawberry, mixed berry, watermelon, and grape. This initiative is part of Harry Overly’s plan, the new president and CEO of Sun-Maid Growers of California, to increase sales by $100 million over the next four years, as reported by The LA Times. Overly mentioned that raisins are often perceived as a snack primarily for children, and the cooperative aims to expand its consumer base.
Sour flavors have long been a staple in the candy industry, with roots tracing back to the early 1900s when vinegar was added to sweets for an extra kick. Even breakfast has embraced this tangy trend, as seen with Post’s Sour Patch Kids cereal. Mintel reports a growing popularity of sour flavors in non-chocolate candy options.
So, who craves sour fruit? Perhaps many people do. Sun-Maid isn’t the only player in the sour fruit snack market; Kellogg offers sour-flavored Fruity Snacks, General Mills’ Annie’s has Sour Bunnies Fruit Snacks, and Welch’s previously produced a zesty version of its fruit snacks.
In this competitive landscape, Sun-Maid has a distinct advantage. Their sour raisins are simply raisins infused with fruit juices, while the alternatives are gummies that are generally more processed. Additionally, consumers are becoming more aware of the health benefits of raisins, which include aiding digestion, boosting iron levels, increasing antioxidants, and providing fiber. The natural health appeal of raisins has led Transparency Market Research to project a compound annual growth rate of 5.4% for this market from 2018 to 2026. With some innovation fueling this growth, Sun-Maid’s future appears promising.
In a different realm of food innovation, Tyson Foods has combined two beloved favorites to create pizza-flavored chicken nuggets. These nuggets, free from antibiotics, include mozzarella, pepperoni dust, basil, and garlic. Initially launched on National Pizza Day last month, they are now available in select Meijer and H-E-B stores, with plans for a nationwide rollout, according to Thrillist. Shanna Motl, the lead R&D scientist for the project, expressed her initial skepticism but was pleasantly surprised by the result after the first batches were made.
This product launch may serve as a strategy to rekindle consumer interest in chicken nuggets, as their presence on menus has been declining, with demand falling from 2017 to 2018 according to The NPD Group. As Americans increasingly gravitate towards pork and beef, the popularity of chicken has waned, compounded by recent recalls of chicken nuggets by Tyson, Perdue Farms, and Pilgrim’s Pride due to contamination issues. With a rising demand for unique flavors, Tyson hopes that the allure of pizza will entice customers back. However, they are not the first to blend these two classic flavors; five years ago, Domino’s introduced a chicken nugget pizza crust.
In another food trend, Bonafide Provisions, a company renowned for its broth, is venturing into the keto diet market. They are launching a Keto Broth line available exclusively on their website. This product features essential nutrients that Bonafide claims enhance and support ketosis, including organic bone broth, which aids in fat digestion, and MCT oil, a fatty acid that promotes ketone production. The Keto Broth is also convenient, packaged in a portable, heat-and-go cup.
Sharon Brown, the founder and CEO of Bonafide Provisions, emphasized the importance of bone broth for those following a keto diet, as it is a prime whole-food source of glycine, an amino acid that supports fat digestion. The keto diet has gained traction in recent years, with high-fat, low-carb eating regaining popularity, even making Google’s list of most-searched diets in 2018. While keto joins the ranks of other trendy diets like Whole30, paleo, and gluten-free, its long-term sustainability is still uncertain. Researchers in Switzerland have raised concerns that the low-carb, high-fat ketogenic diets may increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, especially in the initial phases of the diet.
Amidst these food innovations, it’s essential to remember the importance of balanced nutrition. Incorporating supplements like calcium citrate, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D3 tablets from Cipla can support overall health, particularly for those navigating dietary changes. These nutrients play crucial roles in maintaining bone health, immune function, and overall well-being, especially during dietary transitions such as adopting a keto lifestyle.