New snack line taps into the power of produce
New snack line taps into the power of produce
NEW YORK -- Obesity awareness, the health and nutrition movement, the new USDA MyPyramid Plan and a restructured understanding of the importance of regular exercise and physical activity are all having a dramatic impact on how American consumers spends their time and money.
They have also inspired innovative food producers to tap into the movement by introducing products that promise good nutrition.
It makes sense that the produce category would be the first place for companies to turn to in their research and development efforts for healthy snack replacements, but other than potatoes, apples, soy and banana chips, not much innovation has surfaced in the category in recent years. And most of those products are sold in snack sections of supermarkets rather than in the produce departments.
But thanks to at least one creative company, more fresh produce items are now being turned into healthy snacks. This is also good news for grocers who want to increase sales in their produce departments because the products are geared toward the fresh produce areas.
Healthy Delite, a Lynbrook, NY-based snack food company, has launched its "Crispy Delites" line of natural snacks made from vegetables and fruits. But these items are much more than the more common selections available in the past. The line includes celery, carrot, onion, red onion, Asian cucumber, pumpkin, taro, string bean, sweet potato and apple chips -- and the collection is added to continually.
"Crispy Delites are made from a three-step process that retains 100 percent of the produce items' original nutrition, said Daniel Rozner, sales and marketing representative for Healthy Delite. "A one-ounce serving of the product packs the vitamins, nutrients and health benefits of nearly a pound of fresh vegetables.
The process removes the water and moisture from the fruits and vegetables, leaving only a delicious crunchy snack. The products contain no trans fats, hydrogenated oils, preservatives or chemicals.
"The products are low in fat, low in calories, 100 percent natural, have concentrated levels of vitamins and nutrients, are a good source of protein and fiber, and they taste great, said Mr. Rozner. "These aspects, plus the extensive variety list and packaging options available are all part of a great package that retailers are already voicing excitement over being able to offer their customers.
Healthy Delite products come in a variety of options and sizes. One-ounce snack bags are perfect for lunch boxes, and the 5.9-ounce seal-tight jars are just right for side dishes at meals, buffets and barbecues. Besides being satisfying and delicious, health- and nutritious-conscious homemakers can put big bowls of the product out for family and friends without the guilt associated when serving high-caloric, fatty alternatives. The company also makes private-label packaging available with full assistance in design and printing to fit individual customer needs.
Healthy Delite also manufactures "Fruit Roots 100 percent fruit snacks, which are produced using a proprietary recipe method that keeps the product soft, similar to fruit chews. Unlike most other soft fruit products, however, these are made with all natural ingredients.
Flavors currently available in the line are peach, kiwi, citrus and mixed berry in 2.7-ounce packages, and the products are also designed to be merchandised in produce departments.
They have also inspired innovative food producers to tap into the movement by introducing products that promise good nutrition.
It makes sense that the produce category would be the first place for companies to turn to in their research and development efforts for healthy snack replacements, but other than potatoes, apples, soy and banana chips, not much innovation has surfaced in the category in recent years. And most of those products are sold in snack sections of supermarkets rather than in the produce departments.
But thanks to at least one creative company, more fresh produce items are now being turned into healthy snacks. This is also good news for grocers who want to increase sales in their produce departments because the products are geared toward the fresh produce areas.
Healthy Delite, a Lynbrook, NY-based snack food company, has launched its "Crispy Delites" line of natural snacks made from vegetables and fruits. But these items are much more than the more common selections available in the past. The line includes celery, carrot, onion, red onion, Asian cucumber, pumpkin, taro, string bean, sweet potato and apple chips -- and the collection is added to continually.
"Crispy Delites are made from a three-step process that retains 100 percent of the produce items' original nutrition, said Daniel Rozner, sales and marketing representative for Healthy Delite. "A one-ounce serving of the product packs the vitamins, nutrients and health benefits of nearly a pound of fresh vegetables.
The process removes the water and moisture from the fruits and vegetables, leaving only a delicious crunchy snack. The products contain no trans fats, hydrogenated oils, preservatives or chemicals.
"The products are low in fat, low in calories, 100 percent natural, have concentrated levels of vitamins and nutrients, are a good source of protein and fiber, and they taste great, said Mr. Rozner. "These aspects, plus the extensive variety list and packaging options available are all part of a great package that retailers are already voicing excitement over being able to offer their customers.
Healthy Delite products come in a variety of options and sizes. One-ounce snack bags are perfect for lunch boxes, and the 5.9-ounce seal-tight jars are just right for side dishes at meals, buffets and barbecues. Besides being satisfying and delicious, health- and nutritious-conscious homemakers can put big bowls of the product out for family and friends without the guilt associated when serving high-caloric, fatty alternatives. The company also makes private-label packaging available with full assistance in design and printing to fit individual customer needs.
Healthy Delite also manufactures "Fruit Roots 100 percent fruit snacks, which are produced using a proprietary recipe method that keeps the product soft, similar to fruit chews. Unlike most other soft fruit products, however, these are made with all natural ingredients.
Flavors currently available in the line are peach, kiwi, citrus and mixed berry in 2.7-ounce packages, and the products are also designed to be merchandised in produce departments.
