Latest Trends and New Products For the Food Allergy Consumer
I recently attended the largest natural foods trade show in the U.S., Natural Products Expo West. Hundreds of industry manufacturers were in attendance to feature and present their new products to retailers, distributors, health practitioners, food service businesses and more.
With a background in managing brands in the natural foods industry, and a son who strictly avoids #top9 plus other foods, I am always eager to discover new allergy-friendly products launching in the market. In addition to scouting out new products each year, I take note of common themes and market research findings to more deeply understand the needs and desires of mainstream consumers. Among those themes this year the following were most prominent:
Consumers are more focused than ever on their health and wellness, and are concerned with what they are putting in their bodies -- fueled by changes due to the pandemic.
There was an incredible variety of new innovations in plant-based meats, snacks, and desserts.
These plant based foods are in demand, not just by vegetarians, but by consumers pursuing healthier options and planet friendly products.
There is a focus on finding guilt-free snacks that taste good; consumers are trying to balance both their desire to eat healthier foods, while also enjoying their food.
We are paying attention to our planet more than ever which is the motivation behind regenerative agriculture – farming and grazing practices that, among other benefits, help to reverse climate change.
As I searched for allergy-friendly brands and their new products, I kept these themes in mind, but my top priority is always safety in terms of ingredients and manufacturing processes, versus what the latest fad or trend is in the market. It’s always a plus when a manufacturer that is focused on the use of the simplest of ingredients and provides clean labeling is staying competitive in the market, while offering new allergy-friendly products.
Some of the brands and products that stood out to me, as a food allergic consumer, included:
All Clean Food – founded and created by a food-allergy mom, Laura Meemken. All Clean Food offers a line of pasta meals developed with a focus on organic, clean-ingredients. All of their products are made from real ingredients and free from the top 14 allergens.
Cocojune – in addition to their dairy-free, coconut based yogurt, they are launching a new line of gluten and dairy-free overnight oats, available in a variety of flavors. Cocojune is dedicated to organic agriculture, is 100% free from GMOs and toxic pesticides, and they support sustainability. They are working towards becoming the first certified plastic neutral yogurt company in the U.S.
Noops – featuring real, allergy-friendly ingredients, Noops is a protein-rich, plant-based organic oat milk pudding. They use simple ingredients like all organic oats, dates, and sunflower seed protein. Noops is vegan and non-GMO, has no added sugar, 5 to 6 grams of protein and 6 to 7 grams of fiber. (Call to confirm your comfort with the warning label; they also provide full transparency online.)
Applegate – the latest new product from Applegate is the ‘Do Good Dog’ hot dog which is made with beef raised on verified regenerative U.S. grasslands. Applegate is dedicated to clean labeling and using simple ingredients. They ’…source their meat from family farms, where animals are treated with care and respect and are allowed to grow at their natural rate; no antibiotics or growth promotants.’ Visit their website to use the easy allergen search feature.
Chomps – features all-natural meat snacks that are focused on protein and are sustainably-sourced, grass fed, free range, hormone free and more. In the past year Chomps launched ‘Chomplings’ – the same great product, just in a smaller snack size (and good for smaller hands). Think of adding diced Chomps on top your allergy-friendly pizza or trail mix, or add to a festive charcuterie board. Chomps are free from the top 9 food allergens and follow strict manufacturing protocols.
Another finding that resounded with me as a food allergic consumer was the latest research on consumer buying behaviors. Industry experts reported that consumers today are engaging even more with retailers and directly with brands. As a food allergic consumer, I know I am extremely loyal to certain brands and the retailers who carry those brands. Consumers reward retailers who best meet their needs – and for those with limited diets, even more so. It’s a good time to get out there and ask retailers to carry items that you trust and will buy, they are listening.
For more on how to become familiar with food manufacturers and the food allergic consumer, read more here. You’ll also find what manufacturers are required by law to include on their label, and more importantly, what they aren’t required to have on their label. Always remember to check product labels and evaluate if a product is safe for your individual dietary restrictions. Pick up the phone and call manufacturers and ask questions.
Get in touch and let me know if you try these new products, meanwhile I’ll keep searching.
The Allergy Aspect was not compensated by any of the brands listed in this post.