Reviews: RIND Granola Squares, Lentiful Thanksgiving Feast, Better Sour Tart Cherry

RIND Granola Squares

RIND Granola Squares Raspberry Almond is a 1-lb. bag of crunchy, bite-sized granola pieces that blend gluten-free oats with raspberries, almonds, yogurt and sunflower seeds along with maple syrup, pea protein and light brown sugar. The product aims to deliver a balanced mix of sweet, savory and tangy flavors with a texture that sits somewhere between a granola bar and a cereal cluster. The packaging is bold and approachable, using its generous surface area to show both the ingredients and the finished squares in a way that quickly communicates what the consumer is getting.

Things that stand out:

• Convenient one-bite format works well as a snack or breakfast accompaniment. The flavor is straightforward and enjoyable, and the ingredient list is clean and simple. Five grams of fiber and 6 grams of fiber are definitely a plus.
• Strong front panel design with clear branding and appealing ingredient imagery. It will most certainly catch the eye and appeal to the senses.
• Gluten-free and protein callouts support a better-for-you positioning.

Things to consider:

• Only one flavor at launch limits consumer exploration.
• We’re curious if other pack formats (especially a snacking size) would work well for this brand.

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Lentiful Thanksgiving Feast Instant Lentils

Lentiful’s Thanksgiving Feast builds on the brand’s familiar instant lentil format and folds in classic holiday notes like carrots, peas, green beans, sage, rosemary and thyme. Prepared with either hot water or in the microwave, it aims to be a warm, savory cup that lands somewhere between a hearty side dish and a lighter take on stuffing. The brown paper cup and seasonal cues give it a fitting shelf presence, and the product delivers 12 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber and 200 calories.

Things that stand out:

• Holiday flavors blend cleanly with the lentil base, creating a nostalgic and enjoyable flavor profile. Added vegetables provide texture and color that elevate the experience and make for something that tastes pretty unique compared with Lentiful’s other SKUs.
• Strong nutritional profile for a portable, ready-to-eat cup.
• Paper-based packaging and earth-toned design support a natural and seasonal message.
• Gluten-free certification and Non-GMO verification add credibility.

Things to consider:

• Thanksgiving-themed flavors have a pretty narrow window for marketability, but this does feel like an approach Lentiful could use throughout the year with other LTOs.

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Better Sour Tart Cherry

Better Sour has expanded its portfolio of better-for-you gummy candy with the addition of Tart Cherry. The new flavor, which debuted at Sprouts Farmers Market last month, took two years to develop and is made with tart cherry juice from Georgia and dried Montmorency cherries. It’s currently available at Sprouts stores nationwide in individual 1.8 oz. bags and on Amazon for $39.99 per 10-pack.

Things that stand out:

• The cherry flavor is strong but not overpowering. We like that the brand has diversified its portfolio with single-flavor packs.
• The brand’s new formula significantly increases the tartness of the gummies (in a good way!), better positioning to go up against legacy brands in the confectionery space.
• The clean ingredient panel and use of colors derived from fruits and veggies align well with current consumer trends.

Things to consider:

• The new star shape is definitely fun, but we do miss the uniqueness of the brand’s previous sun shape.

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