The Checkout: Nowadays Raises $7 Million; Gerber Launches Plant-protein Baby Food

Welcome to The Checkout: an express lane for the weekly news you need to know, always 10 items or less.

Nowadays Raises $7 Million To Scale Plant-based Chicken Nugget Tech

Seeking to scale and commercially launch its plant-based chicken nuggets, Nowadays announced it has closed a $4 million round led by Stray Dog Capital this week, bringing its total funding to almost $10 million to-date.

The company saw additional participation from Standard Meat Company, a privately owned meat processing and packaging company that supplies national restaurant chains and major retailers, in addition to investment from VegInvest Trust, Tenacious Ventures, Cornucopian Capital, Good Protein Fund and Selva Ventures, among others.

“At Standard Meat, we are constantly looking ahead to the future, bringing innovation to every aspect of our business. Today, that means investing in and supporting Nowadays and their plant-based meats that will deliver the nutritional benefits flexitarians are craving,” said Ben Rosenthal, Standard Meat CEO and co-president, in a press release. “We know that consumers want a variety of quality protein choices, and we are looking forward to lending our operational expertise and culinary credibility as Nowadays scales manufacturing and launches new products.”

The new investment comes during a busy period for the plant-based meat maker, as it prepares to introduce a chicken cutlet format at retail, with Whole Foods initially, and potentially in foodservice.

Nowadays has differentiated itself within the crowded plant-based nugget segment with its focus on using a simple recipe featuring seven sustainable ingredients. The nuggets are made from yellow pea protein, whole wheat flour, sunflower oil, maple fibers and yeast and mushroom extract, with no binders or fillers.

Gerber Launches New Baby Food Line With A Focus On Plant-based Protein

Gerber released its Plant-tastic line of baby food products in pouches, snacks and meal formats this week, marking a shift in the company’s focus toward plant-based, protein-dense nutrition. The new line is also carbon neutral certified by Carbon Trust, a play that furthers the company’s sustainable ‘climate forward nutrition’ commitments, announced last summer.

“We hear from parents they want more plant-based protein options that align with their food and climate values,” said Gerber President and CEO Tarun Malkani, in a press release. “Gerber Plant-tastic offers stage-based nutrition across milestones starting with organic toddler pouches, snacks and meals.”

The line is made with ingredients such as whole grain millet, quinoa, oat, spinach, peppers, cherries, berries and legumes like chickpeas, black beans, navy beans and lentils. The launch comes on the heels of updated dietary guidance from the USDA for children under the age of two.

“Many parents of my patients incorporate plant-based options in their own diet and are looking to feed their baby in line with their own food values,” said Dr. Whitney Casares, Gerber Pediatric Consultant, in a press release. “Gerber Plant-tastic foods are made with beans, whole grains and veggies – which are packed with nutrients such as protein and fiber to support baby’s healthy development.”

Functional Food Category See New Entry, Adapto Foods

New boulder-based food company Adapto Foods debuted this week with a line of functional single-serve, ready-to-eat oatmeal bowls and the stated aim of developing a portfolio of adaptogenic pantry staples.

The company, led by Jared Lovenduski, who also founded better-for-you cookie brand Lillabee Snacks, said it aims to mainstream adaptogen supplemented foods outside of the beverage and power categories. The brand launched with five SKUs – Harmony (Classic), Focus (Coconut), Immunity (Apple), Happy (Cranberry) and Energy (Maple) – each containing a blend of mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane.

“We are very excited about the launch of this company and the release of our game changing foods,” said Adapto CEO Jared Lovenduski, in a press release. “We want to make it easy and tasty for our customers, no matter their health and longevity goals, to access the benefits of adaptogen supplementation. We are looking forward to expanding the company and broadening our offerings in the very near future.”

Halo Top Reformulates And Adds New Flavor

Better-for-you ice cream brand Halo Top announced this week it has reformulated the recipe for its Dairy Light Ice Cream, now using ultrafiltered skim milk, alongside debuting its newest flavor: Chocolate Cake Batter.

“Our fans can now enjoy their favorite Halo Top Dairy Light Ice Cream flavors with even creamier texture thanks to our latest reformulation,” said Pete Gargula, Halo Top brand manager, in a press release.

The new formula will roll out across all Halo Top lines and flavors, including Chocolate Cake Batter, which features chocolate cake batter light ice cream, colored sprinkles and 330 calories per pint. The low sugar, low calorie frozen dessert maker has also added a “Now Creamier” label to the front of its new pints. Halo Top products are available at retailers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $4.99.