Reviews: Kencko Snaps Into New Snacking Format; Plus, Pi00a, Forager Project

In this reviews roundup, we chomp into Kencko Fruit Snaps, pi00a frozen pizza and Forager Project’s new plain Greek-style yogurt alternative.

Kencko Fruit Snaps

Freeze-dried fruit and vegetable company Kencko is pushing its powders further into snack occasions with the debut of organic Fruit Snaps. The new innovation contains 2.5 cups of “real fruit,” no added sugar and between 6 to 8 grams of fiber, depending on the variety. Inaugural flavors include pineapple, raspberry, strawberry and banana, and the base of each “snap,” regardless of flavor, is made with a combination of apples, banana and agave fiber. The product comes packed in 1 oz. packets.

Things that stand out:

• The texture and flavor are pleasantly surprising and bring a nostalgic yet innovative twist to the snack category with a sweet iteration drawing similarities to veggie straw-style products.
• The clean label position is clear on front of pack.
• Overall great packaging design that clearly shows the consumer the product’s texture and differentiates between flavors.

What to consider:

• The packages look wrinkled and creased, likely because they are plastic-free and compostable, but it gives off the impression these items have been sitting around for a while.
• A smaller pack size or resealable format would be beneficial for consumers who may be unable to finish the full pack in one sitting.
• Alternatively, a tray or more solid package may be a better fit as most of the snaps were broken into fairly small pieces.

Rating:

Forager Unsweetened Plain Greek Style Yogurt

Plant-based dairy brand Forager Project has taken on the challenge of creating a palatable cashew- and coconut-based high-protein yogurt alternative that leans heavily on cashews with an additional protein lift from brown rice. The new product contains 10 grams of protein, no added sugar and 210 calories per serving.

Things that stand out:

• The texture replicates that of Greek yogurt with no chalky or unpleasant taste from the protein inputs.
• The clean, simple ingredient list stands out in a set that often sees the use of fillers, oils and emulsifiers to achieve a yogurt like texture.
• The solid-colored packaging provides a distinct contrast among competitors as well as within the brand’s own lineup, allowing it to stand out on shelf as a new offering.

Things to consider:

• Clearer callouts on the product’s prebiotic or probiotic contents would draw in more consumers. The information on live active cultures is helpful but not easily understood by the average shopper
• Additional Greek-style flavors such as Vanilla would appeal to a wider audience.

Rating:

pi00a Frozen Pizza

Frozen pizza brand pi00a (pronounced “pie-oh-ah”) prides itself on using top-tier ingredients like 00 flour and offering an experience that aims to rival freshly made pies. Founded by a “deaf and CODA family,” the brand differentiates itself with its transparent, vacuum-sealed packaging and a lineup of both classic and unique flavor varieties. With a quick bake time of 5 to 10 minutes at 475°F, pi00a offers convenience without compromising on quality.

Things that stand out:

• These are definitely the best frozen pizzas we’ve ever tasted. They literally taste and look like a freshly made Neopolitan-style pizza. We especially like the classic Margherita and Quattro Formaggi, but all are exceptional. High-quality ingredients – notably the use of 00 flour – contribute to an artisanal feel.
• Transparent vacuum-sealed packaging gives customers full visibility into the product; a stark contrast to most frozen pizza brands that hide the actual food.
• Strong variety in SKUs, adding appeal for repeat purchases and varying taste preferences.

Things to consider:

• The branding feels a bit too simple and the name “pi00a” is hard to pronounce and may confuse first-time buyers. Packaging design, while clear and honest, could use more visual punch or personality to compete on busy freezer shelves.

Rating: