Innovation

Plant-based food company Chunk Foods has moved into retail with its whole muscle, meat alternatives. The launch is beginning with independent specialty retailers in Los Angeles and New York with plans to expand into bigger chains in 2025.

Founded in 2021, House of Kajaana makes three varieties of frozen Indian meals: Cauliflower Tikka Masala with pea and basmati rice, Roasted Butternut Saag with bright tomato basmati rice, and Coconut Malabar Curry with pumpkin seed basmati rice.

Bioactive protein lactoferrin used in supplements and infant formula is usually derived from cow’s milk but a number of precision fermentation companies are using innovative processes to create a less expensive and more sustainably sourced ingredient.

The frozen smoothie category has evolved since pandemic lockdowns with consumers demanding more convenience and functionality blended together and packaged at a price accessible to mass channel shoppers.

The founding duo behind RXBAR is taking aim at the candy category with a new brand curiously called Hormbles Chormbles. Set to launch early next year, the chocolate products are high in protein (using whey protein isolate) and low in calories and sugar, said Jared Smith, co-founder of the Chicago-based startup.

The CPG Week podcast team talks about Peter Rahal’s newest protein bar release, the co-branded Lunchly product from PRIME and Feastables, and how these two products relate to consumers’ differentiated value demands from ingredients and nutrition.

For years, leaders of the biggest packaged food manufacturers have been studying – and, in some cases, acquiring – emerging brands to gain insights on how to “innovate like a startup” with a focus on speed, agility and disruption. We spoke to industry experts about what Big CPG can teach brands at the entrepreneurial level, from product development strategies to mindset.

After launching into grain-free granola, Three Wishes is entering a new category with chewy granola bars as it eyes opportunity in snacks and expanding its reach in mass and conventional channels.

Nooish founder Sarah Nathan talked to Nosh about her instant matzah ball soup product and why she decided to launch a brand despite knowing the challenges that come with being a CPG food operator.

New Hope Network’s inaugural Newtopia Now drew more than 7,000 natural products industry professionals to Denver last week, as 550 exhibiting companies showcased their latest in natural products innovation.