EDITORS’ PICKS FOR INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS

Deli Delights

Dietz & Watson has given the deli snack pack a better-for-you makeover with a line of four protein-packed grab-and-go SKUS containing heart-healthy items matched with premium Dietz & Watson meats and artisan cheeses. A sophisticated but fun take on charcuterie for the whole family, Dietz & Dats consists of Hot Salami & Fontina, offering mingled heat and tanginess accompanied by sweet cranberries and crunchy melba toast; Milano Salami & Asiago, a sweet and tangy blend complemented by slightly salty almonds and melba toast; Chorizo & Pepper Jack, a smoky, spicy combo paired with sweet dried mangos and melba toast; and Dried Salami & Provolone, a savory, mildly tangy taste experience alongside cashews and melba toast. None of the varieties has any artificial flavors, preservatives or MSG. The savory, sweet stackable Dietz & Dats packs retail for a suggested $4.99 each. https://www.dietzandwatson.com/

Better for Breakfast

Entering the breakfast category with a line of protein bars, RxBar’s RxBar A.M. provides consumers with 10 grams of protein in three varieties: Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter, Chocolate and Blueberry. With simple ingredients such as soft-rolled oats, creamy nut butter, honey, egg whites, crispy brown rice and pumpkin seeds, the bars deliver a multisensory experience on the go. Offering a soft and crispy texture, RxBar A.M. bars are sold at a suggested retail price of $2.49 per bar, $8.99 for a 4-pack or $9.99 for a 5-pack. https://www.rxbar.com/

Chicken Versatility

With the launch of Tastes Just Like Chicken Sausages, Al Fresco All Natural has added four flavors to its selection of high-protein and time-saving chicken products. The line of antibiotic- and gluten-free sausages comes in Chicken Burrito, Nashville Hot Chicken, Chicken Parm and Chicken Fried Rice varieties, each containing 100-110 calories and 9-10 grams of protein per serving. With 70% less fat than pork and beef products and no artificial ingredients, the sausages offer a better-for-you meal solution and are suitable for those with dietary restrictions. The suggested retail price for an 11-ounce package of any variety of Al Fresco Tastes Just Like Chicken Sausages is $6.99. https://www.alfrescochicken.com/

Go for a Dip

Vegan cheese maker Violife has expanded into another category with 100% plant-based dips in three popular dairy dip flavors: French Onion, Spinach & Artichoke, and Ranch. All three varieties are made with such simple ingredients as coconut oil and real onions, spinach, artichokes and herbs, as well as being free of dairy, nuts, soy, gluten and preservatives. The suggested retail price is $5.29 per 7.5-ounce tub of any flavor. https://violifefoods.com/us/

Liquid Nutrition

Adding to its product portfolio, Lala U.S. has rolled out authentic licuados to dairy cases at Walmart and Hispanic specialty grocers. Containing oats and real milk and fruits, the product line is based on the classic Mexican breakfast beverage – blended like a smoothie but not as thick — sold at outdoor stands for folks on the go. Lala Licuado comes in Papaya, award-winning Mango-Carrot and Vanilla Honey flavors, with each bottle featuring 8 grams of protein and offering a good source of fiber and vitamins A and D. The launch of the licuados is the latest in a series of authentic Mexican cheese and other dairy products recently introduced by Lala, including dessert yogurt smoothies and fruit-and-crema desserts. A 4-pack of 6.7-fluid-ounce bottles of any Lala Licuados variety retails for a suggested $5.60, line priced with the brand’s core drinkable yogurt smoothie products. https://www.lala-us.com/

Functionality for Fido and Fluffy

Already the maker of organic bone broth and bone-broth-based soups for humans, Osso Good has now ventured into the pet category with the introduction of two Organic Bone Broths for Dogs and Cats. Available in Organic Chicken and Organic Beef varieties, the collection caters to the growing number of pet owners seeking options to support their furry friends’ gut health, digestion and immune system function as part of a complete, balanced diet. The broths start with organic chicken and grass-fed and grass-finished beef, among such other real, simple ingredients as organic carrots, apple cider vinegar, celery and bok choy, and are intentionally crafted in small batches to ensure the highest standards. Pets can consume them as is or as a topper on dry or wet food. Each gluten-free, made-in-the-U.S.A. broth is gluten- and grain-free and rich in protein, with no added salt. A BPA-free 12-ounce pouch of either flavor retails for a suggested $5.99. The product launch comes in the wake of Osso Good’s recent funding success led by strategic capital investment firm Cypress Ascendant, the company’s majority owner since the fall of 2021. https://ossogood.life/

Have a Ball

Butter now comes in a different form with the launch of Land O’Lakes Butter Balls, half-tablespoon-size butter balls for everyday cooking. Inspired by consumers who started cooking during the pandemic, the firstof-its-kind product at retail offers iconic Land O’Lakes Butter in a convenient pre-portioned size that makes cooking a snap. Since research shows that almost 75% of U.S. consumers want to continue preparing meals even after the pandemic ends, the Land O’Lakes innovation team wanted to make at-home meals easier, even as life starts to return to normal. The suggested retail price range for an 8-ounce package of Butter Balls is $4.49-$4.99. https://www.landolakesinc.com/

Carb-Conscious Breads

Specialty bread brand Toufayan Bakeries has brought its first line of keto breads to grocers’ deli departments in three varieties: Pita, Wraps and Flat Breads. The Keto Pita and Keto Flat Bread both contain 7 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber per serving, with only 18 grams of carbohydrates and zero sugars, while the Wraps are also sugar-free, with 12 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein. Made with top-quality ingredients, Toufayan’s keto breads are hearth baked to a golden-brown color and have the authentic flavor and texture expected of the brand. The suggested retail price range is $4.99$6.49 for an 8.9-ounce package of five Pita loaves, an 8.9-ounce package of five Flat Breads or an 8.9-ounce package of six Wraps. https://toufayan.com/