Barr y Callebaut Ruby Chocolate Takes The Cake (and Snacks) in New Products

BY A J FLICK

This news is too delicious to save for dessert: Barr y Callebaut is expanding it ruby chocolate, unlocking new segments of bakery and snacks with the ruby baking chocolate chip to its North American portfolio The ruby chip will fall into the premium categor y of Barr y Callebaut’s comprehensive Intense Indulgence solutions portfolio, which represents the attitude of customers who are dedicated to enjoying life to the fullest and seeking products that are a feast for the eyes and taste buds

So dreams do come true!

The expansion sends a strong signal to the industr y and customers of Barry Callebaut’s longstanding enthusiasm for ruby chocolate –ensuring there are a range of solutions to meet all customer segments including confectionery, ice cream and now, bakery and snacks

Muffin with Sweet Glaze Mix

“We like to say the Krusteaz brand is ‘by makers for makers,’ and we are sure these new products will continue to ignite moments of joy and possibility for families in their home kitchens,” said Andy Heily, president and CEO “Our products give consumers the confidence and power to bring any idea to life with quick and customizable mixes ” with clean, better-for-you ingredients and mind-blowing tastes and textures,” said co-founder and CEO of Countr y Archer Provisions, Eugene Kang “Based on the over whelming love for our zero-sugar jerky line and grass-fed meat sticks, we wanted to create a smoked sausage line that has that nostalgic campfire taste and meaty texture with the same benefits of having no sugar or the questionable ingredients you typically find in other sausages ” product, Bobbie Organic, launched in 2021, making it the first and only USDAand EU-certified organic infant formula without palm or soy oil

Both Bobbie’s Organic Formula and its new Organic Gentle are nutritionally complete, comply with all FDA requirements and meet several benchmark EU guidelines – including for iron and DHA

“Ruby Chocolate continues to set Barry Callebaut apart as a leading innovator in the confectioner y industr y, ” said Steve Woolley, president & CEO Americas “We are excited to enter the baking and snack segments with our North American rollout of the ruby chocolate chip and continue expanding our Intense Indulgence portfolio to bring unique and unprecedented products to our customers ”

Ruby chocolate, which had been in the making for more than 10 years before its debut in 2017, could be one of the biggest breakthroughs in the confectionery industry in decades Ruby is an intense sensorial delight with the unique combination of berry fruitiness and luscious smoothness The precursors of the fresh berr y fruitiness and color tone are naturally present in the ruby cocoa beans With no color or flavor added, the bean unlocks the flavor and color naturally present in ruby Ruby cocoa beans are 100 percent sustainably sourced and are Cocoa Horizons certified Food manufacturers will be able to expand their new product offerings by leveraging Barry Callebaut’s ruby chocolate portfolio, including the chocolate baking chip

While we ’ re on a sweetness run, Krusteaz teases our taste buds with its new Cinnamon Churro Belgian Waffle Mix and Vanilla Pound Cake Mix, plus two new gluten-free mixes – Gluten-Free Meyer Lemon Bar Mix and Gluten-Free Vanilla

Krusteaz Churro Belgian Waffle Mix is an irresistible combination of cinnamon and sugar over a fluffy Belgian waffle – perfect for all churro fans who want a sweet, convenient and delicious option for breakfast, dessert or any time of day

Krusteaz Vanilla Pound Cake Mix features a classic and fluffy cake with a rich vanilla taste with tons of versatility Serve it with the included Sweet Glaze mix or top it with butter and fresh fruit

Krusteaz Gluten-Free Meyer

Lemon Bar is the gluten-free version of a fan favorite and will be a welcome pantry addition to those with gluten sensitivities or gluten-free preferences

Krusteaz Gluten-Free Vanilla Muffin is loaded with vanilla flavor, moist and simple to make for breakfast or dessert

These gluten-free additions join popular products including Krusteaz Gluten-Free Buttermilk Pancake Mix and Gluten-Free Honey Cornbread and Muffin Mix

Let’s not forget our savory tooth Country Archer lets us indulge in savory snacks without ingesting more sugar, bringing us the first and only better-for-you smoked sausages on the market Yes, please

Zero-Sugar Smoked Sausages are available in two flavors: Original and Fuego

Ever y Smoked Sausage batch is crafted from real ingredients including a premium blend of 100 percent grass-fed beef from pasture raised sources and 100 percent gourmet cuts of natural, antibiotic-free pork with no added preservatives, MSG, nitrites or nitrates

Original is a timeless blend of natural smoke and spices including cracked pepper and garlic for a classic and nostalgic campfire flavor Fuego is a fiery blend of red and white pepper, habanero and chili powder that delivers a warm kick for spice lovers The sausages have 9 grams of protein per serving, 0 grams sugar and 100 calories

On the milk side, we ’ ve got two new products to consider Bored Cow, a line of sustainable milk alternatives made with Perfect Day’s animal-free milk protein, has launched in Sprouts Farmers Market stores across the United States Bored Cow is the first brand and product line from Tomorrow Farms, a next-generation food technology company on a mission to fix the food system by building food and beverage brands that are better for people, kinder to animals and easier on the planet Sprouts is stocking all four of Bored Cow’s flavors: Original (32 ounces), Chocolate (11 ounces), Vanilla (11 ounces) and Strawberry (11 ounces)

Bored Cow products are dairy products, but they’re created without factory farming and with a fraction of the environmental footprint An excellent source of calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12 with 8 grams of complete protein per cup (no lactose, cholesterol, hormones or antibiotics), Bored Cow has everything consumers love about conventional dairy and nothing they don’t

Bored Cow uses up to 96 percent less land, up to 67 percent less water and emits up to 44 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than conventional and organic dairy milk

Bobbie Organic Gentle is the only American-manufactured, EU-style, organic tolerance product made with 100 percent partially hydrolyzed whey protein and 100 percent lactose as the carbohydrate source, a critical choice in a formula categor y flooded with corn syrup solids Bobbie’s intentional recipe was designed to bring parents a tolerance formula that features the same carbohydrate source – lactose – as breast milk

Bobbie Organic Gentle contains no palm oil or soy fat blend

Tolerance formulas are the second fastest-growing infant formula category with 9 percent year-overyear growth that is expected to surpass the routine category in the next five years, according to IRI Yet more than 90 percent of U S infant formulas in the tolerance categor y are lactose-reduced, meaning they include sugars like corn syrup, rice syrup and maltodextrin instead of the carbohydrate predominantly found in breast milk – lactose

There is a myth that if a baby doesn’t tolerate a routine formula that they are lactose intolerant, when it’s the size of the milk protein that is often the culprit Babies are biologically primed to digest lactose, and a true lactose intolerance occurs in less than 1 percent of babies, according to research

Bobbie’s tolerance infant formula is formulated to support easy digestion, fussiness, gas and cr ying with 100 percent partially hydrolyzed whey as the protein source and 100 percent lactose as the carbohydrate source, like that found in breast milk Research suggests a benefit of partially hydrolyzed formulas in supporting improved tolerance over routine formulas

They are described as delivering a smokey, savory, satisfying snacking experience in a bite-sized format Countr y Archer ZeroSugar Smoked Sausages are available nationwide

“Our mission at Countr y Archer is to deliver a premium snacking experience,

For the younger set, another first: Bobbie Organic Gentle, a tolerance infant formula, is the only European Unionstyle organic tolerance product in the United States, made with 100 percent lactose as a carbohydrate source – with no corn syrup – and compliant with all FDA Nutrition and Quality Standards

Bobbie also has updated its flagship

“We knew that better ingredient choices were available, so we found a formula option for more sensitive tummies while preser ving the source of carbohydrate to be more like what is found in breast milk,” said Christina Berberich, scientist, pharmacist, dietitian and mother

“We believe that every ingredient matters Research shows that existing reduced or non-lactose formulas with corn syrup have potential impact on a baby’s gut microbiome development,

“As the only U S infant formula company founded and led by moms, we ’ re dedicated to the latest science and research and refuse to accept the status quo because this product is for our babies, too ”

Like Bobbie’s flagship Organic formula, Bobbie Organic Gentle undergoes more than 2,000 quality checks before release Bobbie Organic Gentle Infant Formula has completed FDA review and is supported by clinical data

For parents who want to give their children an alternative to sugar-laden drinks, Hapi Water is a mouth-watering, sugar-free beverage that is now on Target shelves nationwide

“We’re excited that Target, one of the most iconic retailers in the countr y, has added Hapi Water to its curated selection of offerings,” said CEO Todd Fitzgerald “Target has established itself as a company that aims to inspire shoppers with products that offer joyful experiences, a shared value that was important in the development of Hapi Water

“Our partnership with Target advances our mission of making healthy and greattasting beverages available for families across the country ”

Hapi Water was created as a healthy alternative to the sugar y beverages many kids tend to drink Hapi Water has also become a go-to for adults, who are drawn to its great taste and healthy ingredients (they are delicious and hydrating!) With zero grams of sugar, a good source of Vitamin C and zero calories in ever y pouch, Hapi Water offers one of the healthiest flavored water products on the market

Target shoppers will be able to purchase Hapi Water beverages in three flavors: Pure Punch, Apple Joy and Grape D’Vine Hapi Water’s line fruit-flavored beverages also includes Sunny Strawberr y Kiwi Hapi Water comes in convenient 6-ounce pouches and is sold in boxes of eight

If you ’ re looking for something stronger, RD1 Spirits has expanded its Kentucky bon Whiskey and 101-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished With French Oak)

“RD1 is bent by curiosity to explore bourbon’s potential,” said CEO Mike Tetterton “RD1’s new wood-finished expressions can be summarized as classic Kentucky Straight Bourbon meets ‘what’s next ’ The end result is a unique tasting experience that allows you to explore your palate and what we like to call the bourbon frontier ”

RD1’s Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon portfolio was crafted by eighth-generation Master Distiller Jacob Call, and aged and bottled in the state Within its portfolio, the three wood-finished expressions all have the same base bourbon, which is aged more than four years

The three expressions then spent up to several months aging with wood staves or wood blocks placed inside the barrel RD1 finished “to taste” with the goal of delivering a unique and memorable tasting experience

There are a couple of new products to add to our pantries

The Kraft Heinz Company launched Just Spices in the U S market one year after acquiring a majority stake in the business Just Spices is expected to be a critical growth driver for Kraft Heinz’s Taste Elevation business, which is focused on flavor enhancement, and is one of the company ’ s platforms for continued growth as outlined as part of its long-term strategy

“Just Spices will elevate the overall cooking experience for American families, just as it has done in Europe for nearly a decade,” said Carlos Abrams-Rivera, executive vice president and president, North America “Bringing together Just Spices’ highquality product, data and direct-toconsumer capabilities with Kraft Heinz’s scale and brand loyalty creates the perfect storm to disrupt the U S spice category as we know it ” remaining sales through major grocery retailers both in-store and online in Germany, Spain, Austria, the United Kingdom and Switzerland

Just Spices’ approach to machine-learning product innovation is geared toward the needs of younger, flavor-forward families The brand’s advanced analytics allows

Cerignola Verde is a bright, eye-catching olive for restaurant menus, olive bars and deli repack Cured in the style of the Castelvetrano with light fermentation, Divina’s Cerignola Verde retains the firm, butter y bite and bright emerald color of the Castelvetrano with the stunning size of a classic Italian Cerignola, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing olive for charcuterie boards and cheese plates

Straight Bourbon portfolio in an effort to continue writing the next chapter of Lexington bourbon

RD1’s 110-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished With Brazilian Amburana Wood and its 99 9-proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Double Finished In Oak and Maple Barrels join the two RD1 bourbons released in October 2022 (98-proof Kentucky Straight Bour-

Launched in 2014, Just Spices trailblazed the category with its 170-plus product portfolio that includes offerings for diverse meal occasions ranging from breakfast and light snacks to salads and baking, and a broad range of savory, sweet, classic and exotic flavors Just Spices’ growing business sells approximately 70 percent of its ready-made and one-step spice blends directly to consumers, with its it to identify early consumer trends and flavor preferences by region, and based on consumer sentiment for these trends, Just Spices creates, customizes and optimizes its product line accordingly

“Just Spices blends have become household staples in many countries throughout Europe, and we ’ re thrilled to bring Americans the opportunity to cook with more creativity and flavor,” said Nadja Francis, U S general manager at Just Spices “Making a delicious homemade dish shouldn’t be complicated We take the guesswork out of cooking and meal-prepping any dish – whether it’s with our toppings, our

For grocery and specialty retailers, FOODMatch has released a marinated varietal line with a classic Greek Market Mix and Pitted Italian Olive Mix, as well as an innovative Chili Lime Frescatrano Olive, all available in a shelf-stable glass jar Divina is especially excited to share the Chili Lime Frescatrano with fans This trademark olive – an unfermented Halkidiki varietal that is known for its sweet, mild, butter y flavor – is marinated in a zesty, spicy chili lime brine The new products are available for distribution across the United States and most of North America

For mealtime, the online Italian grocery store Nicola’s Marketplace is celebrating the spring and summer months with ravioli flavors made fresh from seasonal ingredients Based in Kenilworth, N J , Italy-trained Chef Nicola DiGiorgio exclusively uses locally sourced produce from farms to make his artisanal pasta Each month, he uses peak-season vegetables to handcraft his specialty ravioli, which is then flash frozen and shipped sustainably to customers nationwide

Nicola’s Marketplace featured Ramp and Wild Mushroom Ravioli in May, releases Asparagus Ravioli this month and will showcase Zucchini and Garlic Scape Ravioli in July and Roasted Corn Ravioli in August blends or our Allrounders

“We’re not selling ingredients; we ’ re selling meal solutions From the colorful labels to the versatile flavors and unique applications, consumers will never be bored in the kitchen again ”

Unlike many spice brands, Just Spices focuses solely on blends, creating three categories to match specific usage occasions without the need to invest in a pantry full of spice jars: Allrounders, Seasonings and Toppings The initial U S launch of Just Spices will include 10 of its community-favorite products: Chicken Allrounder, Vegetable Allrounder, Pasta Allrounder, BBQ Allrounder, Salmon Allrounder, Caprese Allrounder, Egg Topping, Avocado Topping, Fajita Seasoning and Enchilada Seasoning, available online

Last month, FOODMatch celebrated its eighth National Olive Day with the release of several products timed to herald the harvest of Kalamata olives

Available in bulk case packs of four 2 2-pound pouches, Divina

“Our authentic Italian identity, commitment to sustainability and freshness, and amazing flavors rely on locally sourced vegetables from New Jersey farms,” Nicola said “During the pandemic, when many people had moved from the New York/New Jersey area to other parts of the country, we received many requests from customers who said they couldn’t find ravioli that tasted as fresh as ours in their new hometowns

“We knew we had to meet the new national demand and Nicola’s Marketplace was born Now, loyal customers as far as Florida, Texas and the West Coast can enjoy our Jersey-fresh ravioli in all kinds of hard-to-find flavors ”

Nicola’s Marketplace will continue to highlight New Jersey’s produce bounty in the fall with ravioli flavors including Eggplant Caponata, Pumpkin and Butternut Squash GN