Welcome to this week's edition of our food innovation newsletter!
I'm excited to share with you five of the most intriguing new products I've encountered in the UK and Irish markets recently. These innovations are truly pushing boundaries and setting new trends in the food industry. From 100% regeneratively grown wheat, ashwagandha nut butters. tapas inspired snacking, and an iconic relish mayo combo.
Please note, I'll be taking a break for the month of July but will be back in August with more exciting food innovation news.
Enjoy your summer, and stay tuned for more updates!
Annie x
WILDFARMED BREAD
Six years ago, after discovering the food industry’s detrimental environmental impact, Andy Cato (one-half of the iconic music duo Groove Armada) purchased a farm in France. Teaming up with Edd Lees and George Lamb, they founded Wildfarmed with the mission to produce regenerative flour from fields free of pesticides and chemicals. This month, their brand’s bread is available exclusively at Waitrose, with 100% of the wheat used grown using regenerative farming techniques designed to restore and enhance soil health and biodiversity. Currently, their offerings include white or seeded white bread, sourdough loaves, and white rolls – all free from preservatives and hidden ingredients. It's safe to say that this brand is standing out from a crowded bread shelf and is in no way apologetic about itself!
NUCCY - ASHWAGANDHA NUT BUTTERS
Ashwagandha is gaining significant attention in the wellness world for its potential to help you unwind, relax, and improve sleep quality. Nuccy has incorporated this adaptogenic herb into four nut butters, optimising absorption through the combination with healthy fats. There are four flavours in the range - almond, peanut, hazelnut, or chocolate spread – all crafted with organic ingredients and free from palm oil and additives. With nut butters having such broad appeal now, I wonder if any of the leading brands are exploring the combo of other functional/health ingredients into their offer??
TORRES PICKLE CRISPS
If you’re craving crisps, you need to know about Torres. This premium Spanish brand has been creating exceptional flavour combinations, turning ordinary snack times into indulgent aperitif experiences for several years now. Premium flavours include Black Truffle (my fav!), Iberian Ham and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Now, they’ve introduced a delectable tapas range, offering a taste of the Mediterranean. These crunchy potato chips deliver a bold pickle flavour that might just become your new favourite. Enjoy the sweet-sour flavour of pickled gherkins in every bite. If you like pickles, you’ll love these quirky crisps! They’re delicious on their own or dunked in sour cream dip.
EXCEPTIONAL BY ASDA
Asda has launched a new premium brand, Exceptional by Asda, featuring over 500 products across various categories. The range, emphasizing taste and quality, includes over 70 Core Chilled items like Burrata, Petit Liverot, Chaat Masala Potato Salad, and Double Stuffed Halkidiki Olives, available in stores and online by early June. The premium packaging and product quality aim to elevate Asda’s premium tier offering.
BALLYMALOE MAYO LISH
They say iconic brands should never mess with their core products, but Ballymaloe has boldly combined their legendary Ballymaloe Relish with creamy Ballymaloe Mayo to create Ballymaloe Mayo Lish. This exciting condiment merges the best of both worlds and is incredibly versatile—perfect wherever you'd use tomato sauce or mayonnaise. It's definitely one to try and has gone down very well in our household!
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