Protein

Protein remains a major force of attraction for consumers, as is evidenced today by the sale of protein enhanced baking mix and snack brand Kodiak Cakes to private equity firm L Catterton.

Nature’s Fynd thinks the plant-based market is ripe for disruption — and that the answer lies inside a volcano. Previously known as Sustainable Bioproducts, the company recently rebranded as Nature’s Fynd to turn its fermented protein — found in Yellowstone National Park’s ancient ‘supervolcano’ — into everyday plant-based food and drink products.

This year’s annual National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) trade show featured a variety of protein plays — from zero-sugar jerky to new bean and lentil snacks. In this gallery, we feature some of the newest protein plays spotted on the show floor.

During Tyson’s third quarter earnings call yesterday, the future of both meat and meat-free items was on the table, as the company reported strong sales in beef and pork and prepares to launch a new meatless chicken line, Raised & Rooted, into retail next month.

While classics have their place at the table, century old seafood company Acme Smoked Fish wants their place to be at more than just the breakfast table. So the company is innovating, launching new products that target new day parts and use occasions.

At this week’s Summer Fancy Food Show, Schuman Cheese debuted an updated look for its Bella Rosa line of cheeses. The hope is to expand the brand nationally and attract new consumers with brightly colored new packaging and a new snackable format.

Meat snack producer Stryve doesn’t just want to be the country’s leading biltong brand; it wants to be the manufacturer of choice for the growing category. The company last week announced the close of a $16.5 million round of funding to not only grow its own brand but to grow its manufacturing facilities as well.

Despite its long association with diet food, two legacy dairy brands think cottage cheese is ready for a comeback. To modernize the snack, they’re looking to non-traditional, savory flavors.

Conagra, America’s fourth-largest food company, revealed upcoming product innovations, homing in on healthy and sustainable solutions for snacking and mealtime.

Latin-inspired food manufacturer Teasdale Latin Foods, which says it had about $20 million in retail sales last year, is trying to rethink its offerings for the next generation of shoppers and bring more differentiation to a typically commodity-priced category.