On the new flavor front, Kellogg has expanded its Cheez-It brand with the launch of Zingz crackers. The new snacks are available in chipotle cheddar and queso fundido flavors. Meanwhile, Pringles is kicking up the heat with a new fiery sweet barbeque flavor.
Also in the cracker and chip aisle, Kellogg is adding Town House pita crackers in Mediterranean herb and sea salt flavors and Kashi all-natural hummus crisps made with a blend of chickpeas, whole grains, spices, and herbs, providing 4 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein. The Kashi chips are available in three varieties: sea salt and olive oil, caramelized onion, and sundried tomato basil-feta. Kellogg also is continuing to expand its Special K brand with the launch of a chipotle lime flavor of its cracker chips. Each 27-chip serving has 110 calories.
Consumers looking for a sweet treat will be able to try Kellogg’s new Keebler Simply Made cookies. The cookies are baked with simple ingredients, including wheat flour, butter, eggs, sugar and vanilla, reflecting the desire of some consumers for simpler foods. They will be available in two varieties: chocolate chip and butter.
Keebler also is debuting new cookies that reflect the importance of Hispanic consumers, the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States. New Keebler El Duende (“The Elf”) cookies will be available in coconut and lemon sandwich varieties.
In the bar category, Kellogg will be adding to its Nutri-Grain, Special K and Kashi lines. Special K will expand its offerings with the addition of cookies and creme pastry crisps and chocolate covered strawberry cereal bars. Nutri-Grain is expanding its granola offerings with crunchy granola bars in chocolate chip and toffee flavors, and also is adding new strawberry Greek yogurt cereal bars. Kashi is offering new berry/lemonade chewy granola bar that the company said provide protein, fiber, whole grains and feature chia for ALA omega 3 fatty acids and sun-ripened cranberries and lemons.
“Snacking is an important part of peoples’ diets, and consumers are constantly seeking new options,” said Brian Huff, president of Kellogg U.S. Snacks. “We continue to respond with flavors, ingredients and entirely new foods to meet this demand for snacking alternatives.”