Natural Products Expo West trend preview: Freezer classics, revamped
Allulose emerges as a go-to sweetener for frozen treats and brands put nutritious spins on your average ready-to-eat meals.
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This dairy-free gelato is a revelation for those who wish to indulge in low- or no-sugar desserts but are wary of the taste and mouthfeel of many common sugar substitutes. With just 330 calories per 14-ounce container, it’s sweetened with allulose, a low-glycemic, naturally occurring sugar that, as far as our resident supertasters can tell, has zero aftertaste. This delicious vegan treat—one of four in Nubocha’s line—uses simple ingredients such as hazelnut praline, and almond and cashew butters. And at 6 grams net carbs, it works for keto and gluten-free diets. SRP: $7.99; Booth 790
The maker of cauliflower pizzas, crusts and flatbreads has leaped into ready-made frozen entrées with these enchiladas, which, like Cali’flour’s new lasagna, comes in a veggie or chicken version. Made with cauliflower tortillas, chilis, spices, cauliflower, black beans, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, garlic and a blend of cheeses, this flavorful, specialty-diet friendly entrée is ready in just 5 minutes. SRP: $5.99; Booth N1739
This frozen “skillet” dish marks a big category leap for Primal Kitchen, which is also launching a line of microwavable frozen “bowls.” This entrée is made with cage-free chicken and lots of veggies, and gets its umami from organic coconut aminos and the brand’s famous allergy-friendly No Soy Teriyaki Sauce. This skillet-ready sensation is also free from gluten, grains and canola oil, and is paleo and Whole30 friendly. Just sauté in a pan with some oil and enjoy. SRP: $12.99; Booth 5757
Known for its gluten-free eggrolls, taquitos, pot stickers and other frozen appetizers, Feel Good Foods breaks into the breakfast category with a new line of frozen handheld vegetarian breakfast pockets. These are made with cage-free eggs, tomatoes, cilantro, black beans and corn and are designed to enjoy on the go. Check out the brand’s three other chef-designed, egg-tastic varieties, as well as its vegan Mediterranean Tofu Scramble. SRP: $4.99; Booth 5107
This company caused fervor among gluten-free pizza lovers last year with these almond-flour frozen pies. This new variety offers that same wonderfully flakey, rich-tasting crust but has a slightly tweaked ingredients list that still includes cage-free eggs, almonds, arrowroot and cassava flours and extra-virgin olive oil. Topped with whole-milk mozzarella, tomato sauce, white cheddar cheese and roasted garlic, this gluten-free pie has 14 grams of protein per half-pizza. SRP: $9.99; Booth 5483
This company caused fervor among gluten-free pizza lovers last year with these almond-flour frozen pies. This new variety offers that same wonderfully flakey, rich-tasting crust but has a slightly tweaked ingredients list that still includes cage-free eggs, almonds, arrowroot and cassava flours and extra-virgin olive oil. Topped with whole-milk mozzarella, tomato sauce, white cheddar cheese and roasted garlic, this gluten-free pie has 14 grams of protein per half-pizza. SRP: $9.99; Booth 5483
Who would’ve predicted that the freezer aisle would be the newest frontier for both product innovation and category expansion? Established brands are unveiling frozen product lines and freezer staples such as pizza and ice cream are getting tasty, better-for-you makeovers. For evidence of this category’s growth, look no further than freezer aisle newbie Primal Kitchen’s frozen offerings and Cali’Flour Foods’ heat-and-eat meals.
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