Newtopia Now Brand Feature: OA Gourmet says goodbye bread, hello veggies

Join us at Newtopia Now, New Hope Network’s exciting new trade show from August 25-28 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. Stop by OA Gourmet’s booth 310 in the Thrive Neighborhood to explore innovative products that are shaping the future of health. With four vibrant neighborhoods—Thrive, Represent, Glow and Regenerate—there’s plenty to discover. For more details and to register, click here.

As the clean eating movement continues to shape consumer preferences, brands are rising to meet expectations around brand and ingredient transparency. According to NIQ, clean-label products—those which consumers identify as simple, recognizable ingredients, minimal processing and transparency—are outperforming other products with an 8% increase in the last year. In short: consumers want to know exactly what they’re getting. But it’s not just shorter ingredient lists that consumers desire. Clean is part of a trend to eat healthier and with that, traditional carbs have shifted out of favor, too, as consumers seek ways to incorporate more health-promoting foods like veggies and whole foods into their diet without sacrificing the meal types they know and love.

But anyone who has attempted to reduce their carb intake knows that bread, or anything made with dough, is hard to scale back on. And, attempts to serve up alternatives have not always landed favorably with consumer palettes. But there is one ‘cauli-ternative’ that has stood the test of time and taste: the cauliflower pizza crust. It’s become so mainstream that, not only can you purchase pre-made cauliflower pizzas at club, specialty and traditional stores, some mass-market pizza chains have even begun adding this gluten-free option to menus.

OA Gourmet: So simple, it’s brilliant

But pizza crust can only take you so far. With the rise in transparent ingredient lists, consumers are looking for more varieties of the ‘good stuff’—fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts and spices. OA Gourmet—a plant-forward company known for its low-carb, gluten-free and nutrient-dense products—understands this consumer demand. The innovative company will be making its Newtopia Now debut in the Thrive Neighborhood, which will be showcasing the latest innovators shaping the future of human health and nutrition.

What’s so different about OA Gourmet? The brand’s crusts and sandwich slices utilize only 7 simple ingredients, with each serving boasting content of 60% vegetables. “Some cauliflower products are full of ingredients. Ours are natural products with a clear ingredient deck that consumers can understand,” says Jeff Tyo, Chief Revenue Officer at OA Gourmet. “It’s hard to believe something this simple can taste good and have 3g net carbs, 9g of protein and 1 serving of vegetables per [sandwich] slice. I mean, you make a sandwich with it and immediately you have 2 servings of vegetables, not including whatever is inside!”

How many ways can you use a cauliflower pizza crust? Probably only one—pizza. This is what the founders of OA Gourmet asked themselves. After their original cauliflower pizza crust became popular in 2017, they looked for more ways to satisfy their consumer’s needs. The brand’s now top-selling product, OA Gourmet Sandwich Slices, was born. “Consumers want to remove processed carbs from their diet, but they miss the convenience of them,” says Tyo. “It’s easier said than done. That’s why our sandwich slices and crusts are so popular. Most low-carb replacements aren’t tasty and usually try to replicate the simplicity of a regular bun. We didn’t try to do that. It’s a totally new experience but without disrupting the meals consumers love.”

As consumers become focused on long-term health, their eating patterns are shifting. NIQ’s 2023 Evolving Wellness Trends data found that shoppers are looking for foods to support them in this journey. From 2020-2023, the report showed that +26% of consumers were looking for foods that supported diabetes management, +23% for foods that were low glycemic index, +38% with lower sugar and +48% that were carb conscious. For consumers on special diets like Keto and gluten-free, those with Celiac disease and even those looking to incorporate more whole foods, lowering carb intake can be important as well. Luckily, OA Gourmet’s crusts, wraps and sandwich slices fit into these eating patterns, too.

Flavors and flexibility

The brand loves to showcase how versatile the crusts, wrap and sandwich slices can be. Burger bun? Check. Taco shell? Check.  “I can’t get over how much you can do with these slices. I love to toast them up with hummus, they’re great for dipping. I use them to make grilled cheese. You can even use them to make lasagna in lieu of noodles, or bread it instead of chicken for chicken parmesan. Really, think of a meal you love, and we can find a way to incorporate them,” says Tyo.

With all this versatility, can it just be the health claims that keep consumers coming back? No—OA Gourmet’s products taste good, too. With a mellow flavoring that isn’t overpowering, OA Gourmet’s crusts, wraps and sandwich slices seamlessly elevate the foods and flavors being paired with them. For those consumers who desire a little more ‘oomph’, OA Gourmet has introduced new flavor options for their Sandwich Slices, which now include: Original, Everything but the Bagel and Italian.

Whatever the reason consumers are looking to lower carb intake, OA Gourmet’s portfolio of gluten-free, grain-free bread alternatives are sure to delight taste buds. Visit Outer Aisle Gourmet in the Thrive Neighborhood, booth 310, August 25-28 at Newtopia Now.

FAQ

Q: Where can I buy OA Gourmet products?

A: You can find OA Gourmet Sandwich Slices and Pizza Crusts and Wraps nationwide at specialty and conventional grocery stores. Locate your store here.

Q: What are ingredients are in OA Gourmet products?

A: Both Sandwich Rounds and Pizza Crusts and Wraps are made with simple natural ingredients: Fresh cauliflower, whole cage-free eggs, parmesan cheese, citrus fiber, potato protein, yeast, and rowanberry fruit extract. 

Q: Are OA Gourmet products healthy?

A: OA Gourmet’s crusts, wraps and slices are keto, paleo, flourless, low carb and non-GMO. They are made of whole foods and contain only 1g net carbs per Sandwich Round and 3g net carbs per Pizza Crust.

Q: What are the nutrition facts of OA Gourmet products?

Pizza Crust and Wraps

Serving size: One crust or wrap

Ingredients: Calories 120, Saturated Fat 3g, Cholesterol 75mg, Sodium 260mg, Total Carbohydrate, 4g, Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 1g and Protein 10g.

Sandwich Slices

Serving size: 2 slices

Ingredients: Calories 100, Total Fat 5g, Saturated Fat 3g, Cholesterol 70mg, Sodium 240mg, Total Carbohydrate 3g, Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 1g and Protein 9g.

Q: How many slices come in a pack, and what size are they?

A: Pizza Crusts and Wraps are 7 inches in diameter and have 2 crusts per pack. Sandwich Rounds are 4 inches in diameter and come with 6 rounds per pack.