Hundreds of new products with peanuts are launched in the U.S. every year by brands and retailers. Analyzing data from Mintel’s Global New Product Database, NPB regularly tracks new products, product line extensions and new varieties. Here are four interesting trends from recent new product launches.
Big launches from the big boys
Two of the largest manufacturers of branded peanut butter announced product extensions and new products focusing on packaging innovation and new formulations. This summer Hormel introduced Skippy protein-enriched creamy and chunky peanut butters adding three grams of plant-based protein per serving. Also, this year the company introduced Skippy No Added Sugar and Squeeze Peanut Butters.
Other major brands are innovating their products. This summer Smucker’s unveiled product innovations including its own Jif No Added Sugar Peanut Butter and a new Jif Squeeze Peanut Butter. Planters recently introduced new Pop & Pour dry roasted and honey roasted peanuts in a recyclable plastic jar with aresealable, snap-top lid.
Snacks top peanut new product launches
Snacks are consistently the most active category for new peanut products. This month Kind brings a new snack to the freezer case with its Frozen Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar. It’s described as a creamy peanut butter bar, with peanuts as the number one ingredient. In August RXBAR launched Layers Peanut Butter Chocolate Layered Protein Bar. The gluten-free snack bar is made with three egg whites, 29 peanuts and one date and provides 15 grams of protein per bar.
Store brand standouts
Store brands are active developing and launching new products with peanuts under their own labels. This year Target, HEB and Aldi are among the most active. Under its Elevation brand, this month Aldi unveiled Peanut Butter Protein & Probiotic Mini Cookies, which are said to support digestive health, immune health, and protein utilization. The cookies contain eight grams of protein per serving. Also, this month Trader Joe’s launched Chocolate Peanut Butter Mochi, which is described as an irresistible hand-held dessert. According to the manufacturer, the outside is a slightly chewy sweet chocolate rice dough while the inside is filled with creamy peanut butter ice cream.
Organic and natural trending up
When it comes trending claims, organic and natural top the list of Top Growing Claims for new products with peanuts, according to Mintel data. August saw the launch of Organics Happy Baby Nutty Blends Organic Bananas with Peanut Butter baby food. This non-GMO product was developed with a pediatric allergist. The product label includes a statement about early introduction. “Pediatric allergists recommend introducing common allergens to baby early and often,” the label claims. Also new in organics, this month Anthony's Organic Peanut Flour came to market. This USA-grown product is described as defatted and is verified gluten-free.