Morning nutrition on the go

Health and convenience are significant forces driving the breakfast category, as consumers look for nutrient-rich items with clean labels that can be prepared quickly and eaten on the go. One in four consumers spends less than five minutes preparing and eating breakfast, according to research from DSM Food Specialties. The research found that 65% of respondents prefer healthy breakfast foods over indulgent choices, and 58% said they were paying close attention to their sugar intake at breakfast. Nearly half — 45% — of consumers said they were looking for less-sweet options than they were three years ago. These trends, as well as consumer interest in plant-based dairy and meat products, are evident in many of the new breakfast items being introduced by suppliers. And although the cereal category has been in decline, companies continue to introduce new flavors and formulations, both healthy and indulgent. 

Breakfast bowls from the freezer

Boulder, Colo.-based Evol Foods has introduced four high-protein breakfast bowls as part of a new, eight-item line of frozen meals in bowls. The EVOL Foods Morning Bowls, made with cage-free eggs and antibiotic- and hormone-free meats, each incorporate 11-17 grams of protein. They include the Breakfast Sausage & Uncured Bacon Bowl, the Spicy Chipotle Chorizo Bowl, the Smoked Uncured Ham Benedict Bowl and the Creamy Basil Veggie Bowl.

No chickens needed 

The maker of Just Mayo and other plant-based product substitutes has been rolling out its new egg replacement, Just Egg, to retail locations nationwide. The liquid product, merchandised in the refrigerated case alongside conventional eggs, is made from mung beans and can be used to make scrambles, omelets and frittatas. The product is naturally cholesterol-free, and its production is easier on the environment than production of conventional chicken eggs, according to San Francisco-based Just.

Veggie-filled frozen frittatas

Rahway, N.J.-based Garden Lites has introduced a new frozen breakfast line, Garden Lites Frittatas, which also features the company’s new packaging. The line includes the Egg White Spinach Frittata and the Veggie Bacon & Potato Frittata. Garden Lites products offer clean and simple, gluten-free, non-GMO, nut-free and kosher ingredient formulations. The new packaging highlights the use of vegetables as the primary ingredient and displays the sub-brand “Veggies Made Great.” 

Non-dairy yogurt alternative

Dannon’s Light & Fit Yogurt brand has introduced a non-dairy yogurt alternative containing probiotics and offering fewer calories and less fat and sugar than most other almond milk yogurt alternatives, the company said. The Good Plants almond milk probiotic yogurt alternative line includes four flavors: Chocolate Coconut, Vanilla, Strawberry and Lemon Meringue. Each contains 100 calories, 4 grams of sugar and 4 grams of fat. The line is sweetened with a blend of cane sugar and Stevia leaf extract. 

New flavor for an iconic brand

In January, Battle Creek, Mich.-based Kellogg’s rolled out its first new Rice Krispies flavor in more than 10 years. Strawberry Krispies feature a new, natural strawberry flavor and a pink color that the company is positioning as an opportunity for making Valentine’s Day treats. In addition to traditional Rice Krispies cereal, other flavors include Cocoa Krispies, Frosted Krispies and Rice Krispies Treats Cereal.