
Carlsberg Britvic and others launch innovative snacks and drinks in UK market
Carlsberg Britvic reintroduces Tango Blast with new flavours and larger bottles, while brands like Happiee, Nashi Pear Juice, Ginsters, and others unveil innovative snacks and drinks targeting convenience, health, and dietary trends across UK retailers.
Carlsberg Britvic is reintroducing Tango Blast in response to popular demand with two new limited edition flavours, Raspberry Blast and Cherry Blast. These flavours, inspired by Tango Ice Blast, will be available in a new 2-litre bottle format. Following the success of the initial limited launch in April 2024, the new larger bottles will retail at a Manufacturer’s Recommended Selling Price (MRSP) of £3.35 and be distributed across discount retailers such as Iceland and Home Bargains.
In another new product development, plant-based food brand Happiee has launched what it describes as the UK’s first easy-to-cook range of lion’s mane mushroom products. The range includes two flavours of marinated lion’s mane mushroom pieces—original and teriyaki—packaged in 180g units and priced at £4 each. These mushroom pieces, currently rolling out in 240 Sainsbury’s stores nationwide, are pre-prepared and ready to cook, designed to offer an alternative to fresh lion’s mane mushrooms, which typically require extensive preparation due to their natural bitterness.
A new Korean pear juice drink aimed at preventing hangovers has been introduced to the UK market by Nashi Pear Juice, founded by London-based siblings Taya and Lucy Jackson. Since launching last month, the company has sold 1,000 cans of the product. The drink contains 220ml doses of Korean pear juice, which research including a study published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology has linked to supporting alcohol metabolism and alleviating hangover symptoms.
Ginsters has unveiled a new on-the-go snacking range inspired by street food, the Pocket range, which is designed for consumption either cold or heated. The range includes five flavours: Butter Chicken, Sriracha Chicken, Smoky BBQ Beef, Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken, and Steak and Marmite with Cheese. This move expands Ginsters’ convenience snacking options, targeting consumers seeking portable meal solutions.
Free-from snack brand Crave has expanded its sweet biscuit line with the launch of what it claims is the UK’s first gluten-free and vegan pink wafer biscuit. Branded as Pink Cheetah Wafers, these biscuits come in packs of 16, are dairy and gluten free, and filled with vanilla cream. The launch coincides with increased demand for allergen-free products, with recent Food Standards Agency data indicating that food allergies and sensitivities are prevalent among both adults and children in the UK.
In collaboration with Candy Kittens, Genius Foods is launching a gluten-free, vegan Rocky Road product. Available from 28 April, the dark chocolate Rocky Road includes mini Wild Strawberry candies from Candy Kittens and crunchy gluten-free biscuit pieces. Initially available in the Free-From section at Morrisons and Ocado, the product is set to be rolled out to Tesco and Waitrose stores in June.
Plant-based food company THIS is set to launch a new Superfood range later this month. The new products include the 'THIS is Super Superfood Super Block' (250g) and 'THIS is Super Superfood Marinated Pieces' (180g). The block, composed of fava bean protein, seeds, and vegetables, claims to contain 30% more protein than tofu. The marinated pieces use the same base recipe and are offered with a lemon and herb marinade.
Wall’s has expanded its non-high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) portfolio through new product launches in collaboration with Haribo. The new frozen treat, Haribo Push-Up, combines vanilla ice cream, strawberry sauce, and Haribo Gold Bears within a stick and will be available as a single stick in the convenience channel. Additionally, Wall’s has introduced Twister Mallow, featuring sour raspberry and grape flavours paired with a creamy marshmallow swirl.
Plant-based brand Gosh! has expanded its Street Food range with the addition of two new products, Aloo Tikki Bites and Katsu Bites, now available in Tesco stores nationwide and coming soon to Ocado. These snacks are made from 100% natural ingredients and aimed at weekday dinner and social gathering occasions. The Aloo Tikki Bites are Indian-inspired, composed of potato, green lentils, and spices, while the Katsu Bites are Japanese-inspired, featuring chickpeas, butternut squash, coconut, and spices.
The Food Manufacture is reporting these developments as part of the latest updates in the UK food and beverage market.