Balancing health and indulgence in new snack products remains a key challenge for R&D teams, as they strive to innovate against consumers’ diverse food and lifestyle preferences. Inclusions can be a secret weapon for health-focused innovation, packing in flavor, texture and nutritious benefits in bite-size pieces.
Check out some of our favorite innovative snack ideas for inspiration:
![Article-3_Raspberry-Blueberry-Cranberry-Protein-Snack-Bar](https://chaucerfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Article-3_Raspberry-Blueberry-Cranberry-Protein-Snack-Bar.jpg)
Add a fruity twist to protein bars
Freeze-dried fruits can be a healthy addition for protein bars, infusing natural, authentic fruit flavors and vibrant color. The long ambient shelf life of freeze-dried fruit makes this recipe for Raspberry, Cranberry and Blueberry Protein Bars easy and practical for CPG manufacturers. Freeze-dried ingredients contain no additional water, making it easy to incorporate them into your existing recipes. For a tropical fruit twist, replace berries with apricot, peach and mango pieces. Get the recipe here.
![Article-3_Sourdough-Dippers](https://chaucerfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Article-3_Sourdough-Dippers.jpg)
Make diet-friendly dippers
Baked ingredients can help product developers deliver enhanced flavor, texture and visual appeal in healthier offerings. Sourdough baked ingredients have a natural authentic flavor profile and offer a crisp, melt in the mouth texture, making them perfect as a standalone snack or “dippers.”
![Article-3_AmarettoCherry-Popcorn](https://chaucerfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Article-3_AmarettoCherry-Popcorn.jpg)
Bring a pop of color and flavor to popcorn
Popcorn is a low-calorie, high fiber and diet-friendly snack. For extra flavor and a hint of indulgence, experiment with freeze-dried fruit additions covered with chocolate drizzle. Sour cherry, blueberry and raspberry inclusions are sure to take this sweet and savory pairing to another level.
![Article-3_WaffleCherry_Granola](https://chaucerfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Article-3_WaffleCherry_Granola.jpg)
Get creative with granola and snack mixes
Granola is a go-to for any time of day – whether it’s a hearty breakfast or a midday snack. Give your granola mix a boost of flavor and texture with both freeze-dried and baked additions. Freeze-dried sour cherry and raspberry pieces pair well with baked waffle pieces, while gingerbread crumbs can complement fall-inspired fruit flavors like freeze-dried apple and rhubarb. Try our recipes here.
Whether you’re working on something new or reformulating to meet new snacking trends, our expert and skilled R&D team can work with you to develop a high-quality, innovative product. Learn more about all of our freeze-dried and baked ingredient offerings, or contact us today at customer.services@chaucerfoods.com.
1. 2020 Food & Health Survey, International Food Information Council. 2020.