February 25, 2016

Crunchies launches Freeze-Dried Beets

Crunchies introduces the first vegetable in its line of freeze-dried snacks. Photo: Crunchies.
Crunchies introduces the first vegetable in its line of freeze-dried snacks. Photo: Crunchies.

Crunchies has introduced the first vegetable to its line of freeze-dried snacks. Crunchies Freeze-Dried Beets will officially launch at this year’s Natural Products Expo West.

“Because ‘pure’ and ‘nothing added’ are the building blocks of our brand, we knew that we wanted to introduce a vegetable that complemented our mission of health and transparency,” Crunchies President and CEO Scott Jacobson said. “Beets, a well-known superfood, are the perfect, natural addition to our line.”

Crunchies is the only U.S. consumer freeze-dry brand that is vertically integrated “farm to fork,” meaning that it knows exactly where its fruits and vegetables were harvested, according to the company. Crunchies’ new beets, for example, are grown and processed in France by farmers the company knows and trusts, the company said.

“Our UK-based supplier is a veteran when it comes to freeze drying beets. Unlike the European population, which has considered beets a dietary staple for years, Americans are only recently realizing the culinary versatility and nutritional benefits of this superfood,” adds Jacobson.

In addition to their sensory appeal and nutritional density, beets have the ideal composition for freeze-drying, the company said. Freeze-drying is a low-pressure drying process that allows for high retention of nutrients and antioxidant phytochemicals. Unlike dehydration, freeze-drying requires no additives for preservation and generally means a longer shelf life, lighter weight and that satisfying crunch, Crunchies said.

“There is still some work to be done in educating the consumer about the nutritional benefits of freeze drying versus other processes,” Jacboson said.

Crunchies is working with its partners to educate consumers on the freeze-drying process, Jacobson said.

“Our largest shareholder, Chaucer Foods, is investing in research projects to highlight the nutritional benefits of freeze dry, and we will continue to work with them on consumer education,” Jacobson said. “When you look at the freeze dried category globally, the U.S. market is ahead of other regions around the world from a snacking perspective. Furthermore, global demand is outpacing capacity by about 20 percent so having a strong supply chain is critical to our success.”

Crunchies Freeze-Dried Beets will be available in stores nationwide for a suggested retail price of $4.99 for resealable pouches and $1.69 for single-serve packs. Like all Crunchies products, they contain no added sugar and no artificial flavors or coloring and are non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan, kosher and halal certified, Crunchies said. Other Crunchies products in the line include strawberries, mango, pineapple, blueberries, raspberries, grapes, cinnamon apple, strawberry banana and mixed fruit.

For more information and to purchase online, visit the Crunchies website.





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