New Honey Sweetened Product Releases Satisfy Winter Cravings

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Winter months are known for big meals filled with hearty entrées, zesty side dishes and mindboggling desserts. There’s a reason why we wait until New Year’s Day to start our diet resolutions; in fact, during last year’s winter over half of Americans told SWNS Digital they have broken a diet due to the temptation of larger holiday meals. The average respondent expected to gain about eight pounds, and 90% planned on indulging without worrying about nutrition.

However, even if there isn’t quite the mindset of guilt as in other months of the year, consumers can nosh in between helpings of rich food with less guilt thanks to honey’s usage as a sweetener in a wide range of products. There are a number of made-with-honey snack releases that took 2022 by storm.

Organic S’mores Graham Sandwiches, Annie’s Organic

A key trend of 2022 was the resurgence of s’mores — with a twist. Consumers love trying new food items under the security of something familiar, and honey is a perfect sweetener for Annie’s new release. Honey graham crackers provide the sandwich for marshmallow-flavored créme and chocolate. Consumers will taste the honey in every bite of this yummy, sweet treat.

Photo Credit: Annie's Organic
Photo Credit: Rufus Teague

BBQ Honey Roasted Almonds, Hot BBQ Honey Roasted Peanuts, Rufus Teague

Popular barbecue sauce company Rufus Teague branched out in 2022 with snacking products. Both the almonds and peanuts are honey roasted and then coated in Rufus’ signature BBQ blend, continuing the sweet hot trend.

Honey Cinnamon Sweet Thins, Simple Mills

One of the most unique snacking products to hit store shelves is sweetened with honey and features the debut of watermelon seed flour to the cookie category. Simple Mills’ CEO Katlin Smith told Prepared Foods that consumers can have it both ways: full flavor with better-for-you ingredients. Honey Cinnamon Sweet Thins have such a great taste, texture and sustainability appeal that Prepared Foods gave it the Best New Retail Food Spirit of Innovation award.

Photo Credit: Simple Mills
Photo Credit: Pioneer Woman

Pecan Sticky Buns Snack Mix, The Pioneer Woman

Pecan pie has nothing on this sweetened-with-honey mix by popular recipe blogger Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman. Sweet and nutty honey-roasted pecans, white confectionery mini cups and caramel-coated puffs are mixed together for the perfect holiday treat.

Almond Butter Banana Yogurt Chips, Yips

Honey, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, strawberries, blueberries and Himalayan pink salt are combined to create a new twist in a chip. Yips are slowly freeze-dried to retain superfood nutrients, but there’s no refrigeration required for the consumer. Flavor and crunch are locked in, giving the product mouthwatering flavor and an addictive crunch.

Photo Credit: Yips
Photo Credit: TRU NOLA

Goldenberry Turmeric, Vanilla Almond Granolas, TRU NOLA

Turmeric was a huge trend in 2022, and TRU NOLA’s Goldenberry Turmeric granola is sweetened with honey for munchie satisfaction. The unique flavor profile was rounded out with the tart and sweet tropical taste reminiscent of pineapple and mango. For its part, Vanilla Almond Granola blends honey with almonds and smooth vanilla, making for a traditionally crunch sweet and savory nosh.

Ready to formulate an amazing better-for-you, yet indulgent snacking product in 2023? Email [email protected] for more information.