Oser Communications Group

GOURMET NEWS APRIL 2020 www.gourmetnews.com NATURALLY HEALTHY 1 4 A Plant-Based Alternative to Seafood BY LORRIE BAUMANN The world's population is expected to grow by more than a quarter by 2050, from the current 7.7 billion to 9.7 billion, according to the United Nations. Much of that popu- lation growth will happen in some of the world's poorest countries, where popula- tion growth will bring along hunger and malnutrition with it, said Liu Zhenmin, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs. The world's seafood supply can't keep up with that demand, and the market needs alternative sources of protein that will appeal to consumers in cultures that now depend on fish as a major component of their diet, said Doug Hines, Chairman and Founder of Atlantic Natural Foods and a 40-year veteran of the global seafood industry. He sees Loma Linda TUNO as an answer to that problem. TUNO is a fish- less canned seafood alternative that's made from a proprietary blend of ocean-based ingredients, including seaweed and algae, along with other ingredients like soy, yeast, sunflower oil and other natural in- gredients. "In the seafood industry, the amount of seafood that's being harvested has gone up. I think we're looking at an optimization of the resource," he said. "What's happening is that as the world's resources get stretched thin, we need to find other products.... The product has a value content to it. It's an alternative pro- tein that tastes good." Hines is running into some obstacles as he tries to get the word about TUNO to grocery retailers. The organizers of the Seafood Expo North America recently de- nied him permission to exhibit at the show on the basis that vendors at the show are restricted to those who produce seafood. He's arguing that grocers need to be aware of his product because consumers who are concerned about environmental sustainability, and particularly seafood sus- tainability, will find TUNO to be a product that answers their concerns. "The Millen- nials and Gen-Xers are demanding change. They want to eat what they want to eat, and they want you to be creative, and they want you to be sustainable," he said. "They know what they want to eat, and they know how they want it prepared. They want it convenient.... It's a revolution that we're seeing out there." TUNO is a Loma Linda product, which comes from Atlantic Natural Foods. The brand was originally created in 1890 as the first to manufacture soy milk. "A lot of these products were created on the ideas of John Kellogg," Hines said. The brand was adopted by vegetarian consumers who be- longed to the Seventh-Day Adventists reli- gious group, and members of that community are still a major component of the brand's consumer base today, Hines said. However, consumers need not be vege- tarians to enjoy TUNO, he said. Hines eats his own product regularly, in sushi rolls and salads, but he also eats seafood a cou- ple of times a week, he said. "I believe in balance," he added. While TUNO appeals to consumers who are currently shopping for seafood, its pres- ence in the market is no threat to the seafood industry, Hines insists. "We're under $5 million. We're delivering value to the consumer who wants a vegetarian op- tion. There's no intent to challenge the seafood industry," he said. "Your consumer is the one who makes the decision – it's not us. We try to be socially responsible in de- livering what they want." Loma Linda will be launching a new product in May at the National Restaurant Association's annual trade show. While he declined to be too specific about exactly what that product is ahead of its formal launch, it's a shelf-stable product line, some with ocean ingredients for a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids, designed to appeal to consumers who don't eat seafood or meat. "You can take this product, and in 60 sec- onds in the microwave, you have a com- pletely plant-based, non-GMO and gluten-free meal," he said. "We try to make it taste good." GN Dream Pretzels Introduces New Protein Pressels Dream Pretzels, maker of innova- tive pretzel products, recently launched an innovative snack that is a game changer in the snack cat- egory. New Protein Pressels feature plant protein from red lentils, white beans and green peas and provide 5 grams of protein per 1- ounce serving as well as 3 grams of fiber, making them an excellent nutrient-packed snack. Now, any- one looking for the classic pretzel snack they love can also get the protein they are looking for in one delicious product. "Protein, especially plant-based protein, is a hot nutrition trend, with re- search pointing to its role in promoting satiety, reducing disease risk, preserving lean muscle mass and more," said Gilad Zilberberg, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dream Pretzels. "We know pro- tein is important to consumers and we've come up with a great-tasting, better-for-you snack that delivers." Pressels provide the taste of traditional pretzels but are pressed to make them an extra-crispy, light, bite-size snack. Home- style small batch baked and never fried, they are lower in fat than ordinary chips and lower in sodium than regular pretzels. All Pressel products are certified by the Non-GMO Project, vegan friendly and free of trans-fat, MSG, preservatives and artifi- cial ingredients. Now, that wholesome goodness also comes with a good source of protein and fiber from a carefully chosen combination of beans and legumes. Protein Pressels are available in two de- licious flavors: BBQ and Sea Salt. Perfect for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, those with an active lifestyle, busy moms, college student and kids' lunch boxes, new Protein Pressels are available in 7.1-ounce bags and can be found in select retail locations nationwide as well as online on Amazon. For more in- formation, visit Dream Pretzels at www.pressels.com. GN Moocho Debuts New Dairy-Free Cheese Shreds and Spreads Moocho, a plant-based dairy brand, de- buted new dairy-free cheese Shreds and Spreads at Natural Prod- ucts Expo West. The new chef-crafted plant-based cheeses will provide a taste and texture that shoppers crave and be priced for broad afford- ability. Moocho dairy-free Shreds, in flavors includ- ing Cheddar, Mozzarella and Fiesta Blend, use fer- mented cultures and age- ing to draw out the very best experience in plant- based shredded cheese. They're made to melt and stretch with uniquely big, smooth flavor, so they perform well as an ingredi- ent on vegetarian pizzas, tacos or pasta and cheese. Moocho dairy-free cream cheese Spreads use fermented soymilk to cul- tivate a rich, smooth spread in flavors including Just Plain Yum, Strawberry and Garden Vegetable. Unique in taste and tex- ture, Moocho Shreds and Spreads are vegan, non- GMO, and gluten free with 0 percent cholesterol, from a certified B Corp that con- sumers can feel good about. The two new dairy-free cheese lines will begin shipping to retailers nationwide this summer. "Category research suggests shoppers see a gap in the plant- based cheese category where brands haven't been able to pro- vide a taste and texture that people crave," said Jaime Athos, President and Chief Ex- ecutive Officer of Moocho and its sister brand, Tofurky. "Moocho aims to improve category perception and impress a market hungry for delicious, affordable and acces- sible plant-based options. As a category, we can do better now, with more ingredient options available." Moocho is a brand for current and future dairy-free enthusiasts, born of a revolution in new-school recipes and simple, modern ingredients. It aims to provide tasty, afford- able and accessible dairy-free foods with a texture that shoppers crave, closing the gap between what is currently offered and what consumers want. Launching this summer in retail, Moo- cho dairy-free Shreds will be available for purchase in 8-ounce bags with a target sug- gested retail price of $4.99, and Moocho dairy-free Spreads will be available in 8- ounce tubs for a target suggested retail price of $4.50. Moocho Shreds and Spreads will also be available in foodservice pack- aging. For more information, visit www.moochofoods.com. GN

• Cover