The votes are in for Refrigerated & Frozen Foods’ Readers’ Choice Best New Retail Products contest. Congratulations to the Top 5 processors, and thank you to all of our readers for your cooperation.
1. TIE with 1,262 votes
Sweet Earth Natural Foods’ Plant-Based Seitan Bacon
Sweet Earth Natural Foods, Moss Landing, Calif., introduced Hickory and Sage Smoked Seitan Bacon, a plant-based, sustainable take on the classic bacon product. Each strip is smothered in the company’s smoked, hickory sage sauce, then packed with Clean Protein—10 grams of protein meets a clean ingredients list. This product also offers 75% less fat and 57% fewer calories than pork bacon and only 160 milligrams of sodium—all with the real taste of bacon. Go here to read an exclusive interview with Kelly Swette, chief executive officer of Sweet Earth Natural Foods.
2. DeeBee’s Organics TeaPops
Canada-based DeeBee’s Organics launched DeeBee’s TeaPops, what is said to be the first certified 100% organic, tea-based frozen novelty in the world. This frozen treat is made from freshly brewed, 100% organic and ethically sourced tea and sweetened with a combination of organic fruit, coconut flower blossom nectar or honey. Go here to read an exclusive interview with Dionne Laslo-Baker, founder and CEO of DeeBee’s Organics.
3. Beyond Meat Beef-Free Crumbles with 553 votes.
Beyond Meat, Los Angeles, introduced Beef-Free Crumbles, which boast as much protein as ground beef but with half the fat. Offered in Beefy and Feisty flavors, the soy- and gluten-free Crumbles are available in the frozen section of Whole Foods Market stores nationwide. Beef-Free Crumbles come in 11-ounce packages for a suggested retail price of $5.49. Go here to read an exclusive interview with Bob Connolly, marketing director for Beyond Meat.
4. Gardein Fishless Filets with 419 votes.
Canada-based Garden Protein International, Inc. launched golden fishless filets. Each 96-gram serving of this crispy and breaded fish-free product contains 32 milligrams of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids. At only 180 calories, each 2-piece serving contains 9 grams of protein and is made with non-GMO soy, wheat and canola oil. The cholesterol-free, vegan and kosher filets are ideal for tacos, sandwiches, as a snack served with fries and coleslaw, or as the main dinner course served with rice and veggies. Go here to read an exclusive interview with Russell Barnett, vice president of marketing for Gardein.
5. Jimmy Dean’s Pancakes & Sausage on a Stick with 312 votes.
The Hillshire Brands Co., Chicago, expanded its Jimmy Dean brand to include pancakes and sausages on a stick in Apple Cinnamon and Very Berry varieties. The new offerings can be found in the frozen aisle of grocery stores nationwide with a suggested retail price of $3.99 for a 5-count package. Go here to read an exclusive interview with Karmen Conrad, director of frozen for the Jimmy Dean brand.
About the Contest
Refrigerated & Frozen Foods’ editor-in-chief, Marina Mayer reviewed all of the new retail products published in print and online at www.RFFmag.com from July 2013 to April 2014. From the hundreds of products, she nominated 17 refrigerated and frozen foods. Then, you, the reader, voted for your favorite. The poll garnered a total of 3,808 votes, 1,000 Facebook shares, 92 Twitter shares and 8 shares via Google+. To check out the contest, or to review the other nominees, go here.
