WALNUT CREEK, CALIF. — Del Monte Foods, Inc., is continuing to expand outside of the canned food aisle with the launch of Bubble Fruit, a new line that combines the classic fruit cup with boba.
Boba, or tapioca pearls, traditionally are found in teas and other Asian-style beverages. With the popularity of boba slushes, smoothies and teas on the rise, however, it has been popping up in new food products like pastries, cakes and even pizza. The chewy, juicy texture adds a burst of flavor and makes for a unique snacking experience, according to Del Monte Foods.
Bubble Fruit comes in strawberry lemonade, sour apple watermelon and pear berry pomegranate flavors. The convenient, better-for-you snacks contain a full serving of fruit. Unlike the popping boba found in frozen yogurt or popular tea shops, Bubble Fruit does not contain any artificial colors or sweeteners, according to Del Monte.
“We have made it our priority to drive our innovation to meet the needs of today’s consumers who are looking for new exciting food experiences, flavors and textures,” said Liam Farrell, vice-president of brand marketing for Del Monte Foods. “By leveraging on-trend inspiration like the boba phenomenon, Bubble Fruit is a clever reinvention of a classic product that kids will want to eat and parents will feel good about serving.”
The launch of Bubble Fruit is the latest in a series of snacking innovations from Del Monte. Earlier this year, the company launched its Fruit and Oat line, which combines steel cut and rolled oats with a classic fruit cup. Other recent introductions to the store perimeter include Del Monte Fruit and Chia and Fruit Crunch Parfaits.