Hostess Brands, Inc. introduced Kazbars, its first breakthrough innovation of 2023. Described by the company as a “first-of-its-kind candy-bar-inspired innovation within the snack cakes market,” Hostess Kazbars combines layers of chocolate cake, crème, candy crunch and caramel or chocolate fudge. The bars are covered in a chocolate-flavored coating and topped with a drizzle.

Hostess Kazbars will be available in two flavors: chocolate caramel and triple chocolate. The sweet baked goods will be available at grocery and mass retailers nationwide in 10-oz boxes containing eight individually wrapped 1.25-oz mini bars. Single, individually wrapped Kazbars also will be sold in a 2.75-oz size at convenience stores as well as grocery and mass retailers nationwide. 

 Better Sour will debut its gummy candies featuring globally inspired sour flavors at Natural Products Expo West, March 8-11 in Anaheim, Calif.

Better Sour represents the influences and tart tastes of founders Bella Hughes’ and Semira Nikou’s heritage and upbringing in the Hawaiian Islands. The candy will be available in two blends. A Middle East-inspired stone fruit mix features pomegranate, apricot and plum, while an Asia-Pacific themed offering includes guava, calamansi and ume. The gummies are plant-based and free from artificial colors and flavors, with 3 grams of sugar and 60 calories per serving.

Soom Foods launched a snackable take on tahini. The maker of sesame seed spreads debuted Soom Tahini Bites, formulated with dates, oats, vanilla and sea salt, plus additions such as dried tart cherries and cacao powder. Flavors include cherry chocolate chip, double chocolate brownie and pumpkin spice. The products are vegan and gluten-free. A staple of Mediterranean cuisine, tahini is a versatile ingredient that may be added to sweet or savory recipes, adding a creamy, nutty richness to dishes, according to the company.

“Our goal has always been to bring tahini to as many homes as we can,” said Amy Zitelman, chief executive officer of Soom Foods, in a February interview. “Dipping our toes into this new category of grab-and-go snacking is our next step to make tahini products a staple in US kitchens and pantries.”

Mondelez International, Inc.’s Oreo brand launched a limited-edition sandwich cookie called the Most OREO OREO. The cookie features two chocolate wafers  sandwiched around a double-stuffed crushed-Oreo-crème filling.

Marketed as being a “meta” Oreo, the company also is introducing a partnership with culinary personality Martha Stewart and an interactive website called the Oreoverse, where users can play Oreo-themed games.

Kind LLC, a subsidiary of Mars, Inc., launched soft baked granola in two flavors: dark chocolate peanut butter and dark chocolate chunk. Both soft granola varieties are gluten-free and made using a whole grain oat base. They are joining Kind’s portfolio of granola, which until now has featured crunchy clusters.

Sixth-generation baking manufacturer Unique Snacks debuted its first non-pretzel snack. Dubbed “Puffzels,” the baked snack is vegan and certified gluten-free. The pretzel-shaped twists feature a puffed corn meal and oat flour base and are formulated using Non-GMO Project verified ingredients.

Available in four flavors, including homestyle butter and garlic, honey mustard, aged cheddar and wild Buffalo, the snacks may be purchased at Ahold Delhaize and Safeway Mid-Atlantic stores.

Post Consumer Brands expanded its Honey Bunches of Oats brand with the launch of Honey Bunches of Oats Granola Chips. The chips are available in honey roasted and blueberry varieties. Marketed as an on-the-go snacking option, the chips are large enough to top with spreads or eat with a dip.

The Ferrero Group’s chocolate hazelnut spread brand Nutella introduced two new products to the US market. The individually wrapped Nutella B-Ready features a wafer shell filled with Nutella and sprinkled with puffed wheat crisps. The shareable Nutella Biscuits feature a crunchy baked biscuit stamped with a heart shape and filled with Nutella spread.

Both products have been available globally and will be the first new Nutella snacks released in the United States since 2012 when Nutella &GO! was launched.

Kellogg Co. baked snacks brand RXBAR debuted its first line of granola in three flavors including original, peanut butter and chocolate. Until the launch, the company specialized in nutrition bars. Each granola flavor contains 10 grams of protein per serving and features a crunchy oat base.

“Fans of RXBAR trust us for our no B.S. approach to snacking and new RXBAR Granola delivers on just that,” said Eileen Flaherty, senior brand manager, RXBAR. “Thanks to simple, protein-packed ingredients, RXBAR Granola has an unbeatable crunch, flavor and texture that will fuel fans’ active lifestyles and upgrade their breakfast, lunch or snack game from here on out.”

Producer of flavored popcorn snacks SNAX-Sational Brands partnered with Post Consumer Brands to launch Cereal Pop popcorn made with Fruity Pebbles. SNAX-Sational currently has two other lines of popcorn, Cookie Pop and Candy Pop, that each feature partnerships with notable companies in their respective sectors.

The Fruity Pebbles partnership is the first product in SNAX-Sational’s new Cereal Pop brand. Like the Cookie Pop and Candy Pop brands, Cereal Pop is made using non-GMO corn and comes in at 150 calories per serving. Currently available at Sam’s Club in 20-oz “Club Size” bags, the all-new Cereal Pop will roll out nationwide beginning in February.

Better-for-you brand Pure Organic, a part of the Kellogg Co. portfolio, added three baked cracker varieties. The crackers, which come in garden ranch, Parmesan garlic and double cheddar flavors, are formulated using organic ingredients.

Each baked cracker box features a QR code that directs consumers to the website for No Kid Hungry — a nonprofit that supports ending childhood hunger.

“Filled with better-for-you ingredients and a superior taste in every bite, these crackers are made for kids and parents,” said Janice Spurgeon, brand manager for Pure Organic. “We’re redefining the norm of snacking — first with our popular layered fruit bars and now with baked crackers — with a mission of creating treats that pay homage to old-school snacks while using quality ingredients for exceptional taste that the whole family can enjoy.”

Gluten-free cookie company Real Cookies added Cookie Poppers — mini versions of the company’s full-size cookies, targeted at on-the-go snacking occasions.

Made without allergens such as gluten, soy, corn, dairy and eggs, the plant-based Cookie Poppers are available in three varieties, including chocolate chip, peanut butter chocolate chip and lemon blueberry.

Tate’s Bake Shop, a Mondelez International, Inc. brand, introduced Cookie Bark, bite-size pieces of the brand’s crispy chocolate chip cookie covered in chocolate and toppings. Cookie Bark is available in two varieties: dark chocolate with sea salt and milk chocolate with white chocolate drizzle.

“At Tate’s Bake Shop, we pride ourselves on consistently delivering exciting and new offerings and with the debut of our Cookie Bark, we are providing a decadent, indulgent treat that transforms our signature, crispy chocolate chip cookie into an entirely new experience,” said Lauren Sella, chief marketing officer of Tate’s Bake Shop. “Tate’s Bake Shop’s chocolate chip cookie has become a renowned favorite — and now, Tate’s Cookie Bark is taking that same beloved cookie and offering it for a ‘next level’ treat.”

Quest, a brand from the Simply Good Food Co., launched cheese crackers. Available in a cheddar variety, the crackers contain 10 grams of protein and 5 grams of net carbs per serving.

“Consumers are focusing on their nutrition and wellness goals, but still want that savory snacking experience,” said Linda Zink, chief marketing officer at Simply Good Foods. “Quest is all about supporting consumers by delivering on taste, while also offering the macros they are seeking. We are excited to launch Quest Cheese Crackers, a cheesy option that satisfies this appetite for snacking, while providing a protein boost without a ton of net carbs.”

Specialty cracker manufacturer Venus Wafers revealed a new snacking brand with South Shores Puff Snacks.

Named for the company’s location in Massachusetts, South Shore Puff Snacks offer a protein-packed, crunchy, flavorful snack. Available in vegan cheddar, barbecue and chili lime flavors, the puffs snacks can be purchased in 4-oz and 1.5-oz bags.