KANSAS CITY — Food and beverage entrepreneurs are innovating across the frozen and beverage segments with unique offerings, globally inspired fare and functional products.
Pastazerts positions itself as a luxury brand aiming to enhance the at-home dessert experience by combining pasta and dessert. The company’s frozen chocolate ravioli product features a thin layer of chocolate dough formulated from organic cocoa powder that combines a dark chocolate flavor with a cream cheese filling. Flavors include strawberry cheesecake, peanut butter and jelly, fig, peppermint and piña colada. The products are priced between $12.99 and $15.99, with availability in select retailers.
“We’re trying to be something different on the shelf of traditional desserts,” said Stephanie Berwick, co-founder of Pastazerts.
Laoban, an Asian frozen dumpling brand, expanded its product portfolio with a line of frozen bao buns. The buns are designed as a convenient on-the-go meal solution that is ready to eat after one minute of microwaving. Formulated with chicken, pork, beef and shiitake mushrooms, the buns are launching in -flavors such as Chinese-style barbecue pork, spicy beef and sesame chicken. Varieties are now available in Whole Foods Market locations nationwide.
“Our buns tap into the two greatest reasons consumers turn to us — the unique combination of high-quality convenience and delectable flavor,” said Patrick Coyne, co-founder of Laoban. “We want to change the way consumers think about the frozen aisle by making quality frozen food like our buns part of your weekly, or daily, routine.”
Hydration-focused company Cadence has debuted a salt-based beverage for consumers in the active community and those seeking to enhance their hydration routines to include more sodium. The electrolyte beverage is formulated with carbonated water, lemon flavoring, lime extract, citric acid and Reb M stevia, and each 8.5-oz can features 500 mg of sodium, 295 mg of magnesium lactate and 190 mg of potassium chloride.
“For years we’ve been told differently — that we must limit our salt intake — and our goal is to change that narrative,” said Ross Mackay, co-founder of Cadence.
