“New Innovations in Food: My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream Introduces Individually Packaged Treats, Upton’s Naturals Expands Plant-Based Options with Banana Blossoms, and BE Protein Smoothies Offers Convenient Chicken Drinks”
If you find yourself hesitant to enjoy mochi due to concerns about who may have handled it before you, there’s good news. My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream has announced the introduction of individually packaged My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream balls, designed for convenience, freshness, and food safety. These single-serve packs will be available at the self-serve My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream Bar in retailers nationwide.
In many grocery stores, you will find loose mochi available in self-serve stations, featuring their signature ice cream bites encased in small balls of Japanese rice dough. The company believes that these new individual packages will help consumers feel more at ease with grabbing the 100-calorie ice cream balls on the go. According to Russell Barnett, CMO of My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream, today’s consumers are particularly conscious of food safety and waste issues amid the pandemic. He noted that single-serve packaging could appeal to consumers seeking safer options. “These individual packs will not only extend the shelf life of My/Mo but also minimize waste and enhance hygiene by preventing open exposure of the mochi to the public,” he explained. “This is particularly relevant during a time when food safety is a major concern for many Americans.”
Mochi, a traditional Japanese rice dough dessert, has gained popularity in the U.S. as one of the best-selling frozen treats. Despite competition from brands like Bubbies, Maeda-En, and Mr. Mochi, My/Mo currently holds nearly 90% of the market share, according to Nielsen data cited by CNN.
This isn’t My/Mo’s first foray into innovation. The company has previously introduced three new types of mochi ice cream, including non-dairy, vegan options, and ice cream pints featuring mochi bits. The brand is now available in over 20,000 retail locations across the U.S. In January, Lakeview Capital acquired The Mochi Ice Cream Co., which produces My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream, from Century Park Capital Partners. The new ownership may continue to pursue innovations like this one, especially in light of ongoing pandemic challenges.
In the realm of meat alternatives, there are complex options such as plant-based burgers with lengthy ingredient lists, but there are also simpler choices, like shredded unripe jackfruit. Upton’s Naturals, a pioneer in offering jackfruit meat substitutes to U.S. consumers, has introduced another straightforward meat alternative: Upton’s Naturals Banana Blossoms. This ingredient is the tear-shaped flower found at the end of a banana bunch. Upton’s Naturals claims that the blossom, which is lightly brined to prevent oxidation, is ready to heat and serve, easily mimicking the taste and texture of fried fish.
“Banana blossoms have long been a culinary staple in Southeast Asia, yet U.S. cooks have just begun to explore this unique and versatile ingredient,” said Upton’s Naturals founder Dan Staackmann. “We aim to change this by making this exceptional meat alternative more accessible and easier to prepare for mainstream consumers.” Though banana blossoms are well-known in Asian cuisine, they remain relatively unfamiliar to American consumers, previously only available in canned, brined forms at select Asian grocery stores. Upton’s Naturals asserts that they possess a texture and flavor akin to artichoke hearts and are rich in potassium, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants.
Upton’s Naturals Banana Blossoms come in retort packs that do not require draining, unlike their brined Asian counterparts, and offer a more neutral flavor. But the key question remains: can this lesser-known plant-based ingredient truly replicate meat? A popular vegan fish and chips shop in London features banana blossoms as a highlight, and British retailer Sainsbury’s incorporates them into various plant-based meals.
The other significant meat substitute Upton’s Naturals introduced to the U.S. market, jackfruit, may provide insights into how banana blossoms will be received. Meat substitutes made from jackfruit are now widely available in many U.S. retailers. As Americans seek the next great meat alternative, especially those with clean labels, many may be inclined to embrace Upton’s Naturals’ new offering.
For years, consumers have turned to nuggets, wraps, or sandwiches for their chicken cravings. However, with busier lifestyles, a new solution may be on the horizon: drinking chicken from a bottle. BE Protein Smoothies has launched a drink that blends lean chicken breast meat, antioxidants, vitamins from fresh fruits, and live cultures from yogurt, all naturally sweetened with honey. The company promotes the smoothie as having the “ideal carb-to-protein ratio to support muscle recovery and weight management.”
“The smoothies provide convenience for busy consumers who lack time for meal prep but still want their daily macronutrient intake,” said owner Brian Chia. The product is available in flavors like Yuzu Banana Chicken Protein Blend and Mango Coconut Chicken Protein Blend, aligning with consumer trends focused on real ingredients without preservatives or additives. Currently sold only in Singapore, BE Protein Smoothies aims to eventually enter the U.S. and other international markets. Initially, the absence of preservatives limited the smoothie’s shelf life to about a week, but the company now utilizes high-pressure processing to extend it to over 30 days.
As consumers increasingly gravitate toward snacking and portable eating options, the concept of meat in a convenient form isn’t novel. Numerous jerky products exist, and major CPG companies like Conagra Foods and Kellogg have bolstered their presence in this category. Conagra, which owns Slim Jim, acquired Thanasi Foods, the maker of Duke’s meat snacks, in 2017, while Kellogg purchased EPIC Provisions, a rapidly growing premium meat snacks brand, in 2016.
However, while these products boast longer shelf lives, BE Protein Smoothies may appeal to fitness-oriented consumers who desire a healthier, fresher option. The challenge for many will be adapting to the idea of consuming their chicken as a drink rather than as a solid food.
In light of these innovative food products, many people are also interested in maintaining their health and nutrition, which raises the question: what is a good calcium citrate supplement? It’s essential to consider options that can support overall wellness as you explore these exciting new food trends.
