From Our Print Edition

Offered in flavors such as Za’atar and Roasted Garlic & Mint, Yaza Labneh taps into demand for globally inspired dips and spreads.

Both refrigerated dips and spreads have bounced back from last year’s disappointing sales. Dollar sales of refrigerated dips shot up 7.1% to $454.39 million during the 12 weeks ended July 14 while both units and volume jumped 6.2%, according to Chicago-based market research firm Circana. The flavored spreads subcategory (i.e. hummus) saw more modest increases in both dollar (+1.6% to $224.90 million) and unit sales (+0.4%) but registered a precipitous 11.8% drop in volume, triggered primarily by private label — and likely the result of package downsizing. Refrigerated salsa sales, meanwhile, edged up 0.2% to $122.75 million, though units were down 0.6%.

“The refrigerated dips category has seen tremendous growth in the last five years,” says Justice Davis, brand manager at Hormel-owned MegaMex Foods, Orange, Calif., whose portfolio includes the Wholly brand. He cites five drivers of growth within the segment: 1. a desire for “better for you” alternatives, 2. dips for occasions beyond snacking, 3. dips that enhance meal occasions, 4. new flavors to drive purchase motivation, and 5. an influx of younger consumers.

‘We are seeing…movement toward healthier, more diverse, and globally inspired foods in the dips and spreads category.’

In response, the company recently introduced Wholly Guacamole Restaurant Style “Extra Chunky” guac, a more flavorful guacamole with more chunks of veggies and avocado, similar to what consumers see in restaurants. “Our goal was to leverage the success of Mexican food we see across the store in this category as well, specifically in the produce and deli sections,” Davis adds.

BETTER-FOR-YOU HOT

Available in French Onion and Ranch flavors, Daisy’s new dips are a blend of sour cream, herbs and spices.

Manufacturers say consumers continue to read labels, even when choosing snacks, and many are looking for high-quality clean ingredients, probiotics and no additives. Ethnic-inspired flavors are also in demand.

“We are seeing…movement toward healthier, more diverse and globally inspired foods in the dips and spreads category, specifically a push toward protein and probiotic-rich options, no additives, and bold flavors,” confirms Karim Khalil, founder of Atlanta-based Yaza! Yaza Labneh launched this year in four flavors: Plain, Roasted Garlic & Mint, Za’atar & Olive Oil, and Spicy Chili. A 30-gram serving of the Middle Eastern strained yogurt dip contains about 30 calories, 3 grams of protein, 1.5 grams of healthy fats, lots of probiotics, and absolutely no added sugars, thickeners or preservatives, says Khalil.

Dallas-based Daisy Brand is also leaning into clean, high-quality ingredients with its new sour cream-based dips. “We knew we wanted to develop a blend of Daisy Sour Cream and herbs and spices that consumers can find in their own kitchens, free of additives, stabilizers, and preservatives,” says Erik Christensen, head of brand and insights. “After years of development, we’re very excited, because we think we have a compelling proposition with French Onion and Ranch Dips that taste fantastic and deliver on the wholesomeness you would expect from Daisy.”

Another player tapping into the power of clean, simple ingredients, Rhome, Texas-based Fresh Innovations is adding three new products to its Yo Quiero! lineup: Hatch Chili Guacamole; Creamy Black Bean (with fiber and protein); and Corn Salsa featuring crispy corn, whole black beans, tomatoes, onions and spices.

“All have real ingredients and can be found in either the produce or deli departments of your favorite retail grocery store,” says vp of marketing Tara Murray. “As football season rolls around, we will leverage our partnership with the Dallas Cowboys and market our large dip formats for homegating and tailgating,” she adds. “For the holidays, we tout our Love your Leftovers campaign on how to use our products to make your leftovers great again.”

BEYOND SNACKING

The newly expanded Litehouse Kids line-up features Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Pizza Ranch Dip.

While dips and spreads are popular at big gatherings, Yo Quiero! recently added Avocado & Egg and Avocado & Guacamole mini cups that can be used to create a quick and easy breakfast or lunch.

“The most popular of our new items has been the Yo Quiero! Avocado & Egg spread,” a blend of Hass avocados, chopped hard boiled eggs and spices, says Murray. “Each mini cup is full of real ingredients; the consumer just opens and spreads. No fussing with cutting and chopping avocados and eggs.”

Sandpoint, Idaho-based Litehouse Foods is also moving into mealtime with an expansion of its Litehouse Kids dip collection, which includes 16-ounce squeeze bottles and a snack pack. New additions feature the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pizza Ranch) and PAW Patrol (Cheddar Cheesy), both of which can be used for dipping chicken nuggets, tater tots and other kid favorites. The company is also adding three dips to its Litehouse Loaded lineup: Loaded Fry Sauce, Loaded Taco Sauce and Loaded Buffalo Sauce, which complement a wide variety of entrees and sides.

“Litehouse Kids and Litehouse Loaded aim to revamp consumers’ experiences and selections at the refrigerated salad dressing section of the supermarket,” says Kate Nees, senior brand manager. Both product lines will be available nationwide at Walmart in the refrigerated produce section.

FLAVORS GO BOLD & ‘SWICY’

Bel Brands USA introduces its first new The Laughing Cow flavor in five years: Creamy Jalapeño.

The folks at Ward Hill, Mass.-based Cedar’s Mediterranean Foods have noticed a rise in new flavor combos that create unique taste experiences. The “swicy” trend (sweet plus spicy) is one of the biggest, prompting the company’s recent introduction of Topped Organic Hot Honey Hommus, which combines the sweetness of honey with the spiciness of chili. Building on the swicy trend, Cedar’s is also launching three new feta dip flavors: Spicy Red Pepper, Kalamata Olive and Garlic & Chive.

“These dips stand out due to their unique blend of Mediterranean flavors,” says executive vp of marketing Aimee Tsakirellis. “Retailers should consider giving these products shelf space due to their unique flavor profiles and broad appeal.”

Chicago-based Bel Brands USA is also tracking consumer demand for hotter, bolder and more unique flavors. For the first time in five years, the company has introduced a new flavor of its spreadable The Laughing Cow cheese: Creamy Jalapeño.

“It’s a new fresh and flavorful option with just enough heat, making it the perfect balance of creamy deliciousness and spice,” says Zach Fatla, brand director of The Laughing Cow.

Meanwhile, Kraft Heinz Co., Pittsburgh and Chicago, recently announced the launch of two new Philadelphia brand whipped cream cheese spread varieties: Chipotle and French Onion, both in 7.5-ounce tubs.