BUFFALO, New York – Convenience store consumers who want fresh, quick and healthy options may be interested in Rich’s Foodservice’s new Better-for-You Protein energy bars and cookies. The fresh-baked protein energy bars and cookies are made with real and simple ingredients, including vanilla, nuts, quinoa, flax seed and blueberries. The new portfolio, compatible with ACT ovens, launched to U.S. convenience stores on January 3.
The new offerings meet consumers’ growing desire for healthy options. According to Datassentials Scores, 77% of consumers say they would purchase a freshly baked energy bar, and 62% of millennials say they would purchase a cookie positioned as a “less guilty indulgence.” C-stores recognize this trend, as 89% of operators say that health and wellness will influence their future purchase decisions, per Technomic.
“We’re delighted to offer c-stores this delicious snack that combines consumers’ desires for fresh baked goods and healthier options,” says Cheri F. Marchionda, director of sales–convenience for Rich Products Corporation. “Operators can purchase the dough for Better-for-You Protein Energy Bars and Cookies and bake them in-store, producing a mouthwatering aroma that will entice shoppers.”
The new protein energy bars come in three flavors: blueberry cinnamon cashew, chocolate chunk cherry almond and dark chocolate peanut butter. Each bar has 200 calories or less, has zero transfat, is low in cholesterol, and represents a good source of protein (9-10 grams per bar) and fiber (5-6 grams per bar). Each dough bar is 1.95 or 1.90 ounces, with 105 per case.
The Better-for-You Cookies are available in two flavors: oatmeal dark chocolate chunk raisin cranberry and quinoa flax seed chocolate chunk pecan. Each cookie is 100 calories or less, with zero transfat and low cholesterol. The oatmeal cookie is low in sodium, and the quinoa cookie is a good source of ALA. The cookies are available in 0.85-ounce dough pieces, with 192 per case.
To help c-stores promote the Better-for-You line, Rich’s offers a variety of POS and merchandising support, including counter cards, pump toppers, danglers, window clings and table tents. Suggested merchandise locations include inside the bakery case, at the checkout or located with other pre-packaged protein and snack bars. Retailers should contact their Rich’s sales specialist for details, or visit www.richsfoodservice.com.