5 new snacks making a big squeeze5 new snacks making a big squeeze

Pouches changed baby food, and now they’re reshaping the adult snack category. Young and old are sucking up the latest fruit and veggie blends for convenient, on-the-go nutrition. Given their superb packability and one-hand-eating potential, BPA-free pouches have specifically captivated sports enthusiasts, busy professionals and parents hungry for better-for-you options that expand beyond the typical bar. Because pouches can hold, well, anything, the category is ripe for innovation—from savory soup-like options to heat-and-eat side dishes. For now, though, manufacturers are playing it safe and introducing shoppers to the pouch concept with produce-focused blends that don’t stray far from applesauce consistency. Yet, companies are putting their own spin on classic flavors such as strawberry and cherry by incorporating in-demand ingredients such as chia seeds, Greek yogurt and acerola cherry. Expect big things from the pocket-size pouch.  

5 new pouch snacks worth the purchase

Sprout Smash
Strawberry & Cherry with Greek Yogurt
What do you get when you pair dark cherries and strawberries with Greek yogurt? A luscious smoothie with the added bonus of 3 grams of satisfying protein. This latest certified-organic line from Sprout is sure to appeal to kids and adults alike for its convenient nutritional punch and creamsicle-like flavor.
SRP: $1.69–$1.89; Booth 2027

Smooch
Strawberry, Blueberry & Banana
Pucker up and enjoy this fruit-forward smoothie from Smooch. With straightforward ingredients (all fruit and a dash of lemon) the strawberry, blueberry and banana flavors really shine. Enjoy the slightly larger pouch for one complete serving of fruit, fiber and omega-3s from chia seeds and acerola. I do wish, however, that in addition to working on Non-GMO Project verification it were certified organic. SRP: $2.29; Booth 457

Happy Squeeze
Treat Caramel Apple
Anyone looking for a sweet treat not accompanied by pangs of guilt will celebrate these certified-organic, low-calorie pouches from Happy Squeeze. Try Caramel Apple, which has a tart, buttery flavor that would take anyone back to the county fair. At just 100 calories and 50 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin C, there’s no reason not to reminisce often. SRP: $1.79; Booth 1014

Plum Organic
Mashups Berry
There’s no need to wait for summer to enjoy a delightful bowl of berries. This certified-organic blend of strawberries, blackberries and blueberries may come in a pouch, but these berries are just as vibrant and full of flavor as ones you’d pop in your mouth. Consider cross-merchandising with yogurt (my favorite way to enjoy) or on an endcap dedicated to healthy lunchbox options. SRP: $3.99, 4-count box; Booth 225

Mamma Chia Squeeze
Green Magic
I was skeptical when she took chia out of the bottle and added it to this certified-organic fruit-and-veggie pouch, but one taste proves Mamma indeed knows best. The surprisingly refreshing anytime snack is a delight on the tongue (think tropical tapioca) and a nutritional powerhouse. One 3.5-ounce serving packs omega-3s, fiber, protein and antioxidants from spirulina, chlorella and kale. SRP: $1.69; Booth 520