Naturipe Farms has added Berry Buddies to its value-added snack line.
“It’s clear how much kids love to snack, and at Naturipe Farms, we love to make those snacks,” Steven Ware, vice president for value-added at Naturipe Farms, said in a news release. “Berry Buddies meet market demand for delicious, nutritious, easily transported snack options that are filled with fresh fruit. We’ve put years of hard work, planning, and research and development into Berry Buddies, and we’re thrilled to finally be able to share them with our customers.”
Packaged in containers with separate compartments for each food product, the release said there are three variations in the Berry Buddies line:
- Berries & Pancakes, featuring blueberries, miniature pancakes and maple syrup for dipping.
- Berries, Cookies & Cheese, combining blueberries, miniature cookies and mixed cheese.
- Berries, Grapes, Pretzels & Cheese, an assortment of blueberries and grapes, crunchy pretzel twists and cheddar cheese.
Each option has a shelf life of at least 17 days, a portable container and contains equal to or less than 160 calories per serving, making them ideal for on-the-go consumption during busy mornings, school lunches or after-school snacks, the company said. Each variety earned the official stamp of approval from The Produce Moms, according to the release.
“Berry Buddies don’t just taste good — with their bright colors and cartoon character icons relating to ingredients, they’re eye-catching and a fun attraction, too,” said Matt Lyons, director of business development for value-added at Naturipe. “Anyone who’s spent time around kids knows that food that tastes good is only half the battle when it comes to what they’ll eat. Berry Buddies make nutritious snacking fun. And they’re not just for kids — even parents will enjoy how delicious and convenient they are.”
Research underscores the crucial role taste and flavor play in parents’ choices for what their kids reach for when they open the refrigerator door, the release said, adding that berries and grapes are among the most preferred refrigerated produce snacks for children, enjoyed multiple times a week.
Berry Buddies were available in select stores nationwide as of Aug. 5, the release said.
