Nutritious family finds
Discover how today’s food landscape offers families a range of healthier choices, making it easier to prioritise nutritious eating without sacrificing convenience or taste, writes Shauna Bernard
Print20 August 2024
Parents naturally want the best for their children, especially when it comes to their diet. Ensuring that kids eat nutritious and wholesome meals is a top priority for many families. Thankfully, we’re now in a golden age of healthy eating options, where making better food choices is more accessible and affordable than before.
The frozen food aisle, traditionally known for its selection of fatty, processed, and often low-quality alternatives to fresh produce, has undergone a transformation. Once considered the less desirable option for family meals, it has now expanded to include a wide variety of high-quality, nutritious choices. This shift reflects a growing awareness and demand for healthier food products among consumers.
As more families become conscious of the need to limit high levels of sugar, fat, and salt in their diets, food manufacturers are stepping up to meet these demands. Many brands are now offering products with either zero or reduced amounts of these ingredients, making it easier for parents to provide their children with balanced and health-conscious meals.
This evolution in the sector means that families can now enjoy convenient, affordable, and nutritious options that align with their dietary goals.
With an expanding range of high-quality products available, parents can feel confident that they’re providing their children with meals that are both delicious and beneficial for their overall well-being.
John West – a trusted family name
John West is the expert when it comes to canned tuna, salmon and other fish, since 1857.
And the great thing is – most consumers already know this. That’s why they have a can of John West Tuna in their cupboard. It’s John West’s job to remind them, so they make it part of their lunchtime routine, and so they buy it frequently.
John West products are a great option for lunch. Each tin of John West Tuna provides 25g protein per 100g, and John West No Drain even provides 28g protein per 100g!
In comparison, consumers need to eat four eggs to get 25g protein.
As a natural source protein, John West products are also a great alternative to cooked ham, as canned Tuna is also considerably lower in salt than a processed meat option (ham contains approximately three times more salt per 100g than tuna).
John West is also the only brand in the category that brings innovations, providing your shoppers with both taste and convenience, and making it easy for them to get natural nutrients into their lunch!
This season, John West is delighted to bring to your shelves a much-needed innovation in Salmon: John West Salmon Pots. They are not only rich in natural protein, but also high in natural Omega 3. Those delicious 80G pots of pink salmon come in three variants: Natural, Sweet Chili, Lemon & Herb. Your shoppers will love them. John West. Lunch strong, trade strong!
Ireland’s no 1 dairy brand
As Ireland’s no 1 dairy brand, Avonmore products are enjoyed on a daily basis in households across Ireland. The success factors have been around sustained investment in the brand; partnerships with customers to really drive growth; and delivering a consistent quality product as a priority – ensuring the best tasting milk reaches our consumers.
Avonmore Super Milk has a key role to play in the fresh milk sector. Given that we don’t get enough sunshine in Ireland because of our northerly latitude, we don’t get enough vitamin D. From young children to older families, vitamin D is incredibly important across every life-stage. Avonmore Super Milk is enriched with vitamin D which not only supports our bone health but our immune system too. Avonmore Super Milk is also enriched with vitamins B & E, extra Calcium and Folic Acid making it a great choice for all the family.
Avonmore Super Milk is strongly supported throughout the year with TV, Radio, Digital, PR & trade activity with a heavy weight campaign planned for the back-to-school period.
Heinz opens new ‘Cannection Café’
New research commissioned by Heinz has shed light on the important role of shared mealtimes in fostering connections and happiness for families. The findings also illustrate current challenges families are facing when it comes to spending quality time together at mealtimes.
The survey of 1,000 parents in Ireland found that less than half (47%) of families are eating meals together at least once a day, with a similar amount (43%) eating together much less often than that, including 1% who never eat together. Only 10% eat together more than once a day.
Even when families do manage to sit down together, 36% say their mealtimes are frequently rushed or disrupted, while 77% admit that uninterrupted family mealtimes are more difficult to achieve nowadays compared to when they were children. The findings indicate that TV (38%), phone (34%) and work (33%) are the top three culprits for distracting families at mealtimes.
Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Malie Coyne, voices her concern for lack of quality time spent around the dinner table.
Commenting on the findings, clinical psychologist, Dr. Malie Coyne, said: “Sharing a meal together as a family is known to have incredible benefits for family members, ranging from eating healthier meals, improved family relationships, lower rates of stress, anxiety, low mood and loneliness, to higher rates of resilience and self-esteem. Mealtimes together provide an invaluable opportunity for the whole family to pause, to connect, spend time together, and simply check in with each other.”
To encourage this change and help improve shared connections, Heinz, along with its charity partner Barnardos, has opened a ‘Cannection Café’ at Meltdown, Dublin for a limited time, where it will be offering free Beanz-based meals through an exclusive ‘BEANardos menu’ to anyone looking to connect with others over a delicious hot beansy meal.
The difference? The only payment taken will be through conversation, with diners encouraged to place their phones in a giant Heinz Beanz can for the duration of their meal.
TV presenter, podcaster, Heinz and Barnardos ambassador, Vogue Williams, Vogue Williams, has lent her support to the campaign, and wants to encourage families everywhere to put the phone away at mealtimes. “When it comes to fitting in quality family time around mealtimes, for me personally it’s all about being present, sitting together, not being on your phone or even having an electronic device near you if you can. By raising awareness of these issues, we really hope that we can encourage change and get people to share more connections and time together,” she noted.
New three-packs of ‘Heinz Meanz Mealz’ Beanz are currently available throughout August and September from major retailers such as Dunnes, Tesco, SuperValu and Aldi, as well as convenience stores. RRP €3.59. Prices are at the sole discretion of the retailer. For more information, visit: www.barnardos.ie
M&S renews partnership with Munster rugby senior women’s team
The partnership is part of the ‘Eat Well, Play Well’ campaign, promoting healthy eating habits
Marks & Spencer has announced the renewal of its partnership with the Munster Rugby Senior Women’s team, as part of its Eat Well, Play Well campaign, for a second year.
As part of the sponsorship, M&S will be providing players with nutritious produce pre-match and during training throughout the 2024/2025 season.
The partnership will also involve a collaborative programme of educational online resources for people across Ireland to promote healthy eating to support a healthier lifestyle.
“Over the past year, M&S has supported the Munster Rugby Senior women’s team with nutritious produce, promoting healthy eating and healthy choices every day,” said Eddie Murphy, country director, M&S Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Murphy noted that M&S will continue bringing quality food to a quality team.
“We continue to work hard with our suppliers across Ireland to make sure we deliver on our commitment to sourcing the best quality, fresh food. When our customers choose produce with the Eat Well flower, they can be confident they’re making a quality, healthy, nutritious and delicious choice.”
Eat Well is a health seal of approval found on thousands of M&S products across its Foodhall, making it easier to be healthy.
Every product with the Eat Well flower has a health benefit and supports a balanced diet, so you can feel confident you’re making a healthy choice.
Through the M&S Eat Well seal of approval and its partnership with the Munster Rugby Senior Women team, M&S Food aims to make families healthier for the next generation, promoting positive healthy eating messages in a way that’s engaging, relatable and drives change.
The Eat Well flower is only given to products meeting evidence-based nutritional criteria, developed by its nutritionists in consultation with the Nutrition Foundation.
“M&S has provided our Women’s squad with nutritious and quality produce, invaluable to the squad for pre- and post-match fuel,” said Dave Kavanagh, head of Commercial and Marketing, Munster Rugby.
Kavanagh looks forward to continuing to work with the M&S team over the coming year and continuing to promote the importance of nutrition and healthy eating at Munster Rugby.”
Mór Taste wins Great Taste Stars with six products
Mór Taste has announced that its products have received multiple accolades at the prestigious Great Taste Awards 2024, the world’s largest and most trusted food and drink awards.
Mór Taste’s award-winning products and their honours include:
- Hazelnut & Chocolate Spread – Two stars
- 4 Berry Jam – Two stars
- Mango Jam – One star
- Raspberry Jam – One star
- Rhubarb & Vanilla Jam – One star
- Peanut & White Chocolate Spread – One star
“We are incredibly proud to have our products recognised by the esteemed panel of judges at the Great Taste Awards – especially as our flavour profile is different to traditional products, due to the massively reduced sugar content and sweetness” said Felix Oster, managing director of Mór Taste. “This achievement is a reflection of our hard work and dedication to crafting delicious, high-quality products that have a better nutritional profile.”
The Great Taste Awards, often referred to as the “Oscars” of the food world, are organised by the Guild of Fine Food. Receiving such recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and exceptional taste.
The judges, consisting of over 500 experts including chefs, food critics, and journalists, said about its Hazelnut & Chocolate Spread: “The aroma is exactly as we would hope for”, and they praised the 4 Berry Jam as “bags of bursting berry notes that that keep on giving”. Mór Taste’s single-star winners – Mango Jam, Raspberry Jam, Rhubarb & Vanilla Jam, and Peanut & White Chocolate Spread – also received high commendations for their unique flavours and superior taste.
McCormack Family Farms launch two new products
Snack Lettuce is a unique product that caters to a variety of consumers seeking delicious and convenient ways to enjoy their greens and is more than just lettuce. It’s very sweet, juicy, and crunchy with an excellent shelf life. But its design is where the real innovation is found. The lettuce head will naturally split into distinct, boat-shaped leaves after the bottom is removed.
“Snack Lettuce is a game-changer for healthy snacking,” said Stephen McCormack, managing director, McCormack Family Farms. “These naturally portioned leaves are ideal for dipping, scooping, or filling. They’re perfect for anyone looking to cut carbs and use them instead of bread and they make great healthy canapés for entertaining this summer season. The unique flavour profile and fun way to eat also makes them a hit with children.”
The second product launched is Watercress. Renowned for its dedication to producing inventive and healthful produce, the farm is excited to expand its product line with one of the most nutrient-dense leafy greens.
Watercress, a leafy green powerhouse, is packed with essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin K, A, and C. This nutrient-rich crop has been enjoyed for centuries, traditionally hand-harvested from streams, but difficult in commercial production.
McCormack Family Farms has recreated this natural environment by building water beds with flowing water systems on their farm. “There’s a strong demand for this well-known product, which is also considered a superfood, and as the farm grows and so does our brand, we’re delighted to finally bring it to retail stores nationwide. We’re particularly pleased to partner with Dunnes Stores to launch both Watercress and Snack Lettuce on the 40th anniversary of our farm,” added Padraic McCormack, sales manager, McCormack Family Farms.
Refreshment meets indulgence in a new ice cream experience
Oppo Brothers has added to its award-winning range of lower calorie ice cream by launching a brand-new ice cream concept Oppo Refreshed.
The vegan ice cream has the ‘decadent creaminess of ice cream meets the zingy refreshment of sorbet’.
Available in two flavours Oppo Refreshed bridges the gap between simple water ice pops and chocolate covered ice creams on a stick to deliver a truly indulgent, fruity ice cream experience.
Oppo Brothers highlighted that Oppo Refreshed is particularly creamy while also being a non-dairy option.
Harry Thuillier, Oppo’s founder, commented: “So far, ice cream treats have either been refreshing or indulgent. Water ices are great but don’t cut it when you’re looking to treat yourself.
“Chocolate covered sticks deliver on the indulgence but lack refreshment. We’ve smashed both sides of the category together to deliver a totally new experience.
“With summers getting hotter, finally here’s a treat that’s both refreshing and indulgent, and happens to have fewer calories too!”
Oppo Refreshed sticks come in at only 49 calories (half the calories of a Solero) and enjoy Nutriscore A status. Of particular note is the high fruit content of each stick, making it not only a healthy but also superior quality frozen treat with a high percentage of natural ingredients.
- Oppo Refreshed Alphonso Mango & Passionfruit 3 x 95ml (€4.99) – Slow-churned sorbetto made with generous amounts of Alphonso mango purée (the world’s finest mango variety) and rippled with a small-batch-cooked tangy passionfruit swirl. All at 49 kcal per stick and vegan friendly too.
- Oppo Refreshed Raspberry Coulis Swirl 3 x 95ml (€4.99) – Slow-churned sorbetto made with the highest quality raspberry purée and rippled with a small-batch-cooked tangy raspberry coulis swirl. All at 49 kcal per stick and vegan friendly too.
Oppo Refreshed can be found at Tesco, SuperValu & Spar stores alongside Oppo’s award-winning range of 475ml tubs (Gooey Chocolate Brownie, Double Salted Caramel Swirl, Lotus biscuit-inspired Caramelised Biscuit Swirl and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough).
SuperValu set to sell 1m raspberry punnets this summer
For more than 30 years, SuperValu’s Signature Tastes Raspberries have had a constant place in customers’ shopping trolleys and the fresh, colourful fruits are now on sale in SuperValu stores around the country.
Around one million punnets of the Signature Raspberries are expected to be sold during the summer months.
Produced from the premium ‘Maravilla’ raspberry type, which has been recognised around the world for its taste and quality, the Signature Tastes Raspberries are full of flavour which are sure to satisfy cravings this summer.
Introducing The New SiSú Organic Kombucha Range
Produced using organic single origin tea and featuring live cultures and all-natural ingredients, SiSú’s organic kombucha is both refreshing and nutritious, enhancing gut health and supporting a healthy immune system. The sparkling fermented drinks are available in three flavours – Blueberry & Blackcurrant, Elderflower, Apple & Mint, and Ginger & Lemongrass, in 250ml cans, RRP €2.95. The range is already garnering accolades, with SiSú’s Elderflower, Apple & Mint Organic Kombucha earning a Great Taste Award at the recently-announced 2024 Great Taste Awards.
For Aisling McGann, chief operating officer, SiSú, the new product has been a true labour of love. She says, “Bringing out this new line of organic kombucha with my family has been one of the most exciting projects I have worked on since moving home from Sydney to join SiSú full time. A lot of the ideas and innovation in our new range came from the five years I spent in Australia where healthy, functional drinks are at the forefront. We are so proud of our new range and are delighted when we see people in Ireland out and about drinking our products, living the SiSú lifestyle which is all about bringing out your inner strength & determination in your day-to-day life. At SiSú, we believe the future is functional and our new range of organic kombucha fully aligns with that.”
The launch of SiSú’s organic kombucha range marks the latest innovation from the Limerick-born brand, already known and loved for its cold pressed juices and wellness shots which have previously earned SiSú nine prestigious Great Taste Awards.
SiSú’s Blueberry & Blackcurrant, Elderflower, Apple & Mint, and Ginger & Lemongrass Organic Kombucha, RRP €2.95 (250ml) are available through the Musgrave Group.
Find out more at www.sisu.ie and keep up to date with the latest news by following SiSú on social at @sisu.ie
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