It was PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi that famously coined the word “drinkify” in reference to the company’s plans to turn some of its snack products into new and innovative beverages. Along the same lines, Nooyi’s CEO counterpart at Mamma Chia, Janie Hoffman, will look to build upon the rapid growth of her brand by – in essence – “snackifying” the company’s line of whole chia seed and juice blends.
Mamma Chia today introduced Chia Squeeze vitality snacks, a new four-SKU line of hydrated chia seeds blended with fruit and vegetable purees. The products are packaged in a 3.5 oz. squeezable pouch each containing 70 calories. Like Mamma Chia beverages, Chia Squeeze is certified organic, non-GMO verified, vegan and gluten-free. Interestingly, the snacks are shelf-stable, whereas the company’s drinks require refrigeration.
The company will launch Chia Squeeze at this week’s Natural Products Expo West show.
Here is Mamma Chia’s press release about the new line
Mamma Chia Announces Chia Squeeze™ Vitality Snack
Organic chia seeds are paired with delicious fruits and vegetables to create an on-the-go, nutrient-rich snack for active souls of all ages
BONSALL, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)—Mamma Chia, the organic food and beverage company that originated the chia beverage category, pioneers a new food category with the Chia Squeeze™ vitality snack. Building on the rapid success of Mamma Chia’s vitality beverages, Chia Squeeze provides an exciting new way to enjoy the benefits of chia seeds, combining them with fruits and vegetables for a delicious, 70-calorie, no sugar added snack in an on-the-go squeeze pouch. Chia Squeeze debuts at Natural Products Expo, March 8th, in Anaheim, CA.
“With our original Mamma Chia vitality beverages, we created an entirely new drinking and nutritional experience in a bottle,” said company founder and CEO Janie Hoffman. “Our Mamma Chia community asked us to create even more ways to enjoy this powerhouse seed, and our Chia Squeeze is an exciting new way to squeeze natural vitality and nutrients into your day.”
Available in four tasty flavors for the whole family – Apple Cinnamon, Blackberry Bliss, Strawberry Banana and Green Magic – Chia Squeeze is USDA-certified organic, non-GMO verified, vegan and gluten-free. Packed with 1,200 mg of essential Omega-3, as well as complete protein and fiber, Chia Squeeze is the ideal choice for a delicious, healthy, anytime snack. Each 3.5 oz. Chia Squeeze pouch is lightweight for easily carrying in a backpack, lunchbox, purse, briefcase, or gym bag, and does not need refrigeration.
Chia seeds have seen explosive growth in recent years, with Mamma Chia leading the way as the category innovator. According to recent data from SPINS, a leading provider of syndicated market research, chia was the top ingredient across all natural products last year, growing by more than 350 percent. Known for their nutritional benefits, chia seeds offer a complete nutritional profile of Omega-3, balanced dietary fiber, complete protein, antioxidants and minerals.
“By expanding into new categories, Mamma Chia is furthering our commitment to offer the highest quality organic chia-based foods and beverages,” said Hoffman. “Innovation is the lifeblood of Mamma Chia, and we love creating new ways to bring chia seeds to active souls of all ages, in convenient, delicious and ready-to-go varieties.”
Since launching the original Mamma Chia vitally beverage line nationally in fall 2011 as the first-to-market chia seed beverage, Mamma Chia has grown to offer nine flavors and is recognized as the category leader. Reaching nationwide retail availability in one short year, Mamma Chia continues to receive industry recognition. BevNET honored Mamma Chia with both the “Best Non?Carbonated Beverage Award” in 2011, and “Person of the Year” in 2012 for founder and CEO Janie Hoffman.
Mamma Chia products are available in thousands of stores nationwide, including Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, Wegmans, The Fresh Market, Ralphs, Vons and Albertsons. To learn more about the Mamma Chia brand, products and social mission, or to find the stores nearest you, please visit www.MammaChia.com.
About Mamma Chia
Mamma Chia is a conscious and sustainable company with a mission to share the magic of chia and lead in its renaissance through offering delicious, high quality, organic chia-based food and beverages that provide natural vitality, energy and strength. Mamma Chia is a category innovator and maker of the first chia-based beverage created to deliver superior taste and a powerful synergy of nutrients featuring Omega-3s, fiber, protein and antioxidants. Founder and CEO Janie Hoffman created the Mamma Chia beverage concept in her kitchen, gained an immediate loyal following and became a national brand in September 2011. The company is a Certified B Corporation, a member of 1% for the Planet and a founding member of Slow Money. BevNet has honored Mamma Chia with two top honors, including a 2012 “Person of the Year” award for Mamma Chia founder and CEO, Janie Hoffman, as well as a 2011 award for “Best Non-Carbonated Beverage”. Additionally, the Mamma Chia brand continues to be recognized as a leader in the functional beverage category – ranking in the top 10 overall. Mamma Chia products are available in natural food markets and mainstream grocery stores nationwide. For more information, visit www.MammaChia.com.