Crunchy Rice and Corn Puffs, Hot Dogs of the Sea, Caramel Gone Vegan

Caramel gone vegan

Chocolate candy company OCHO recently announced the launch of its new plant-based caramels. These new confections feature Miyoko’s Creamery European-Style Cultured Vegan Butter.

“Vegan and dairy-free consumers deserve dessert options with great textures and bold flavors, and we believe our plant-based caramel line delivers on both fronts,” said Scott Kucirek, CEO of OCHO Candy in a press release.

Miyoko’s Creamery produces vegan dairy products, including cheese wheels, cream cheese, and butter. The European-style vegan butter is used in the caramel filling, which gives a “gooey” texture that pulls apart like a traditional caramel. OCHO’s chocolate is molded instead of enrobed, which the brand claims will give the shell a unique shine and snap.

OCHO Candy’s plant-based caramels are available in four flavors: Classic, Cinnamon, Coffee, and Chocolate. Additionally, the chocolates are made with certified organic ingredients and fair-trade dark chocolate. Each package contains eight individually wrapped chocolates, and there are four servings per package.

The new plant-based caramels can be purchased on the company’s website for a suggested retail price of $5.49.

Crunchy rice and corn puffs

Pirate’s Booty introduced its new offering, Crunch Attack! Great-White Cheddar Crunchy Rice and Corn Puffs. This snack features the same white cheddar flavor the brand is known for with a crunchier texture.

“We spent years researching and talking to kids and parents about what they want from a snack,” said Mark Chu, senior director of marketing at parent company Amplify Snack Brands, in a press release. “That’s why we are thrilled to offer a product that satisfies kids’ requests for crunch as they get older and parents’ requests for a better-for-you option that tastes great.”

Made from cornmeal, real cheddar cheese, and rice flour, Crunch Attack! Great-White Cheddar Crunchy Rice and Corn Puffs are gluten-free and don’t contain artificial colors or preservatives. A 1 oz serving contains 140 calories, 7 g of fat, and 2 g of protein. The rice and corn puffs are baked rather than fried.

The suggested retail price for an 8 oz bag is $7.49; it is available for purchase at major retailers, including Jewel Osco, Target, and Walmart.

Hot dogs of the sea

Kvarøy Arctic recently announced the launch of a line of premium salmon hot dogs. These new products are available in the seafood aisle and come in three varieties: Original, Original and Cheese, and Jalapeño and Cheese. This product is gluten-free, non-GMO, and can be stored in the freezer.

A family-owned business based in Kvarøy Island, Norway, Kvarøy Arctic uses sustainable salmon farming practices to reduce its carbon footprint while providing high-quality seafood. The brand uses trimmings and off-cuts from fish to make the hot dogs.

“Our goal is to create products that are delicious, nutritious, and sustainable,” said CEO Alf-Gøran Knutsen in a press release. “We believe our salmon hot dogs not only achieve that but can also become an all-time favorite for the whole family.”

Kvarøy Arctic’s salmon hot dogs are made from Atlantic salmon, and the company says one 3.5-ounce serving contains more than 2,000 mg of omega-3s, which exceeds the weekly goal recommended in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The three varieties range from 107 to 116 calories per serving, and each includes 7 g of protein per serving. The hot dog is described as having a “velvety, fatty texture” and can substitute for either beef or pork hot dogs.

Sold in packages of four, the salmon hot dogs are available at Whole Foods Market at a suggested retail price of $5.99.