Slideshow: Bite-size is big in food innovation

KANSAS CITY — Bites are big and minis are making waves in new food launches. Bolstered by consumers seeking smaller portions and more portable, on-the-go options, the trend toward tiny has affected both retail and foodservice innovation this year.

Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corp. began 2020 with downsizing of its donuts. The chain in January began serving Original Glazed Mini Doughnuts, smaller versions of its four most popular donuts “to help fans keep their New Year’s resolutions,” the company said.

The tiny treats are miniature versions of Krispy Kreme’s original glazed, chocolate iced glazed, chocolate iced with sprinkles, and strawberry iced with sprinkles donuts. Each donut contains fewer than 100 calories.

“Too many people bail on their New Year’s resolutions before they are even halfway through January,” said Dave Skena, chief marketing officer for Krispy Kreme, at the time of the launch. “That’s no good. Sometimes a mini-indulgence, or cheat, is all you need to help you stick with it. So, we miniaturized our most popular donuts. A little Krispy Kreme goes a long way.”

Also in January, Kellogg Co. launched RXBAR Minis, which contain 100 calories or fewer and 6 grams of protein and come in coconut chocolate and blueberry varieties. The bars feature a base of egg whites for protein, nuts for texture and dates for binding.

“We’ve found that some consumers want the protein power and quality ingredients found in RXBARs but with a smaller calorie count, so we created RXBAR Minis,” said Jim Murray, president of RXBAR. “RXBAR Minis’ smaller size and lower calorie content make them an easy, bite-sized snack for those times when you need that small, extra boost.”

Country Archer Jerky Co. in February unveiled a new minis format in its meat stick line with the launch of Pineapple Mini Pork Sticks. The meat snacks come in a pouch with 8 individually wrapped sticks that contain 40 calories and 3 grams of protein each. The pork sticks are keto certified, paleo-friendly and contain zero grams of sugar.

“When launching new products, we always want to deliver something that meets at the intersection of taste, health and convenience,” said Eugene Kang, chief executive officer and co-founder of Country Archer. “We received amazing feedback on our original, larger sized versions of the Pineapple Pork Sticks, and wanted to give consumers an even more convenient, portion-controlled, on-the-go option.”