US Foods Holding Corp., Rosemont, Ill, introduced as many as 21 new products in its Spring 2021 Scoop “Hungry for Better” collection.

“Understandably, today’s diners are concerned about ways they can enhance their diet and minimize their impact on the environment,” said Stacey Kinkaid, vice president, product development and innovation, US Foods. “Spring Scoop was developed to not only address an elevated focus on well-being but also offer products that align with consumers’ continued interest in sustainable products.”

Many consumers have made dietary and lifestyle changes since the start of the pandemic. Research suggests 31% of consumers have tried to eat less meat since coronavirus began and 86% of consumers have been equally or more concerned about nutritional content since the onset of the pandemic.

One new offering is the Molly’s Kitchen Plant-Based Breakfast Saus’ge Patty (pictured), a savory vegan breakfast sausage with notes of sage and black pepper. Made with soy protein, the patty provides 9g of protein and contains 75% less fat than pork sausage. The patty is suited for a breakfast sandwich, layered in a vegan Benedict or simply on the side with pancakes or waffles.

Alpha Baking Co. Inc., Chicago, introduced a line of Keto-friendly bread and rolls across retail and foodservice channels. Moreover, officials say they’re especially focused on new breakfast-oriented offerings.

“Our Keto-Friendly Bread and Buns provide followers of low carb diets convenient grab and go breakfast options, such as egg and cheese sandwiches,” notes Tim Lotesto, senior director, Alpha Baking National Retail Key Accounts. “We’ve also seen via our social media channels that customers on low carb diets are using these items to make breakfast favorites like French toast an option again.

Lotesto adds, “Following up the success of our Keto-Friendly Bread and Buns, we’re on track to launch a line of Keto-Friendly breakfast breads this year and also are developing Keto-Friendly muffins and other baked goods that will be perfect for breakfast.”

General Mills Foodservice, Minneapolis, introduced Nature Valley Soft Oatmeal Rounds, a new individually-wrapped, whole grain-rich item to help schools round out their menus throughout the day—starting with breakfast.

“Featuring real fruit puree and hearty oatmeal, the soft-baked rounds offer students long-lasting energy with 32g of whole grains and give schools a 2oz equivalent grain item that that works across multiple dayparts and feeding scenarios,” says General Mills.

The product’s oven-able packaging allows schools to heat and serve or thaw and serve for a low-prep menu item with minimal handling. General Mills also includes microwaveable instructions for at-home use. From one of Gen Z’s top 10 snack brands, Nature Valley Soft Oatmeal Rounds come in two flavors: Apple Cinnamon and Banana Chocolate Chip.

National coffee chain Philz Coffee, San Francisco, teamed up with California companies Beyond Meat and Eat JUST to introduce a plant-based breakfast sandwich in all Philz California coffee shops.

The Philz Plant Powered Sandwich features Beyond Breakfast Sausage, JUST Egg Folded and Daiya cheese and is available for pre-order through Philz mobile app as well as in store. Officials say Beyond Breakfast Sausage offers 50% less total fat, 35% less saturated fat and 30% less sodium than a leading brand of pork breakfast sausage patties. Meanwhile, the JUST Egg Folded has 7g of protein and is free of cholesterol.

“As consumers continue to reduce their total animal protein consumption and increasingly turn to plant-based options, the new Plant Powered Sandwich is helping Philz deliver on a delicious protein-packed meal without sacrificing nutrition and flavor for convenience,” the company says. PF