Baking&Snack - August 2013 - 134

NEW PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

Tapas get an on-the-go spin with the latest addition to Mediterranean Snacks’ lentil-based line.

Crackers and hummus — it’s the perfect partnership.
That’s what Mediterranean Snacks, Boonton, NJ, discovered about its Lentil Crackers, which led to the development of tapaz2go. The company saw an opportunity
to expand its legume-based product line of Baked Lentil
Chips, Lentil Crackers and Hummuz Crispz to include a
mini-meal snack, tapaz2go.
“We recognized that our Lentil Crackers pair perfectly
with hummus and saw the opportunity to create a product that captures key consumer trends such as increased
snacking occasions, eating small meals and the popularity of tapas,” said Lonnie Williard, vice-president of marketing for Mediterranean Snacks. The tapaz2go products
combine Mediterranean Snacks’ Sea Salt Lentil Crackers
with shelf-stable hummus in a convenient single-serve
package that can act as a serving tray.
The development of tapaz2go took into account several consumer trends. Americans now eat more snacks
and smaller meals. Protein-rich foods are growing in

By combining hummus with its
lentil-based crackers, Mediterranean
Snacks hopes to provide shoppers a
portable, nutritional snack.
Mediterranean Snacks

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popularity, and consumers look for nutritious snacks
that fit in their busy lifestyles. Mediterranean Snacks
also wanted to tap into interest in global culinary trends,
hence the tapas theme.
The portability and shelf stability of tapaz2go along
with its health profile give the snacks broad consumer appeal. Busy moms, commuters and consumers with active
lifestyles can take advantage of the compact ambient food.
Consumers concerned about health such as baby boomers, those interested in weight management or parents
wanting a healthy snack for their kids can appreciate how
the new snack’s 250 Cal — or less — pack in 7 g protein,
qualifying tapaz2go as a “good source” of protein.
“Since tapaz2go is shelf stable and can be stored at
room temperature, it is a perfect on-the-go snack solution for people who want to fit healthy, smart snacking
into busy lives,” Ms. Williard said. “The unique packaging makes it a snap to enjoy while traveling, hiking, in
the car or anywhere. When the box is flipped over after
opening, it becomes a serving tray, making it an engaging snack experience for the consumer.”
Mediterranean Snacks introduced tapaz2go at the
International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association trade
show in June. The product is available at major retailers
nationwide as well as on Amazon. The 3.6-oz portable
package retails between $2.99 and $3.49. The hummus
is available in three varieties: Classic, Roasted Garlic and
Red Pepper. Mediterranean Snacks narrowed the flavors
down to these three based on the most popular hummus
flavors in the marketplace. Ms. Williard said the company has already begun testing new flavors for the future.
By combining two simple products into one snack,
Mediterranean Snacks not only expanded its product line
into the realm of the mini-meal but also addressed several
consumer demands in one convenient package.
— Charlotte Atchley

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Baking&Snack - August 2013

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