SALINAS, CA - Since I’ve been watching the Olympics, my quest for healthy snacking has been at an all-time high—those viral chocolate muffins notwithstanding. Healthy snacking is the bread and butter of Naturipe Farms, especially with the launch of its new value-added line Berry Buddies.

“It’s clear how much kids love to snack, and at Naturipe Farms, we love to make those snacks,” said Steven Ware, Vice President of Value-Added. “Berry Buddies meet market demand for delicious, nutritious, easily-transported snack options that are filled with fresh fruit. We’ve put years of hard work, planning, and research and development into Berry Buddies, and we’re thrilled to finally be able to share them with our customers.”

Packaged in containers with separate compartments for each food product, there are three variations in the Berry Buddies line:

• Berries and Pancakes: Featuring blueberries, miniature pancakes, and maple syrup for dipping
• Berries, Cookies & Cheese: Combining blueberries, miniature cookies, and mixed cheese
• Berries, Pretzels & Cheese: An assortment of blueberries and grapes, crunchy pretzel twists, and cheddar cheese

Naturipe noted how important taste and flavor play into parents’ choices for the snacks they give their children.

“Berry Buddies don’t just taste good—with their bright colors and cartoon character icons relating to ingredients—they’re eye-catching and a fun attraction too,” said Matt Lyons, Director of Business Development, Value-Added. “Anyone who’s spent time around kids knows that food that tastes good is only half the battle when it comes to what they’ll eat. Berry Buddies make nutritious snacking fun. And they’re not just for kids—even parents will enjoy how delicious and convenient they are!”

Each variation in the Berry Buddies line has a shelf life of at least 17 days and has earned the official stamp of approval from The Produce Moms.

Berry Buddies are available starting now. Sounds like a back-to-school promotion waiting to happen, if you ask me!

Keep reading ANUK as we cover the latest in what’s next for fresh produce.