Italian cooking brand Napolina has responded to consumer concern around sugar by launching two “first-to-market” pasta sauces with no added sugar.
The two ranges, which contain only naturally occurring sugars, have been developed in response to increased demand for reduced-sugar sauces and will help consumers to reduce their sugar intake without compromising on taste.
A 500g range aimed at families features flavours such as tomato and hidden vegetables, bolognese, and meatball sauce. All variants have a smooth texture and come in a large jar for family meals. In taste testing among more than 200 members of the UK’s largest social network for parents, Mumsnet, 90% of participants said that they would recommended Napolina’s new no-added-sugar pasta sauces to a friend.
A second new product range of 350g jars, targeted at smaller households and also free from added sugars, has also been developed by the brand. The sauces have a chunky texture and consist of classic flavours like tomato and basil, and tomato and chilli. The new range will be available from this month.
Dean Towey, marketing director for Napolina, said: “Sugar content is of greater interest to consumers than ever before. We have undertaken significant consumer research and our product development has been extensive. The response from the Mumsnet testers confirmed that the 500g range delivers on taste and quality as well as having widespread consumer appeal. We hope that the new ranges will strengthen our position in the pasta sauce market.”
New dual-wheat pastas
To capitalise on increasing awareness among consumers of health-related issues, Napolina has also launched a range of 50-50 pasta that combines whole-wheat semolina with regular semolina to create a product that looks and tastes similar to regular pasta but with the hidden benefit of whole-wheat.
The range which includes fusilli, penne and spaghetti, building on the sustained growth seen within the whole-wheat pasta category and complementing the new range of Napolina sauces.
Its launch this month will be built on the back of 14% volume growth in whole-wheat pasta and is based on the concept that consumers – especially families with children – will want to incorporate more whole-wheat in their diet if it involves minimal impact on taste or appearance.
Towey continued: “Pasta dishes remain in the top five UK in home meals and developing new products for the more health conscious consumer is a way of increasing penetration in this area. We’re positive our new 50%/50% pasta will be well received given the continuing health trend and widespread appeal of the brand.”
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