04 Sep Ones to Watch: Back to School products get an A*
Pencil cases are packed, the uniforms are (mostly) ironed, and parents across the country are celebrating temporary retirement from 6 weeks of of constant childcare. UK families are expected to fork out ££s by the end of this year on everything from stationery to snacks – and with household budgets under pressure, brands that make lunchboxes easier (and cheaper) are the ones winning the playground popularity contest. Here’s who’s made the grade.
Snack Time, Sorted
Pip Organic has gone back to school with a snacking range to join its already established soft drinks range – and this launch gets top marks. This product is school-compliant, sugar-conscious, and conveniently stocked in Waitrose – and we expect soon to be other shops. The new line of organic freeze-dried fruit cubes, lends lunchboxes a savoury, better-for-you option that swaps the usual crisps for something a little cleaner. The line-up includes Pip Organic Strawberry and Banana Pipcrunch and a Strawberry & Mango.
Lunchbox Must-Have
Dairylea’s new Non-HFSS Fruit Snackers dodge the naughty step entirely, letting the nation’s favourite cheese brand stay firmly inside lunchboxes as schools clampdown on fat, sugar and salt. It’s a smart bit of reformulation homework that means less admin for parents and no compromise on a product kids love. Dairylea has always had the right idea with a snack that kids can make themselves – cracker, cheese, strawberry piece, done.
Sip, Sip, Hooray
Just in time for the new term, Ribena’s Summer Fruits variant brings a fresh flavour to the blackcurrant classic. Much like the other products we’ve mentioned, this is made with no added sugar and real fruits juices and flavourings. Variety is the spice of the schoolyard as this comes in three formats: a Squash 850ml and an RTD 500ml bottle, as well as a 250ml carton. What fun!
And A Shoutout To…
Sports and outdoors emporium, Decathlon, is taking inspiration from Aldi and Lidl by introducing a ‘middle aisle’ and this one is exclusively for back-to-school savings hub – kitting out kids for PE lessons and playground sprints without the usual price-tag wince. Now that’s innovative!
See, Back to School shopping need not be such hard work!
Fancy giving your own NPD a gold star? The Product of the Year deadline has just been extended – but only for a little longer, so don’t let this one slip to the bottom of your bag. Get your entry in quick sticks.
#CouldItBeProductOfTheYear? You tell us!