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Gluten-free foods have exploded into the mainstream as more people see the foods as a healthier option. The Celiac Disease Foundation estimated that 17 million Americans may be gluten-intolerant. Millions more claim that avoiding gluten helps them control everything from arthritis to asthma.


Crunchies Food Company, maker of freeze-dried fruit and veggie snacks, has launched single-serving Munch Paks. The individual packs are perfect for kids’ lunches and come in six fruit flavors and four veggie flavors.


The company also is adding seven new flavors to its full-sized freeze-dried veggie snack line: Buttered Sweet Corn, Sugar Snap Peas, BBQ Roasted Veggies, Herb Spiced Power Veggies, Buttered Power Veggies, BBQ Corn Snack and Spiced Ranch Corn Snack. 


Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Lewis Drug aims to be its customers’ “first stop for everything,” and the “Four Seasons” department in its newest store helps the chain fill that role.


The 4,000-sq.-ft. environmentally controlled room is a setting in which the chain can maximize its seasonal offerings throughout the year. In the winter months, Lewis kept the room at 45 degrees and displayed live Christmas trees and stands, wreathes, pine cones and twig dogwood branches, as well as shovels, snow blowers and other seasonal merchandise. 


CHICAGO — While more than half of U.S. adults currently are "watching" their diet, a fraction of them are doing so because they are concerned about their "salt intake," according to Mintel research.

It’s called automated retailing. While retail merchants MaxWellness and Kroger are still in the pilot phase, more or less, this should become a fast brand extension that can reach consumers in remote locations — the bus stop/train depot, the hospital, the airport, the school, the gym or inside another noncompetitive retailer’s box.


The advantages are just too good for these mini-boxes not to take hold. To begin with, there’s brand extension. Only the Internet can be as effective in attributing a national presence to a regional operator. 


Drug Store News spoke with Paddy Spence, CEO of Zevia, about the potential for natural sodas in the U.S. marketplace.



DSN: What is the awareness level of nonartificial sweeteners, and how is that trending in the U.S. market?

Self-service is becoming more prevalent as consumers grow accustomed to using kiosks for everything from self-checkout in the supermarket to checking in for their flights. Experts estimated that by 2016, 3 million kiosks will be in use globally.


ADDISON, Ill. — Michael Season's, a Natural Snacks brand, has introduced a new line of snacks made with black beans.

The new Michael Season's Popped black bean crisps line, the company said, features nutritional benefits of protein and fiber, is wheat-free and gluten-free and touts reduced fat and low sodium. The crisps also are free of preservatives, artificial coloring and flavors.

Michael Season's Popped black bean crisps are available in sea salt, nacho and roasted red pepper flavors and carry a suggested retail price of $2.99 per 3-oz. bag.