Israeli brand The Mushroom Benefit has introduced Umamis Crunchy Snacks, a new line of umami-flavoured mushroom snacks. The on-the-go offering aims to leverage the health characteristics innately present in specialty mushrooms. The startup will launch the new product line at the Summer Fancy Foods Show in New York later this month.
Umamis Crunchy Snacks are manufactured using adapted extrusion technology that yields a generous 40g-equivalent hit of fresh mushrooms per serving. Each package contains a combo of all-natural king oyster mushrooms and corn to give it a crispy puffed texture. The zero trans-fat, plant-based product contains no cholesterol or sugar, and no artificial flavouring or colouring.
“The mushroom base enabled us to design a snack that is all-natural and tasty, as well as delivering mycotherapeutic functionality,” says Mira Weigensberg, CEO and co-founder of The Mushroom Benefit. “Our product line is compliant with the FDA regulations for defining healthy food products. This is a significant milestone, as it sets The Mushroom Benefit far ahead of the majority of crunchy snack food brand products currently on the market that often contain trans-fats and higher calories with minimal nutrients.”
In addition to certain crucial vitamins, minerals, protein and fibre, specialty mushrooms are touted for their naturally occurring beta-glucans, a polysaccharide complex with acknowledged benefits for boosting immunity and balancing metabolic functions. These nutrients can withstand extreme conditions such as heat which enables them to retain their healthful features throughout the manufacturing process. Positioning speciality mushrooms as the central ingredient takes advantage of mushrooms’ natural savoury flavour, without the need for MSG, salt or artificial flavors.
The Umamis Crunch snack portfolio currently comprises four flavors: natural, barbeque, salt and vinegar, and salt and pepper.
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