At the top of the back-to-school list for Bolthouse Fresh this year are its Carrot Shakers, a multipack with five individual servings and a dry seasoning pouch that’s released right before eating after kids give the pack a shake.

“It’s a unique and great way to get kids to eat more vegetables,” said Karen White, Bolthouse Fresh’s vice president of marketing. “The interactive nature of shaking the seasoning onto the carrots makes snacking a fun and engaging activity for kids, encouraging them to choose healthier options.”

Until this year, the product was offered only in school foodservice programs. It can now be found at retailers nationwide. 

The seasoning in Carrot Shakers, White said, is like the coating on a potato chip. Flavors in the line include Ranch, Chile Lime and Dill Pickle.

In recent years, Bolthouse Fresh has seen a trend toward more interactive and convenient snack options, said Karen White, the company’s vice president of marketing.

Parents, White said, are looking for ways to make healthy eating appealing but also easy to prepare for a busy lifestyle.

The company’s new Carrot Shakers are a perfect fit, she said, as are Bolthouse Fresh’s Matchstix carrots, which can be easily added to a stir-fry or salad, and carrot sticks.

Back-to-school is definitely a growing category for fresh produce, White said.

It’s being driven by increasing awareness of the importance of healthy eating habits and the benefits of fresh, whole foods.

“Parents are looking for ways to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their children’s diets, and schools are also playing a role by emphasizing nutrition in their meal programs.”

The convenience of Bolthouse Fresh’s snack products, she added, combined with their health benefits, makes them an attractive option for busy families.

This article is an excerpt from the July 2024 issue of Supermarket Perimeter. You can read the entire Back-to-school feature and more in the digital edition here.