Latest news with #healthysnacking
Zawya
15 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Ezdehar Management acquires majority stake in Kemet for Natural Food S.A.E to fuel global growth
Cairo, Egypt: In a notable transaction in the food and beverage industry in Egypt, Ezdehar Management has acquired a majority stake in Kemet for Natural Food S.A.E ("Kemet") through Ezdehar Mid-Cap Fund II. This transaction brings together Kemet-one of Egypt's most successful and innovative snack manufacturers-with Ezdehar, renowned for investing in and supporting mnid-cap companies undergoing transformative growth. The partnership marks a pivotal moment for Kemet-already a leading player in local pretzels and savory snacks- as it accelerates its journey toward becoming a global player with a strong presence in the healthy snacking segment. A Partnership Built on Strength Ezdehar's investment reflects strongconfidence in both the sector and Kemet's exceptional management team, which has consistently demonstrated product innovation, operational excellence, and strategic vision. Ezdehar will work closely with Kemet's leadership to unlock the company's next phase of growth. On his part, Amir Mishriky, Managing Director at Ezdehar said: "Kemet is a standout company in Egypt's F&B space-with wide export reach, strong product and brand equity,and a track record that demonstrates resilience and longevity regardless of the economic conditions." He added: "We're looking forward to being part of the next stage of the company's journey, working closely with the founders and management team. We have full confidence in their ability to drive growth and achieve their ambitious plans through continued product development and innovation. This investment reflects our broader conviction in the future of Egypt's F&B and consumer sectors." Backed by Global Confidence Ezdehar Mid-Cap Fund II comprises contributions from several international institutions;foremost among them are the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD),the European Investment Bank (EIB), British International Investment (Bll), the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO), the International Financing Corporation (IFC),Egyptian Amnerican Enterprise Fund (EAEF), and the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries (BIO)- in addition to a group of Egyptian investors including banks and other investment institutions Kemet:A Homegrown Champion with Global Reach Founded in 1998, Kemet has grown into one of Egypt's leading snack manufacturers,offering a diverse and innovative product portfolio, including Pretzo and Mixy-market-leading pretzel brands known for bold flavors and dynamic shapes- as well as Munchos, a pioneering filled pretzel snack that has reshaped its category. From its Egyptian roots, Kemet now exports to markets across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia, building a truly global footprint based on quality, creativity,and consistency. A Bold Vision for the Future With Ezdehar's strategic support, Kemet plans to: ·Expand its product portfolio beyond pretzels into a broader range of healthy and savory snacks ·Scale up production capabilities to meet increasing global demand ·Accelerate international expansion with enhanced distribution and brand presence "This partnership is a game changer," said Dr. Mahmoud Hosny, CEO of Kemet. "With Ezdehar's backing, we're ready to accelerate innovation and expand our global we're building the future of healthy snacking." Nihal Said, Chief Operating Officer, added: "Ezdehar brings not only access to capital, but deep strategic expertise. With this support, our talented team is more empowered than ever to deliver world-class products to consumers around the world." About Ezdehar Management Ezdehar Management is a private equity firm focused on investing in high-growth companies and supporting their transformation into market leaders. The firm combines deep local insight with international standards of governance, ESG, and long-term value creation. About Kemet for NaturaI Food S.A.E Kemet is a leading Egyptian manufacturer of premium pretzel and savory snack company is known for its dedication to quality, product innovation,and consumer satisfaction, and is led by a seasoned management team with a proven track record of brand growth and international expansion.
Entrepreneur
21-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Makhana Tops India's Healthy Snacking Choices: Report
You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Makhana, that unassuming fox nut once saved for special celebrations, has now become a star in the Indian snacking scene. Nearly 65% of Indian consumers identified makhana as their top choice for a healthy snack, marking a strong shift toward indigenous superfoods, according to the Farmley Healthy Snacking Report 2025. The report gathered insights from a wide array of respondents spanning different generations, cities, and professions. It highlights how urban lifestyles, health concerns, and a focus on sustainability are transforming snacking habits across India. Health is now a decisive factor in snack selection. Over 55% of those surveyed said they actively seek preservative-free products. Additionally, 52% preferred snacks that come in resealable and eco-conscious packaging, highlighting the growing consumer awareness around sustainability and waste reduction. Akash Sharma, Co-founder of Farmley, said, "This year's report reflects a clear evolution from snacking out of habit to snacking with purpose. Consumers today are seeking flavour and functionality in every bite, and are no longer willing to compromise between taste and trust." The data points to a rising demand for on-the-go snack formats, with 45% of consumers leaning toward options like energy bars and dry fruit-based desserts. Within savoury choices, makhana and flavoured dry fruits emerged as frontrunners, chosen by 36% and 19% of respondents respectively. The growing fondness for makhana also finds resonance with recent policy developments, such as the Indian government's plan to set up a Makhana Board in Bihar, as announced in the Union Budget 2025–26. While traditional snacks such as chips, wafers and namkeen still find takers, with 14% and 10% choosing them, the tide is clearly turning toward healthier, functional options. In the sweet category, although chocolate remains popular, nut-based flavours like peanut butter and pistachio are gaining preference for offering both taste and nutritional value. The report also highlights an emerging divide in consumer behaviour. Younger generations are increasingly driven by quick commerce and influencer content, with 43% of Gen Z and millennials ordering snacks weekly, compared to 28% of older respondents. Tier II and tier III cities are embracing regional brands, valuing authenticity and quality over mass marketing. This shift signals a broader cultural change where transparency, reliability, and local connection matter as much as flavour and marketing reach.
Associated Press
11-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Associated Press
Braven Bar Goes All-in for Prime Day Finale — 30% Off Energy Bar Variety Packs
From rugby fields to cycling, the chewy energy bar that powered a generation is on Amazon — and it's 30% off until midnight 'We didn't set out to reinvent snacking, we developed a nutritious energy bar that is 'candylitious' and it puts the fun back into healthy snacking.'— Braam Jordaan SCOTTSDALE, AZ, UNITED STATES, July 11, 2025 / / -- Braven Bar was built for function — the kind of real-world fuel that's powered South Africans through battle, rugby matches, mountain treks, and daily grind for over 50 years. And now, in the final hours of Amazon Prime Day, the World's Original Energy Bar® (1968), is finally getting its moment in the U.S. spotlight, with a 30% off deal on its Variety Pack that ends at midnight. For decades, Braven has been a go-to in South Africa for athletes, adventurers, and anyone needing serious energy that doesn't taste like cardboard. or a science project. Originally developed in the late 1960s to fuel soldiers with energy and essential nutrition, this bar provides nutrition and energy 'on the go' that leads to performance with a real-world mix of carbohydrates, high quality egg and milk protein, and 13 essential vitamins and minerals, it was built for functionality — and it just happens to taste like candy. 'We didn't set out to reinvent snacking — we developed a nutritious energy bar that is 'candylitious' and it puts [the] fun back into healthy snacking' said Braam Jordaan, CEO. 'Braven has been powering people for decades back home. This Prime Day deal is our moment to show Americans what real energy looks like.' Available in the U.S., the Braven Bar Variety Pack includes bold, satisfying flavors like Chocolate Strawberry, Lemon & Lime, Chocolate Caramel Nut, Chocolate, and Strawberry. The texture is taffy-like, the energy is long-lasting, and the ingredient list is built for performance, not trends. Each bar packs 5g of protein, 180 calories, and 30% of your daily need for vitamins A, C, and E, plus a suite of B vitamins and calcium. It's gluten-free, non-GMO, and unapologetically designed for performance. Braven's U.S. growth has been supported by Space Command, a San Diego Seller Central Amazon agency helping emerging CPG brands scale on Amazon with ads and content that converts. FINAL HOURS TO SAVE What: 30% Off the Braven Bar Variety Pack and More Where: Available now on Amazon When: Ends tonight, July 11, 11:59 PM PT About Braven Bar Developed in South Africa, Braven Bar has powered athletes, hikers, workers, and students for over 50 years. It's chewy, bold, and built for energy that actually works. Now available in the U.S., Braven is making its mark with a bar that stands out in a category full of overpromising brands. Braam Jordaan Braven Bar [email protected] Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Washington Post
10-07-2025
- Health
- Washington Post
Making healthy snacks a habit when afternoon energy slumps strike at work
NEW YORK — When Claire Paré was a classroom teacher, working in a setting where every minute, down to the bathroom breaks, was scheduled, she brought granola bars, fruit and protein shakes to school so she'd be prepared when hunger hits. Then she transitioned to a job at education publisher McGraw Hill. Working remotely at home in New Hampshire, her children's cheddar bunny crackers and Fruit Roll-Ups lured her to the pantry, confounding her commitment to healthy snacking . 'I have the opportunity to be judicious, but I choose not to most of the time,' Paré said. 'I really do enjoy being able to put the time into making something , but oftentimes convenience just has to win out.' Eating healthy snacks during the workday can be challenging. Many people find themselves facing down a mid-afternoon slump and accompanying sugar, caffeine or carbohydrate cravings after lunch. Busy adults racing from back-to-back meetings to family commitments often reach for what's easy, whether it's a candy bar from the office vending machine or potato chips from a kitchen cupboard. The problem with eating packaged sugary or salty snacks to get through the afternoon is they may spike blood sugar levels but don't give a sustained second wind, according to Beth Czerwony, a registered dietitian at Cleveland Clinic. 'It's going to burn off really fast, so you're going to get that boost of energy and then all of a sudden you're going to get another crash,' Czerwony said. 'Some people just chase that for a while, and they're drinking coffee or their energy drinks and they're eating their candy, and it just sets you up for these spikes and these drops.' Here are some ideas for maintaining healthy snacking habits at work. Foods that are high in protein, such as Greek yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, cottage cheese and beef or turkey jerky, can help people feel full for longer periods of time than snacks without protein, said Caroline Susie, a Dallas-based registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Eating a snack consisting of refined carbohydrates such as a bagel causes blood sugar to rise rapidly and then drop, so teaming it up with another source of nutrition is preferable, Susie said. 'When you pair that carbohydrate with lean protein or have a protein-forward choice, it contributes to satiety. So you're just going to stay fuller longer,' she added. Czerwony recommends snacks that combine lean proteins with complex carbohydrates such as crackers, rice cakes or fruit. The combination works because carbohydrates raise blood sugar, giving you a boost, while the protein takes longer to digest, helping to sustain you for longer, she said. 'The carbohydrates are like the kindling on the fire, and then the proteins are the logs,' Czerwony said. 'You're going to get the slow burn from the protein, but you need that sudden start, so you have the carbohydrates to get you going.' Many people find it hard to resist crunchy foods. For a satisfying munch, the American Heart Association recommends sliced apples with a tablespoon of low-sodium peanut butter, pears dipped in reduced-fat cottage cheese, vegetables such as carrots, celery, bell peppers, cucumber or zucchini paired with hummus or tzatziki sauce, popcorn, rice cakes or unsalted nuts and seeds. You can also roast chickpeas, which provide both protein and carbohydrates. For a packaged snack, read the nutrition label to check how much added sugar and sodium it contains, the association suggests. The Cleveland Clinic recommends whole fruit, edamame, seeds, a handful of nuts or a single-serving package of tuna that you can eat with a fork. Bringing your own snacks to work can help you control the quality and quantity of what you eat, Czerwony said. Try slicing vegetables, cheese or low-fat meats on weekends to last through the week, she said. 'If you have all that stuff already made, then it's easy in the morning to just grab it and go,' she said. Take along a small, soft-sided cooler to help keep snacks like yogurt, sliced veggies or hummus fresh. 'Get cute little bento boxes, get little containers, make it fun if that's something that you want to do, because we'll eat things that are more attractive instead of just being in a Ziploc,' Czerwony said. Petra Durnin, a Los Angeles-based senior director at commercial real estate firm JLL, blends greens, nuts, berries, avocado, banana and chia or flax seeds into homemade smoothies, which she makes in large batches. At night, she moves one jar to the fridge to thaw for the next day. An afternoon smoothie keeps her full until dinnertime and less likely to reach for chips, chocolate and sugar, she said. 'I feel like I have better brain clarity,' Durnin said. 'I'm able to push through the afternoon and work more efficiently. I don't feel bloated, bogged down. It just feels better.'' Adopting healthy snacking habits doesn't mean you have to deprive yourself entirely of treats. If a coworker is celebrating a birthday, an occasional slice of cake won't completely derail healthy habits. 'Let's not demonize food,' Susie said. Before dipping into a bag of chips, eat a meal that includes lean protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fat, and then add something healthy to the snack while keeping an eye on portion size, Susie said. 'There's not going to be a perfect substitute for chips. You can eat carrots all you want, but you can't trick your body with thinking that they're chips,' Czerwony said. 'If you want a chip, have the stinking chip and just be done with it.' However, a constant hankering for chips could be a sign of a dietary deficiency, and it's worth figuring that out so 'those types of things are more treats than something that's in the routine mix of what you're eating throughout the day,' Czerwony said. Gisela Marx, 53, rarely gets a chance to sit or eat while working as deputy front of house manager at the Auditorium Theater in Chicago. On event days, she works from 3 p.m. until 11 p.m. or later. She packs healthy snacks such as watermelon and nuts. She also keeps an emergency stash of Reese's Pieces, which her boss has to replenish if he eats the last one. 'Just having it there is a comfort. I can always have it if I want it,' Marx said. ___ Share your stories and questions about workplace wellness at cbussewitz@ Follow AP's Be Well coverage, focusing on wellness, fitness, diet and mental health at
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Making healthy snacks a habit when afternoon energy slumps strike at work
NEW YORK (AP) — When Claire Paré was a classroom teacher, working in a setting where every minute, down to the bathroom breaks, was scheduled, she brought granola bars, fruit and protein shakes to school so she'd be prepared when hunger hits. Then she transitioned to a job at education publisher McGraw Hill. Working remotely at home in New Hampshire, her children's cheddar bunny crackers and Fruit Roll-Ups lured her to the pantry, confounding her commitment to healthy snacking. 'I have the opportunity to be judicious, but I choose not to most of the time,' Paré said. 'I really do enjoy being able to put the time into making something, but oftentimes convenience just has to win out.' Eating healthy snacks during the workday can be challenging. Many people find themselves facing down a mid-afternoon slump and accompanying sugar, caffeine or carbohydrate cravings after lunch. Busy adults racing from back-to-back meetings to family commitments often reach for what's easy, whether it's a candy bar from the office vending machine or potato chips from a kitchen cupboard. The problem with eating packaged sugary or salty snacks to get through the afternoon is they may spike blood sugar levels but don't give a sustained second wind, according to Beth Czerwony, a registered dietitian at Cleveland Clinic. 'It's going to burn off really fast, so you're going to get that boost of energy and then all of a sudden you're going to get another crash,' Czerwony said. "Some people just chase that for a while, and they're drinking coffee or their energy drinks and they're eating their candy, and it just sets you up for these spikes and these drops." Here are some ideas for maintaining healthy snacking habits at work. Peppering in protein Foods that are high in protein, such as Greek yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, cottage cheese and beef or turkey jerky, can help people feel full for longer periods of time than snacks without protein, said Caroline Susie, a Dallas-based registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Eating a snack consisting of refined carbohydrates such as a bagel causes blood sugar to rise rapidly and then drop, so teaming it up with another source of nutrition is preferable, Susie said. 'When you pair that carbohydrate with lean protein or have a protein-forward choice, it contributes to satiety. So you're just going to stay fuller longer,' she added. Czerwony recommends snacks that combine lean proteins with complex carbohydrates such as crackers, rice cakes or fruit. The combination works because carbohydrates raise blood sugar, giving you a boost, while the protein takes longer to digest, helping to sustain you for longer, she said. 'The carbohydrates are like the kindling on the fire, and then the proteins are the logs,' Czerwony said. 'You're going to get the slow burn from the protein, but you need that sudden start, so you have the carbohydrates to get you going." The crunch you crave Many people find it hard to resist crunchy foods. For a satisfying munch, the American Heart Association recommends sliced apples with a tablespoon of low-sodium peanut butter, pears dipped in reduced-fat cottage cheese, vegetables such as carrots, celery, bell peppers, cucumber or zucchini paired with hummus or tzatziki sauce, popcorn, rice cakes or unsalted nuts and seeds. You can also roast chickpeas, which provide both protein and carbohydrates. For a packaged snack, read the nutrition label to check how much added sugar and sodium it contains, the association suggests. The Cleveland Clinic recommends whole fruit, edamame, seeds, a handful of nuts or a single-serving package of tuna that you can eat with a fork. Pack ahead Bringing your own snacks to work can help you control the quality and quantity of what you eat, Czerwony said. Try slicing vegetables, cheese or low-fat meats on weekends to last through the week, she said. 'If you have all that stuff already made, then it's easy in the morning to just grab it and go,' she said. Take along a small, soft-sided cooler to help keep snacks like yogurt, sliced veggies or hummus fresh. 'Get cute little bento boxes, get little containers, make it fun if that's something that you want to do, because we'll eat things that are more attractive instead of just being in a Ziploc,' Czerwony said. Petra Durnin, a Los Angeles-based senior director at commercial real estate firm JLL, blends greens, nuts, berries, avocado, banana and chia or flax seeds into homemade smoothies, which she makes in large batches. At night, she moves one jar to the fridge to thaw for the next day. An afternoon smoothie keeps her full until dinnertime and less likely to reach for chips, chocolate and sugar, she said. 'I feel like I have better brain clarity,' Durnin said. 'I'm able to push through the afternoon and work more efficiently. I don't feel bloated, bogged down. It just feels better.'' Occasionally indulge Adopting healthy snacking habits doesn't mean you have to deprive yourself entirely of treats. If a coworker is celebrating a birthday, an occasional slice of cake won't completely derail healthy habits. 'Let's not demonize food,' Susie said. Before dipping into a bag of chips, eat a meal that includes lean protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fat, and then add something healthy to the snack while keeping an eye on portion size, Susie said. 'There's not going to be a perfect substitute for chips. You can eat carrots all you want, but you can't trick your body with thinking that they're chips,' Czerwony said. 'If you want a chip, have the stinking chip and just be done with it." However, a constant hankering for chips could be a sign of a dietary deficiency, and it's worth figuring that out so 'those types of things are more treats than something that's in the routine mix of what you're eating throughout the day," Czerwony said. Gisela Marx, 53, rarely gets a chance to sit or eat while working as deputy front of house manager at the Auditorium Theater in Chicago. On event days, she works from 3 p.m. until 11 p.m. or later. She packs healthy snacks such as watermelon and nuts. She also keeps an emergency stash of Reese's Pieces, which her boss has to replenish if he eats the last one. 'Just having it there is a comfort. I can always have it if I want it,' Marx said. ___ Share your stories and questions about workplace wellness at cbussewitz@ Follow AP's Be Well coverage, focusing on wellness, fitness, diet and mental health at
