The demand for fresh-cut vegetables and fruits is not only strong but it continues to grow, driven by a combination of evolving consumer preferences and broader societal trends.
“With increasing awareness around health and nutrition, fresh-cut vegetables have become a go-to choice for individuals and families seeking convenient and wholesome options,” said Karen White, vice president of marketing for Bolthouse Fresh Foods.
Carrots, in particular, are a standout in this category, consistently performing as top sellers in the produce section, White said. Their versatility across meal occasions — from snacking to cooking — combined with a naturally long shelf life, positions them as a trusted, nutrient-dense staple for households.
“Consumers know they can rely on carrots for quality, convenience, and nutrition, making them a perfect fit for today’s fast-paced lifestyles.”
Bolthouse Fresh has seen “tremendous excitement” among customers and consumers for the most recent additions to its fresh-cut carrot lineup, White said.
The new products include Fresh Carrot Shakers, Carrot Side Dish Sizzlers, and Fresh Soup n’ Stewin’ Carrots. The first two are year-round products, Fresh Soup ‘n Stewin’ Carrots is seasonal.
The carrot shakers feature a burstable seasoning pouch and baby carrots. The product is sold in three flavors: dill pickle, chili lime and ranch. The side dish sizzlers contain sliced carrots and feature three sauce varieties: garlic herb, sweet honey heat and herb vinaigrette. Fresh Soup n’ Stewin’ carrots are pre-cut, simplifying meal preparation time.
“Early feedback highlights their ability to enhance snacking and streamline meal preparation,” White said of the new items. “Consumers are particularly drawn to their vibrant flavors and the ease they bring to everyday cooking.”
Another new product from Bolthouse Fresh, which is debuting in Canada, is the Chip Dipper carrot. Designed to be as fun as it is functional, the carrots are shaped and sized like potato chips, making them perfect for dipping in hummus, ranch, or your favorite spreads, White said.
The new products join a product roster that also includes regular baby cut carrots, Party Sticks and Matchstix.
Party Sticks’ vibrant color, irresistible crunch, and versatility make them the ultimate crowd-pleaser, White said. They’re perfect for veggie platters, as a dip companion, or a standout addition to any holiday table.
Matchstix carrots provide a quick and colorful solution for wraps, salads, and stir-fries, helping busy families and individuals add fresh veggies to their meals with ease.
Commissary insider: packaging innovations
In addition to the new products, Bolthouse Fresh Foods is excited about its new compostable packaging. Organic baby carrots is the first product with compostable packaging. Other organic products from the company will follow.
White said the new packaging, which recently earned the IFPA Sustainable Innovation Award, is not only eco-friendly but also maintains the premium quality Bolthouse’s consumers trust.
“It represents our commitment to reducing waste while meeting consumer demand for sustainable choices. This is just the beginning of our journey to align fresh food with sustainability.