Bolthouse Farms’ latest upgrade to its line of refrigerated salad dressings is a big step in the “better-for-you” direction.
Bolthouse’s reformulated dressings line offers consumers “richer, creamier and more flavorful Ranch, Blue Cheese and Caesar dressings,” according to the company.
“With each ‘better-for-you’ flavor containing just 50 calories or less per serving, these dressings empower consumers to explore their culinary creativity through the versatility of the line, ‘dressing up’ their plates as the ultimate dips, spreads, salad toppings and more.”
With enhanced versions of popular Ranch (including Classic Ranch, Salsa Ranch, Honey BBQ Ranch, Cucumber Ranch), Blue Cheese and Caesar dressings, Bolthouse reformulated these dressings with the following in mind, according to the company:
Taste as #1
According to the International Food Information Council’s (IFIC) 2021 Food & Healthy Survey, 82% of Americans consider taste as the #1 purchase driver for food and snack options, with healthfulness and price rounding out the top three.
Marginally higher calories are OK in favor of nutritious indulgence
Consumers’ relationship with food is changing as nutrition/wellness and taste/indulgence become interdependent. According to Bolthouse Farms focus groups, consumers expressed that “Taste matters more than anything else” and “Calories can be a little higher, as long as it still falls within my points program.”
Healthier alternatives are top of mind
With “better-for-you” alternatives increasing in popularity, the newly reformulated Bolthouse Farms dressings join the rest of the brand’s creamy dressings portfolio as yogurt-based options, providing consumers with a better alternative to mayo-based dressings. Yogurt helps reduce calories and delivers creamy, crave-able texture across the dressing line. Yogurt also provides protein, calcium, vitamins, and probiotics. Together, these work to protect bones and teeth and may help prevent digestive problems.
Transparency and clean ingredients are a must
Consumers are placing greater emphasis on “clean” ingredients and avoiding “chemical-sounding” ingredients. According to the International Food Information Council (IFIC) survey, nearly two-thirds (63%) of adults say the ingredients in a food or beverage influence what goes in their shopping carts. The reformulated Bolthouse Farms dressings include easy-to-understand, recognizable ingredients for greater transparency, with no artificial preservatives or flavors.
“Bolthouse Farms believes in the power of delicious, healthier eating,” said Amy Shoemaker, Bolthouse’s marketing director. “Our newly reformulated, creamy dressings include more buttermilk, ranch flavor and blue cheese crumbles, as well as thicker pourability. With cleaner ingredients and a yogurt base for fewer calories, the reformulated dressings allow our consumers to lead a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing the joy of yummy meals.”
Bolthouse Farms Chunky Blue Cheese and Classic Ranch dressings are offered in 22-ounce sizes, and all three reformulated flavors are offered in 12-ounce sizes.