Indianapolis, Ind. — Catalina Snacks has expanded its product portfolio with two new items: Peanut Butter Protein Cereal and Parmesan Garlic Protein Snack Mix, now available through its direct-to-consumer website and select national retailers. The launches reflect continued demand for lower-sugar, higher-protein snack and breakfast options as consumers prioritize functional nutrition alongside flavor.
The peanut butter cereal delivers 11 grams of protein, is an excellent source of fiber, and contains 0 grams of sugar, positioning it as an alternative to traditional sweetened cereals. The Parmesan garlic snack mix, previously offered as a limited-edition flavor, joins the brand’s permanent lineup after strong consumer response. It combines cereal squares with almonds, cashews, soy wheels, and gluten-free pretzels, offering 10 grams of protein, a good source of fiber, and 1 gram of sugar per serving.
According to the company, both products aim to meet growing interest in snacks that function as meal replacements or protein-forward options for multiple dayparts, including breakfast and afternoon snacking.
In a statement released with the launch, Sam Martin, chief revenue and marketing officer, said the new products reflect shifting consumer expectations around nutrition and taste. Martin explained that the company’s strategy focuses on delivering protein and fiber while maintaining flavor profiles comparable to conventional snacks, rather than positioning nutrition as a tradeoff.
Catalina Snacks reported that its broader product line helped remove more than 4.9 million pounds of sugar from consumer cereal purchases in 2025. The company currently distributes products in more than 30,000 retail locations nationwide, alongside its e-commerce platform.
Industry context: Savory protein snacks gain ground
The launches arrive as food manufacturers increasingly diversify beyond sweet protein bars and granola into savory snack mixes and cereals. Industry analysts note rising interest in hybrid products that blur the line between snack and meal, especially among consumers seeking convenient sources of protein and fiber.
Parmesan garlic flavor profiles also signal a move toward more mature, culinary-inspired snack offerings, aligning with trends seen across nut mixes, popcorn, and baked snack categories.
At the same time, peanut butter remains one of the most recognizable and trusted flavors in the cereal aisle, making it a strategic entry point for functional reformulations aimed at health-conscious shoppers.
Why it matters
Catalina Snacks’ latest product expansion shows how better-for-you brands now compete on more than nutrition alone. They also compete on flavor complexity and everyday usability.
The shift toward savory protein snacks and sugar-free cereals reflects a broader industry movement. Brands are moving away from single-purpose “diet foods.” They are focusing instead on multifunctional products that work across breakfast, snacking, and light meals.
For CPG manufacturers, this change signals continued opportunity. Companies can reformulate familiar flavors with cleaner labels, reduced sugar, and higher protein. They can do so without sacrificing consumer appeal.
Editor’s note: Source86 perspective
For food manufacturers and private label brands, Catalina Snacks’ expansion highlights a growing CPG trend: functional nutrition paired with mainstream flavor profiles. Protein-forward cereals and savory snack mixes show how brands are modernizing pantry staples. They aim to meet demand for lower-sugar, higher-fiber options. They do this without repositioning products as niche health foods.
At Source86, we support food brands navigating this shift through bulk ingredient sourcing and private label development. We also provide FSQA oversight and co-manufacturing partnerships. Protein and fiber continue to shape innovation across cereal and snack categories. Supply chain transparency and formulation expertise will be essential. These capabilities help brands deliver products that balance nutrition, taste, and scalability. Let’s talk.
FAQs
Catalina Snacks launched Peanut Butter Protein Cereal and added Parmesan Garlic Protein Snack Mix to its permanent product lineup.
Both items are available through the Catalina Crunch website and at select national retailers.
The company cited strong consumer demand during its limited-edition run as the reason for adding it to the everyday portfolio.
They emphasize higher protein and fiber content, with significantly lower sugar than in conventional cereal and snack products.
External source: CATALINA SNACKS® Introduces Two New Flavors with Bold Taste, Purposeful Nutrition, and the Power to Snack Like It Matters™
