Fodilicious has relaunched its range of Cookie Buttons with new recipes and recyclable packaging.
The Scottish start-up specialises in snacks designed for people who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Its existing portfolio includes the Cookie Buttons – available in cocoa, ginger and coconut varieties – as well as Breakfast Granola and Energy Infusion Waters, which launched last year.
All products are vegan-friendly, low in calories, and free from the top 14 allergens including gluten and nuts. They are baked in an allergen-free site in Livingston, west of Edinburgh, which is British Retail Consortium accredited.
As part of the revamp, Fodilicious achieved a 70% reduction in plastic packaging by swapping plastic pouches for paper-based card trays plus an innovative outer BOPP film with high barrier protection, which is widely recyclable.
“We’ve made some exciting changes that make our Cookie Buttons range even more delicious and satisfying, whilst being better for the planet,” said Fodilicious founder Lauren Leisk.
“As a challenger brand in a fast-growing industry, it’s key to be ahead of the competition and continue to innovate. We’re proud to be one of the first Scottish companies to launch our Cookie Buttons in fully recyclable packaging within the bakery industry,” she added.
Leisk noted the business had encountered significant technical challenges in the scaling up of its existing cookie recipe to meet increasing demand.
The solution was to add organic coconut oil alongside cocoa butter to improve the consistency of the cookie dough whilst not compromising on the flavour. Cocoa butter is not traditionally used in baking, Leisk noted, with other premium ingredients including maple syrup and Scottish gluten free oats.
Business management graduate Leisk founded Fodilicious in 2021 with the aim of creating low FODMAP products for the reported one in five people across the UK who, like her, suffered from IBS.
FODMAP is the acronym for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols – a collection of short-chain carbohydrates (sugars) that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine. These are prone to absorbing water and fermenting in the colon, causing symptoms such as cramping, diarrhea, constipation, stomach bloating, and flatulence. A low FODMAP diet, which gastroenterologists admit is very restrictive, is known to be effective in relieving IBS symptoms.
Fodilicious is part of the Scottish Government’s ‘Unlocking Ambition’ agenda for high growth businesses and was a Round 14 winner at the Scottish Edge business funding competition. It is already exporting to more than 10 countries worldwide including key markets in Europe, the US, and Canada, with e-commerce growing via Amazon. Listings with UK retailers are also in discussion.
Leisk noted that the Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, home to the Scottish Centre for Food Development and Innovation and where she is currently a post-graduate student, helped provide technical support and advice to her business as well as to other startups in the food and drinks sector.
Scottish bakers appear to be targeted by a recent health drive from local authorities, with a fund launched in May to assist businesses in producing healthier baked products. Meanwhile, the Food Standards Scotland unveiled an Advanced Online Allergen Training programme in May to help businesses manage allergens.
No comments yet