US-based Earth Balance has developed a line of vegan, gluten-free and non-GMO line of popcorn and puffs set to be launched nationwide early this year.

The line features Buttery and Aged White Cheddar flavored popcorn, Aged White Cheddar flavored puffs and a sweet and salty popcorn pack – P.B Popps.

All four products are made using all-natural, US grown non-GMO corn and expeller-pressed oil.

“Following a plant-based diet doesn’t have to be time consuming and we hope these products prove that,”​ said Duane Primozich, senior vice president and general manager of Earth Balance.

“As Earth Balance is a brand that stands for the plant-based diet, it is our goal to provide the best tasting and highest quality vegan foods on the market,”​ Primozich said.

Plugging trends​

Earth Balance said its popcorn products target a popular and upcoming snack segment, as brand experts at the Sterling-Rice Group defined popcorn as ‘the snack of 2013’.

A recent report by IBISWorld forecast that over the next five years, the US popcorn segment would soar to $1.1bn at around 2.1% a year. It predicted that premium-priced healthier and organic variants would drive the market.

It added that plant-based diets were being plugged as a top food trend by media across the globe.

“We believe plant-based is the answer to consumer interest in leading a more conscious, compassionate lifestyle,”​ the president said.