Empire Bespoke Foods is bringing free-from ‘nutrition and crunch’ to the healthier snacking category, with the launch of Rice Up! whole grain brown rice based snacks.

Whole grain brown rice is used as a base for each snack in the range because it has been proven to be one of the healthiest grains; high in fibre, selenium, group B vitamins and gluten-free. Plus, Rice Up! snacks are made with super seeds for optimum health, olive oil and only natural ingredients are used, without any yeast or frying.

Available in three formats; traditional Rice Cakes, Rice Rolls (mini rice cakes) for canape or dips and crispy Rice Chips, a healthier alternative to crisps, Rice Up! is ideal for every snacking occasion. Once tried, shoppers will crave the delicious flavours: Quinoa, Sour Cream & Onion, Salt & Pepper, Cheese & Spinach and the ultimate in natural health, 7 Super Seeds, which contain chia, quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat, millet, hemp and flax seeds.

Health is now a key driver in UK food and drink consumption and the importance of healthy options has grown from 11% to 22% in 15 years (KWP 52w/e May 2014). With snacking being the largest daily consumption occasion (28%) and 1-in-3 consumers missing a meal every day, offering customers healthy and nutritious options is vital (KWP 52w/e May 2014).

Rice Up! has clean, natural looking packaging and offers good value for money (RRP £1 each). The Rice Up! range will soon be available in major multiples, independent shops and online.