Video: Nim's brings its fruit-drying technology to vegetable snacks

BakeryandSnacks met company founder Nimisha Raja to learn about the new range and the origins of the business (see video above).

Raja launched Nim’s in 2011 after struggling to find a high-quality fruit snack for a café she was running, and set about offering her own alternative to the fried, vacuum dried and baked bagged snacks on the market.

After investigating production methods she initially worked with a co-manufacturer, but last year Nim’s launched its own manufacturing facility in Sittingbourne, Kent, that it describes as the only production line of its kind.

Skin, core and pips kept intact

The business uses a process that keeps the skin, core and pips of the fruit or vegetable intact – resulting in a snack that Nim’s describes as “guilt-free”, high in fiber and vitamin C, while containing 57 to 76 calories per bag. They are also suitable for gluten-free diets, celiacs and vegans.

With a recommended price of £1.15 ($1.68), the fruit variants are:  Apple (20g pack), Pineapple (20g), Pear (22g), Pineapple & Kiwi (22g) and Melon & Orange (22g).

Raja said the new vegetable range, which also carries a £1.15 recommended price, are the UK’s first air-dried vegetable crisps. The line-up comprises three varieties – Beetroot & Parsnip (22g pack), Tomato & Cucumber (20g) and Pepper & Courgette (22g).

Gluten free and suitable for celiacs and vegans

Made from 100% fresh vegetables, the crisps are designed to tap demand for healthier, savory snacks for adults and children, said Nim’s. Like the fruit crisps, they are also gluten free and suitable for celiacs and vegans.

The new range was awarded Best New Idea at Food & Drink Expo last week – an accolade voted on by visitors who attend the event.