'Chick food' aims for women's grocery carts
By Bruce Horovitz
USA TODAY
The popularity of chick lit and chick flicks — books and movies aimed at women — may have spawned the marketing world's latest trend: chick food.
More than 1,000 new foods and drinks targeting women have hit the global market in the past four years, says Mintel, the new products researcher.
These aren't just diet foods. There are energy bars for women — one just for pregnant women. There's bread for women, and a tortilla. There's a tea for women, maybe even a skin-care drink coming.
Behind all this: image. "There's some badge value in saying, 'I'm a woman and I eat Luna Bars,' " says Lynn Dornblaser, new product guru at Mintel. "You're part of a club."
Is it hype? Or is it nutritionally meaningful? Perhaps some of both.
"Marketing folks have stepped in to create a new niche," says Darra Goldstein, editor of Gastronomica, a food and culture journal. "But I don't think any of us will be healthier for it." That said, she buys Luna Bars sometimes — and likes them.
Nutritionist Robyn Flipse says many of items have nutritional plusses. Most add calcium, vitamin D, iron or Omega-3. "But few women will know which product is best for them."
The hottest categories:
More recently, Luna has expanded into tea cakes (soft cookies) and elixir (think organic Crystal Light.)
Luna's newest rival: Bellybar, an energy bar for pregnant or nursing women. It's got extra calcium and Omega-3.
"Pregnant women are hungry all the time," says Leslie Sa. They've got lots of flax seed and are high in omegas and protein. And they're organic. A loaf fetches up to $5.99.
"To help women understand their needs, I had to shock them with the kooky name, Woman's Bread," says Lynn Gordon, president of French Meadow.
Coca-Cola is in the chase, too. Brandweek, followed by several other publications, have reported that Coke is in a joint venture with L'Oreal on a skin-enhancing beverage called Lumae, although neither company would comment.
But Coke last year rolled out pink Tab Energy, a women's drink with the slogan: Fuel to be Fabulous. Among celebrity sightings: Ultra-skinny Nichole Richie.
