Protein Chips are a new concept in snack foods that fills a gap in the market, namely snack foods made from healthy ingredients that are also a good source of protein. Protein Chips contain more than 29% protein, with 8-9 grams of protein per 30 gram serving (about 30 chips in a 1-ounce serving). That is the same amount of protein usually found in two slices of packaged sandwich meat. Current snack products available in the marketplace typically contain less than 10% protein. The process by which Protein Chips are produced is so unique, that the company has acquired two patents.

   In additional to being a good source of protein, Protein Chips are made from natural whole grains. They are also rich in calcium, a good source of fiber, and meet the daily requirements for folic acid and vitamin B-12. Depending on the flavor, Protein Chips are low-to-moderate fat, and they are delicious. Protein Chips are offered in a 1.5 ounce vendor bag in three tasty varieties: Lemon-Garlic Potato, Nacho Chile Cheese, and Crispy Parmesan Cheese, and in a 6-ounce box in Lemon-Garlic Potato, Nacho Chile Cheese, Crispy Parmesan Cheese, Soya-Caesar and non-gluten Lemon Herb.

   After testing its products in the Twin Cities in the fall of 2000, Kay’s Naturals began marketing its chips to the retail market in January 2001. They are currently in Bally’s Fitness Centers nationwide and are distributed throughout the Midwest, Southeast, Southwest and Northeast in grocery chains, naturals foods stores and sports nutrition stores.

   Natural Foods Expo East is held each fall in Washington, D.C. It is one of two Natural Foods Expos, which are the largest exhibitions of natural foods in the country. Natural Foods Expo West is held each spring in Anaheim, California. This was the third time for Kay’s Naturals products to appear at a Natural Foods Expo. Their manufacturer, Clara Foods, Inc. of Clara City, Minnesota, represented Kay’s Naturals at the Expo. Clara Foods is a contract manufacturer and is both kosher and organically certified. Both companies expect this award to increase Kay’s Naturals market share and increase sales for both in the near future.