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High-protein frozen dessert brand FØRTE has entered the physical retail market, launching its Chocolate Fudge frozen bars across select Costco warehouses in Texas.

The commercial rollout introduces a clean-label, high-protein alternative to traditional frozen dairy desserts. By securing a listing with a major wholesale club, the brand aims to establish early volume scale and capture market share within the rapidly expanding functional sweet treats category.

The launch is timed to align with peak summer trading, providing retail partners with a highly differentiated, better-for-you option in the freezer aisle.

Protein Gap in Frozen Desserts

The development of the FØRTE brand was directly informed by market research highlighting a significant commercial opportunity in the active nutrition dessert space.

According to data from the September 2025 Numerator Protein Market Trends Insight Report, more than half of all consumers are actively attempting to increase their daily protein intake. However, the research also identified a 10-point gap between consumer interest in protein-fortified desserts and actual retail consumption, primarily driven by a historical lack of premium, clean-label products in the category.

By formulating a high-density protein bar using simple ingredients, the manufacturer aims to bridge this gap, helping grocery and wholesale partners capture incremental sales from wellness-minded shoppers who refuse to compromise on sensory quality.

Clean Label Ingredients and Nutrition

To align with modern clean-label purchasing criteria, FØRTE has formulated its frozen bars without the intensive sugar alcohols and alternative sweeteners that frequently define the better-for-you dessert category.

The recipe is manufactured without erythritol, allulose, stevia, or artificial sweeteners. Instead, the brand relies on a simplified, eight-ingredient deck to deliver a balanced macronutrient profile:

• Protein Density – Each serving delivers 10 grams of complete protein derived from a premium dual-protein blend, representing 20 per cent of the recommended daily value.

• High Concentration – The formulation achieves a protein density of 3.64g per fluid ounce, placing it among the highest protein concentrations in the frozen novelty category.

• Carbohydrate Control – Formulated to contain 11 grams of carbohydrates per bar, offering a lower-carb option compared to conventional frozen novelties.

• Dietary Certifications – The entire product line is certified gluten-free, Kosher certified, and manufactured in a dedicated, peanut-free facility.

Retail Distribution

FØRTE is executing a phased commercial rollout to support its long-term brand expansion, utilising the Costco Texas listing to build consumer awareness ahead of a broader national push.

Following the initial summer debut, the brand plans to expand its physical distribution network systematically during autumn 2026:

• Wholesale Expansion – Slating physical distribution across Costco Midwest warehouses.

• Conventional and Natural Grocery – Securing physical shelf space in freezer cases at Sprouts Farmers Market, Whole Foods Market, and other regional grocery banners.

The brand's portfolio is set to expand in autumn with three distinct flavour profiles, packaged in convenient retail formats:

🍫 Chocolate Fudge – A rich, chocolate-flavoured frozen bar made with an eight-ingredient base.

🍦 Vanilla – A classic, smooth vanilla-flavoured protein bar.

🎂 Birthday Cake – A celebratory, sweet-profile functional dessert bar.

The manufacturer plans to introduce additional flavour profiles and format extensions in 2027. By combining high-capacity wholesale distribution with clean-label, protein-dense formulations, FØRTE continues to build its retail presence, helping grocery partners drive average basket values in the competitive frozen foods department.