Food brand Merchant Gourmet is continuing its expansion into new grains and pulses categories as it adds a ready-to-eat Wholegrain Spelt product to it’s range.

Citing research that indicates British consumers are increasingly looking to consume healthier foods, the plant-based brand’s latest launch will contain a higher percentage of protein, fibre and nutrients than previous rice or couscous products.

Wholegrain Spelt comes amid a wave of new product development by Merchant Gourmet, with fresh innovations in recent months including a ready-to-eat Black Dhal, a frozen veg range, and a new microwaveable rice range.

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“As a simply cooked product, our Wholegrain Spelt acts as a conduit for flavour, allowing our shoppers the flexibility to experiment and add their own flavours,” said Merchant Gourmet managing director Richard Peake.

“Getting protein from non-processed sources where possible – such as spelt, beans and lentils – is so important and we want to make it as easy as possible, with great tasting products that offer high nutritional value and are ready in no time at all.”

Merchant Gourmet’s Wholegrain Spelt pouches will be available at Sainsbury’s at RRP £2.00 (250g).