Laoban has introduced a collection of “crunchy bites” frozen food products inspired by classic Asian takeout favorites. The lineup includes Crab Rangoon and Scallion Pancakes, which are now rolling out to select Whole Foods Market stores across the USA. The debut of Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken will follow in August.
Bringing restaurant takeout staples to retail freezer aisles, the air-fryer ready range is promoted as “perfect for after-school snacking, impromptu entertaining, or rounding out a weeknight meal.” Each offering is made with premium, wholesome ingredients, including antibiotic-free chicken, and contains no preservatives.
“These items are a love letter to the dishes I grew up eating in my family’s restaurants,” said Michelin-recognized Chef Tim Ma, Laoban’s co-founder and culinary director. “We set out to capture the joy of Asian takeout classics, while making them easy to enjoy anytime at home.”
Descriptions of the new lineup follow:
• Scallion Pancakes ($6.99). Crispy, golden-brown, and flaky, these pancakes are studded with scallions to deliver a fragrant, savory bite. The product is ready to serve in under eight minutes.
• Crab Rangoon ($7.99). A freezer-friendly take on the popular appetizer, with a crisp exterior and creamy, well-seasoned filling that delivers a salty-sweet crunch.
• Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken ($8.99). Bite-sized pieces of marinated chicken, fried and served with a soy garlic sauce for dipping or tossing.
“We haven’t seen these dishes widely available in grocery stores, and we’re thrilled to be able to make them accessible to everyone everywhere,” said Patrick Coyne, co-founder and chief executive officer of Laoban. “They can be easily prepared at home in a few minutes.”
This launch marks another milestone in Laoban’s continued collaboration with Whole Foods Market, a key early purveyor of the brand’s frozen line. Over the past year, Laoban has achieved a nearly 300% sales growth rate at Whole Foods Market and is now one of the retailer’s top frozen food brands.
In 2024, Laoban introduced its first product outside of dumplings, with Bao Buns selling nearly half a million units in just the first three months of distribution. That momentum earned the Washington, DC-based company a Supplier All-Star Award from Whole Foods Market, an honor reserved for brands making an outsized impact in the store.
“Laoban keeps raising the bar with frozen favorites that punch way above their weight when it comes to flavor, texture and quality,” said Christopher Manca, principal category merchant at Whole Foods Market. “This new lineup brings something different to the category – not just improvements to familiar dishes, but fun, chef-driven takes that make these products feel totally fresh.”
