Unilever has added a range of Knorr Foil Steam pouches to its gourmet range, marking the brand's move into the cooking bag category.

The sub-range of packet sauces, based on what the company says is based on the "En Papillote" method of cooking, comprises a steam bag and dry sauce.

The cooking method is designed to "lock in moisture" whilst the food is steamed, Unilever said.

The company is hoping to capitalise on the growth of the dry sauces category with the launch, which is growing at 14% year-on-year and currently worth around GBP118m (US$189m), according to Unilever.

Available in three variants: Lemon Cod in a buttery sauce with a pinch of parsley, Mediterranean salmon with extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of oregano,and Primavera chicken with a hint of basil and a dash of white wine, all have an RRP of GBP1.69.