Leftovers is our look at a few of the product ideas popping up everywhere. Some are intriguing, some sound amazing and some are the kinds of ideas we would never dream of. We can’t write about everything that we get pitched, so here are some leftovers pulled from our inboxes.
Oreo’s latest cookie collaboration is a little sour
A pair of Mondelēz International brands are joining forces for an unlikely flavor combination.
Sour Patch Kids is working with Oreo to create a sweet and sour version of the popular cookie. The collaboration is inspired by Sour Patch’s “playfulness and mischievousness,” the company said in a press release.
The cookie will resemble the Golden Oreo, but have flavor profiles of Sour Patch Kids like watermelon and strawberry. While Oreos usually have a creme filling, the Sour Patch versions will feature colored fillings based on the Sour Patch flavor they replicate.
The cookies are available for preorder and will be carried at retail starting May 6 for a limited time.
In addition to the flavor combinations, the brands also are teaming up to create exclusive merchandise for the launch. The collection includes a bucket hat, cross-body bag, hair clip and socks.
“The opportunity to partner with our friends at the OREO brand to create a mischievous twist on a classic cookie was one we just couldn’t pass up,” Grace Howard, Sour Patch Kids innovation brand manager, said in a statement. “We are both so excited to see the fan reaction to this sour-then-sweet limited-edition cookie.”
The Mondelēz cookie brand is no stranger to unusual partnerships. In 2020, it sold 3 cookies for $8 in collaboration with luxury “hype beast” brand Supreme, which charges hundreds of dollars for clothing. The Oreos were dyed Supreme red and filled with its signature vanilla creme.
Last year, Oreo teamed up with Super Mario to create limited-edition double-stuffed cookies embossed with 16 unique designs featuring heroes and villains from the popular video game. And in February, Oreo stretched its innovation arm into the baking category by teaming up with Betty Crocker to create baking mixes and frostings.
– Elizabeth Flood
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Permission granted by Campbell’s Soup
Late July dips into salsa
Campbell’s Soup Late July brand is reentering the salsa space with its latest launch.
The packaged food company said the Mild, Medium and Salsa Verde versions have a restaurant-quality taste that creates a thinner, but not watery consistency that allows it to cling to the brand’s Late July chips. The salsas were developed with the Late July Thin and Crispy chips in mind as the best pairing partner.
“By offering salsas within our Late July portfolio, we are looking to reach more households looking for a salsa made with organic ingredients that pairs with their favorite organic tortilla chip and yes, introduce the salsa-loving audience to the breadth of our portfolio,” Morgan Shoemaker, senior brand manager for Pace and Late July salsas, said in an email to Food Dive.
Late July sales have grown nearly 14% during the last year, according to IRI data provided by Campbells.
The New Jersey company is no stranger to salsas, having been in the space for decades with its 77-year-old Pace brand.
Pace is known for its chunky salsa while Late July provides a restaurant-style consistency. Late July previously sold salsa, but it was discontinued in February because the Campbells saw an opportunity to improve the recipes and give the label a refresh.
The move into salsas is a logical expansion for a chip brand like Late July. Many consumers were likely already dipping the Late July chip into salsa, whether it’s Pace or a competing brand. The introduction of salsa under the Late July banner keeps more shoppers within the brand; a consumer could grab a bag of chips and then a jar of salsa on the shelf nearby.
Salsa consumption is increasing in the U.S. as consumers snack more, turn to healthier offerings and seek out spicier options. Statista estimated that 225 million people are expected to consume store-bought salsa in 2024, up 16 million from nine years ago.
– Christopher Doering
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Courtesy of General Mills
Fiber One donuts bring benefits to indulgence
A popular nutrition bar is capitalizing on the growing popularity of sweet treats that also feature better-for-you ingredients.
General Mills has launched Fiber One Donuts. The offerings contain 100 calories per donut, along with 4 grams of fiber and 3 grams of sugar. They are topped with icing and sprinkles. Fiber One Donuts are available in two varieties: Chocolate and Strawberries and Crème.
General Mills said the products provide a “guilt-free” way to maintain a diet without giving into cravings for sugary breakfast items that don’t have nutritional value. The donuts previously launched in the U.K. and are now available stateside in Walmart and Kroger stores.
Fiber deficiency is a prominent health concern, with fewer than 5% of Americans eating enough dietary fiber, according to the National Institutes of Health. Inadequate fiber consumption can result in an increased risk of heart disease, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders and some cancers. Many processed foods remove fiber content from ingredients, driving down their nutritional value.
As consumers seek out healthier snacking and meal options on grocery shelves, some major CPGs are reformulating their products to include more fiber, including PepsiCo. Several brands are also using upcycled spent grains — a byproduct from beer production — as a way to boost the fiber content of their snacks. AB InBev’s EverGrain startup helps companies include the ingredient in products such as snack bars and crackers.
-Chris Casey