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.
Planters falls for donuts
Nut brand Planters is preparing for fall festivities even with temperatures across the U.S. remaining hot.
The Hormel Foods brand is launching limited-time Planters Apple Cider Donut Cashews that contain the popular roasted curvy nut flavored with the familiar autumnal notes of apples and cinnamon.
The new cashews tap into one of the most popular flavors with consumers. According to Datassential information provided by Hormel, apple has been identified as a top 10 seasonal flavor around the globe.
Technomic’s 2022 menu adoption cycle also reveals that apple cider is in the “early adoption” phase, indicating that it is currently trending in restaurants and specialty grocers across the country. With 46% of people planning to purchase an autumn-flavored food or beverage item this fall season, Planters wanted in.
“Our team is dedicated to keeping a pulse on the latest flavor trends so that we can respond accordingly,” Allie Abney, Planters’ brand manager, said in a statement. “This latest flavor innovation from the Planters brand promises to be a hit with consumers this fall.”
Apple Cider Donut Cashews joins Planters Pumpkin Spice Almonds as part of the brand’s growing portfolio of fall-themed products.
Hormel purchased Planters snack nut portfolio for $3.35 billion from Kraft Heinz in 2022, the largest deal in the Minnesota company’s 132-year history.
Since then, the manufacturer of Spam and Skippy peanut butter, has rejuvenated the 117-year-old brand through new packaging and flavors. In May, Hormel rolled out Rosemary and Sea Salt, Cinnamon Brown Sugar and Dill Pickle for Planters’ cashews.
– Christopher Doering
Club x Butter Chardonnay Mini crackers
Permission granted by Kellogg
Celebrate happy hour with a chardonnay-infused cracker
The iconic Kellogg Club brand is partnering with JaM Cellars to combine crackers and wine.
The limited edition Club x Butter Chardonnay Minis features the light, flaky and buttery Club Minis with JaM Cellars’ Chardonnay.
“Our fans know that hanging with their club alongside their favorite cracker and wine is all they need to kick back and relax,” said Carrie Foose, director of brand marketing for Kellogg’s Crackers in a press release. “We’re so excited to bring them the Club x Butter Chardonnay Minis — a snack that seamlessly brings together everything they need for the perfect bite at the next gathering.”
The bundle includes one box of Club x Butter Chardonnay Minis, four 250mL ButterCans and an insulated tote bag.
The mini crackers are said to offer a salty-sweet flavor that leaves a mild chardonnay note.
“Who doesn’t love wine and crackers? But infusing Butter Chardonnay into Club Minis — that’s a new level of deliciousness we couldn’t resist making with our friends at Club,” said Michele Truchard, Co-founder and the “M” in JaM Cellars. “It was incredibly fun taste testing to create the perfect bite that really complements the wine. Butter fans everywhere are going to love them.”
Kellogg is in the process of splitting its business, with one portion dedicated to its larger, faster-growing snacks business, and the second to its namesake cereal brands sold in North America.
The special edition Club x Butter Chardonnay Minis can be purchased exclusively on JaM Cellars’ website in the “Ultimate Butter Box” for $30.
-Rose Palazzolo
Idahoan Foods potato shreds
Idahoan partners with Hidden Valley to launch craveable potato shreds
From mashed to crinkle-cut, baked and hashed, the potato is loved in all shapes and sizes.
Idahoan Foods is taking advantage of the vegetable’s versatility with the launch of its potato shreds. The offering is made with 100% “real Idaho potatoes,” the company said. It comes in two flavors: Hidden Valley Ranch and Triple Cheese.
The product can be microwaved in its container after adding water, making it ideal for the on-the-go consumer.
“Ranch and potatoes are a classic combination, so it was only natural to team up with the experts in potatoes at Idahoan Foods,” C.C. Ciafone, director of marketing at Hidden Valley Ranch, said in a statement.
The two brands also have joined to create Idahoan mashed potatoes seasoned with the iconic Hidden Valley flavor.
The new shreds will be available nationwide at popular retailers in September.
This is the next in a long line of products for Idahoan, joining hash browns, homestyle casseroles, on-the-go mashed potato cups and flavored items, such as Buttery Homestyle and Twice Baked.
The ready-to-eat market size instant ready made meals, among other product types, is expected to increase from $383.93 billion in 2023 to $488.60 billion by 2028, a compound annual growth rate of 4.9%.
The segment has witnessed a shift in consumer preferences from home-cooked foods to ready-to-eat products filled with spice and simple preparation.
-Elizabeth Flood