Pop Secret is entering the ready-to-eat market with a new line of bagged popcorn, aimed at fulfilling consumer “snacking needs with convenience,” according to Deb Holt, president of commercial go-to-market at Our Home, the parent company of the Pop Secret brand. This launch features three flavors: Movie Theater Butter, Homestyle Sea Salt, and Double Cheddar. “The introduction of Pop Secret’s Ready-to-Eat Popcorn marks a significant milestone—not only for the brand but also for Our Home’s commitment to crafting irresistible, high-quality snacks for all occasions,” Holt stated.
The ready-to-eat popcorn segment has experienced growth as companies embrace healthier trends, including options rich in protein or lower in salt. For instance, Lesser Evil reported a 58% increase in sales in 2025, as noted in SNAC International’s industry report. However, overall sales in this category have declined by 4% due to inflation and heightened competition in the popcorn aisle, according to SNAC. To gain a competitive edge, brands are focusing on leveraging their names—often through partnerships—while introducing healthier variations within the category. Pop Secret’s ready-to-eat popcorn will first be available at Sam’s Club in June, featuring Movie Theater Butter, followed by a national rollout at Kroger in August with its butter and cheddar options.
In another exciting development, Hershey is gearing up for summer bonfires with its latest candy bar, Hershey Milk Chocolate with Caramel, designed specifically for s’mores. “The blend of our classic milk chocolate with golden caramel turns the traditional HERSHEY’S bar into something exceptional—it’s a reimagined tradition with the perfect amount of indulgence,” said Kyle Webster, senior associate brand manager at Hershey. This chocolate will be available nationwide for a limited time in six-bar packs. S’mores became popular in the 1920s after a recipe appeared in a Girl Scouts guidebook, and they have since become a favorite treat at backyard gatherings and camping trips. To meet the growing demand, Hershey is heavily investing in its chocolate supply chain, allocating $1 billion for future investments. A new chocolate processing plant recently opened in Hershey, Pennsylvania, to enhance production for Hershey’s chocolate, Reese’s, and Kit Kat.
Meanwhile, DiGiorno is heating things up with its new Wood Fired Style Crust Pizza. The Nestlé-owned brand claims that this offering enhances the at-home pizza experience by mimicking restaurant-style pizzas baked in a consumer’s oven. The artisan-crafted pizzas will come in four varieties: Four Cheese, Italian Meat Trio, Supreme Speciale, and Premium Pepperoni. “DiGiorno is renowned for delivering a fresh-baked taste and innovative crusts, and the Wood Fired Style Crust Pizza is no different,” said Kimberly Holowiak, senior brand manager for DiGiorno. “This new crust encapsulates everything people love about wood-fired pizza—the crispness, the chewiness, the char—all without leaving home or using a pizza oven.” The pizzas will be available nationwide starting this month, coinciding with a growing consumer interest in premium restaurant-style frozen meals. This trend has significantly impacted sales in the frozen wood-fired segment, which increased by $67 million over the past year, according to Nestlé data. DiGiorno remains one of the top-selling brands in the $7 billion frozen pizza market in the U.S. For the 12 weeks ending October 6, 2024, Red Baron led the segment with $317 million in sales, followed closely by DiGiorno at $276 million, as reported by Statista.
Incorporating sprouts calcium citrate into these offerings could potentially enhance their nutritional profile, appealing to health-conscious consumers looking for tasty yet beneficial snacks and meals.