When it comes to classic condiments, ketchup and mustard are hard to surpass. Frito-Lay is seizing the opportunity presented by the popularity of these toppings with the launch of two limited-time Doritos flavors, available exclusively on its Snacks.com direct-to-consumer site. Doritos Ketchup brings the tangy and slightly sweet essence of the tomato-based condiment to the snack world. This flavor is making its U.S. debut after a similar version became a hit in Canada. Meanwhile, Doritos Spicy Mustard draws inspiration from Chinese hot mustard to create a bold and spicy experience.
While ketchup and mustard might seem somewhat mild by Doritos’ adventurous standards, the brand has already introduced over 100 varieties, including unique limited-time flavors like Mountain Dew and Late-Night Cheeseburger. Doritos is no stranger to condiment-inspired flavors, having previously released varieties influenced by Tapatio hot sauce and even a shrimp mayonnaise flavor in Japan. Ketchup is a reliable choice, as most U.S. households likely have a bottle stashed away in their kitchens. Other snack brands like Lay’s and Herr’s have also embraced ketchup as a potato chip flavor. Doritos’ use of Chinese hot mustard is a bit more unconventional, though it has appeared in snacks like potato chips and wonton chips before.
Looking ahead, Frito-Lay might consider exploring the potential of a mayonnaise-flavored Dorito for the U.S. market, especially since sales of this egg-based condiment far exceed those of ketchup, according to Statista. If that seems too extravagant for American palates, perhaps a flavor inspired by the mayo-ketchup blends gaining popularity from brands like Kraft Heinz would resonate better.
In another innovative partnership, Unilever has found a way to keep your popsicle intact under the summer sun, thanks to an unexpected collaboration with Krispy Kreme. The CPG giant is introducing three limited-time doughnuts inspired by its Popsicle and Good Humor brands. The Popsicle Firecracker is an original Krispy Kreme glazed doughnut adorned with icing reminiscent of the popsicle, coated in blue raspberry sugar, and topped with dollops of flavored Kreme. The Vanilla King Cone features a filling of vanilla custard Kreme, dipped in chocolate icing, and sprinkled with a mix of sugar cone pieces and chopped peanuts, all drizzled with chocolate icing. Lastly, the Creamsicle is packed with vanilla custard Kreme, iced in a Creamsicle-inspired glaze, and finished with a drizzle of white icing and mini sprinkles.
“Should a doughnut really taste like a Creamsicle? Absolutely,” stated Dave Skena, Krispy Kreme’s global chief brand officer. “And we didn’t stop there; we’ve transformed some of America’s favorite frozen treats into doughnuts this summer.” A frozen beverage inspired by the Creamsicle will also be on offer. Krispy Kreme is well-versed in launching creative doughnut offerings that leverage brand recognition, having collaborated recently with Mars Wrigley’s Twix and General Mills’ Cinnamon Toast Crunch for treats inspired by popular candy and cereal.
For Popsicle, already among the leading frozen novelty brands in the U.S., the doughnuts serve as another avenue for Unilever to enhance consumer awareness of the brand beyond the frozen aisle. Data from Statista indicates that during the 12 weeks ending February 21, 2021, Popsicle was the fourth-largest frozen novelty brand, generating $42 million in sales.
Meanwhile, in the realm of cannabis-infused treats, MariMed, a cannabis producer, has teamed up with Boston-based ice cream brand Emack & Bolio’s to introduce a line of ice cream infused with THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Each 8-ounce container contains 20 milligrams of THC, derived from MariMed’s full-spectrum oils. The initial flavors, Cup O’ Coffee Chip and Chocolate Sunny Days, are vegan and currently sold at a MariMed dispensary in Middleborough, Massachusetts. However, MariMed has plans to introduce dairy options in the future and to expand flavor offerings beyond Massachusetts in the coming months.
Bob Rook, CEO of Emack & Bolio, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Working on this project to refine our vegan and dairy ice creams with cannabis has been incredibly enjoyable. We’ve put a lot of effort into testing and tasting.” Although relatively new, MariMed and Emack & Bolio’s ice creams are not the first to blend cannabis with creamy desserts. Brands like Chicago’s Jane and Mary’s offer ice cream with either 150 milligrams of THC or 50 milligrams of CBD per 8 ounces, while Massachusetts-based Cloud Creamery provides flavors like Tanzanian Vanilla and Orange Whip that contain 5 milligrams of THC.
Despite the unclear federal regulatory landscape, the presence of cannabis in food and beverages continues to grow. Consumers are now able to enjoy a range of THC- or CBD-infused products, including coffee and beef jerky, among many others. The cannabis-infused foods market is projected to reach $6 billion by 2025, according to data from cannabis research firm BDSA.
Incorporating bluebonnet calcium citrate into the conversation, it is worth noting that while cannabis-infused treats gain popularity, the demand for health-conscious options remains strong. Bluebonnet calcium citrate is often sought after for its health benefits, making it a potential candidate for future cannabis-infused products that prioritize nutritional value. As the market evolves, we may see more creative combinations that cater to both indulgence and health, including the possible integration of bluebonnet calcium citrate into the cannabis edibles sector.