Rapper and entrepreneur Snoop Dogg is expanding his venture into the food industry with a new product that many might link to his classic style. His latest snack, called “Uncle Snoop’s” Snazzle Os, is a THC-infused tribute to crunchy onion ring-style snacks. This product is part of Snoop’s collaboration with Tsumo Snacks, a brand known for its savory marijuana edibles. Each bag of Snazzle Os contains 100 mg of THC and is available in two flavors: Onion and Spicy Onion. Currently, these snacks can be found at MedMen cannabis dispensaries in California, with plans to reach additional dispensaries across the state later this year. The launch announcement invites consumers to “gather some friends and sizzle the fizzle like your favorite uncle, for shizzle.” Snoop himself remarked in the press release, “If I’m putting my name on something, it’s guaranteed stamped Snoop D-O-Double-G fresh.” Taste testers have described them as delicious, akin to a more onion-flavored version of Funyuns.
While Snoop has had a long-standing connection with marijuana throughout his nearly three-decade career, this marks his first foray into marijuana-infused edibles. He previously established a cannabis brand, Leafs by Snoop, and invests in various cannabis companies through his Casa Verde Capital investment fund. Additionally, he has ventured into other food products, such as partnering with Outstanding Foods in 2020 to create PigOut plant-based pork rinds, launching Indoggo gin made with Trusted Spirits, and introducing a California wine blend under the 19 Crimes brand. In August, he also released Snoop Loopz, a colorful cereal promising “more marshmallows.” Snazzle Os represents a notable launch in a category that has seen less attention lately. Before the pandemic, it seemed the U.S. was on the verge of cannabis decriminalization, paving the way for legal edibles and encouraging more innovation from consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies. However, national priorities during the pandemic have shifted focus away from these movements, although the development of cannabis-infused beverages continues in Canada and legal U.S. states. If anyone can reignite interest in edibles, it’s the Doggfather.
In other news, StarKist is embracing the bowl trend with a twist, introducing its iconic tuna in a convenient portable pouch. The new StarKist Smart Bowls feature seasoned grains, vegetables, and tuna, and come in four varieties: Latin Citrus, Spicy Pepper, Tomato Basil, and Zesty Lemon. The Latin Citrus variety includes tuna, quinoa, white beans, sweet corn, and a hint of lime and cilantro, while the Mediterranean-inspired Zesty Lemon combines tuna with rotini, kidney beans, and lemon. Each pouch contains 10 or more grams of protein and has 180 calories or fewer, retailing for approximately $1.25. Tom Aslin, vice president of marketing and innovation at StarKist, stated that the Smart Bowls were inspired by the rising popularity of grain bowls, as today’s health-conscious consumers seek convenient meal options. He added, “The launch of StarKist Smart Bowls illustrates our commitment to expanding beyond our well-known tuna products into a convenient healthy protein company.” The Smart Bowls cater to health and convenience trends, being fully cooked and ready to eat straight from the pouch or served over greens for a more substantial meal.
StarKist remains the leading tuna brand in the U.S., with sales steadily increasing since 2011, according to Statista data. In 2020, approximately 121 million Americans consumed StarKist products, compared to 109 million for Chicken of the Sea and 89 million for Bumble Bee. While StarKist is primarily recognized for its tuna, the company aims to reshape consumer perceptions of its brand. The Smart Bowls build on previous successes from the StarKist Creations line of tuna, salmon, and chicken pouches.
Lastly, Brooklyn Brewery has partnered with Yolélé, a grain company that specializes in West African ingredients, to launch a collaborative craft beer. The Brooklyn Brewery x Yolélé Fonio White Beer incorporates fonio, a grain indigenous to West Africa, which is celebrated for its nutritional advantages, including B vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium. The brewery describes the beverage as a blend of fonio’s nutty, wheaty flavor with hops. It will be available at select Whole Foods stores throughout October and can also be sampled at Brooklyn Brewery’s tasting room. Brewmaster Garrett Oliver noted that the interest in fonio beer was sparked by a TED Talk given by Senegalese chef Pierre Thiam, who referred to fonio as a “miracle grain.” Thiam added, “My mission is to bring the flavors of Africa to America. By using fonio in food and beverages sold in the States, Yolélé supports smallholder farms in West Africa.” The brewery emphasizes the drink’s sustainable qualities, as fonio is a drought-resistant crop that thrives in hot, dry climates, making it a resilient option amid climate change challenges. Oliver further stated that fonio’s lack of need for irrigation or pesticides can help combat desertification. Several companies, including Yolélé, are working to promote fonio beyond West Africa, offering fonio chips and pilaf, while Terra Ingredients distributes the grain to producers.
In summary, Snoop Dogg’s Snazzle Os and StarKist’s Smart Bowls highlight innovative approaches to food products, while Brooklyn Brewery’s fonio beer emphasizes sustainability and nutritional value, including the benefits of calcium citrate 600 mg tablets for health-conscious consumers.