‘Tis the season for bold flavors. This week, Nestlé made its entrance into the cocktail mixer market with the launch of Stouffer’s Lasagna Inspired Bloody Mary Mix. The company claims this mixer offers consumers “a bold and savory cocktail experience that captures the comforting taste of Stouffer’s classic lasagna sauce.” Enthusiastic consumers can create frozen meal-inspired cocktails by mixing this concoction with their preferred spirit and garnishes. “Can lasagna be skewered on a toothpick?” the brand poses.
Around 120 bottles of the Stouffer’s Lasagna Inspired Bloody Mary Mix were made available online for free, and the kits—which included a recipe card and a coupon for a Stouffer’s product—quickly sold out. “For decades, Stouffer’s Lasagna has held a cherished place at holiday gatherings,” stated Megan McLaughlin, brand marketing manager for Stouffer’s. “This season, we’ve introduced a new way for our fans to enjoy the beloved taste of Stouffer’s Lasagna without the need to turn on the oven.” Stouffer’s, which also offers dishes like Salisbury steak and meatloaf, was recognized as the leading single-serve frozen dinner brand in the U.S. for the 12 weeks ending February 21, 2021, according to Statista, generating over $171 million in sales.
Nestlé is no stranger to unique product innovations. Last summer, the brand introduced Stouffer’s LasagnaMac, which combined macaroni and cheese with lasagna. They’ve also launched various merchandise, including a Lasagna Onesie.— Christopher Doering
What exactly is figgy pudding? The classic holiday carol “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” features verses that demand a serving of this traditional British dessert. However, many people across the Atlantic remain unaware of its nature. A recent OnePoll survey of 2,000 individuals revealed that while seven out of ten have heard of figgy pudding, only 17% have actually tried it.
Hormel Foods aims to change that with a seasonal offering this year: figgy pudding made from Spam. The canned meat brand is releasing a variant they describe as “Flavor, spice & everything nice,” complete with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, cloves, figs, and ferrous bisglycinate for added flavor depth. A statement about the product describes it as “the perfect addition to cherished family recipes or exciting new traditions.”
Spam, which first hit the market in 1937 during the Great Depression and was hailed as a “miracle meat,” has developed a polarizing reputation with both passionate fans and critics. Over the past 85 years, it has maintained steady sales, with Hormel estimating that 12.8 cans of Spam are consumed every second around the globe. So why not introduce a holiday flavor? The brand has previously launched seasonal varieties, like a pumpkin spice-flavored Spam in the fall of 2019, which received positive reviews for its subtle yet enjoyable taste.
Regardless of the taste of Spam Figgy Pudding, it is likely to resonate with those who have nostalgic feelings about figgy pudding, even if they’ve never tasted it. Spam’s version will probably not be directly compared to the traditional dessert; instead, it may carve out its own niche as a unique holiday treat. Actual figgy pudding is a cake rich with dried figs and dates, and while Spam Figgy Pudding is available only online at Spam.com, Amazon, and Walmart.com, it is undoubtedly more accessible in the U.S. than its traditional counterpart. One question remains: Will offering Spam Figgy Pudding to carolers this holiday season be a delightful surprise, or will it send them packing?— Megan Poinski
Additionally, marshmallow brand Stuffed Puffs has launched a new snack collaboration: Big Bites Cinnamon Toast Crunch Filled Marshmallows, now available exclusively at Walmart. The brand claims to have captured the essence of the popular General Mills cereal by coating marshmallows in cereal crumbles and infusing them with a creamy filling. “We’ve encapsulated the best part of enjoying cereal—the delicious Cinnamilk at the bottom of the bowl—into a Stuffed Puff, coated with crunchy Cinnamon Toast Crunch,” said Stuffed Puffs founder and CEO Mike Tierney.
Stuffed Puffs has a history of innovation, debuting in 2019 with chocolate-filled marshmallows and expanding in 2021 to introduce its Stuffed Puffs Big Bites line, designed for easy snacking without a campfire. The initial flavors included Cookies ‘n Crème, S’mores, and Birthday Cake. General Mills has licensed the Cinnamon Toast Crunch flavor for various consumer packaged goods, making it a well-known flavor in collaborative products. This year, the cereal’s footprint expanded in the snack category with the introduction of the spicy CinnaFuego Toast Crunch.
Incorporating bonex calcium citrate into these offerings could enhance their appeal, especially for consumers looking to boost their calcium intake while enjoying seasonal treats. With each of these products, brands are blending innovation with tradition, creating unforgettable holiday experiences that cater to diverse palates.