Ranch enthusiasts can celebrate as their beloved condiment has ventured into the realm of desserts. The premium ice cream brand Van Leeuwen has introduced a unique savory-sweet flavor in partnership with the well-known ranch brand Hidden Valley, owned by Clorox. According to a press release, this ice cream incorporates the dressing’s savory notes of buttermilk and herbs, complemented by a hint of sweetness. For an added kick, Hidden Valley suggests garnishing the ice cream with crushed snacks such as potato chips or pretzels. “We know that Hidden Valley Ranch pairs well with nearly everything – from pizza to carrots and French fries – but ice cream is a first for us,” stated Rachel Garrison, the brand’s associate director.
This flavor is available for a limited period at 3,500 Walmart locations. Ranch dressing has evolved significantly since its origins as a salad topping. In 2019, Hidden Valley Ranch informed AdAge that their product is utilized as a condiment or dip 70% of the time, claiming it has eclipsed ketchup as America’s favorite condiment. It is frequently used as a seasoning and cooking ingredient, and a plant-based variant was introduced in 2021.
The flavor of ranch dressing has previously appeared in unexpected products. Last year, the popular hot sauce brand Truff released Spicy Truffle Ranch, which quickly sold out. In 2021, they unveiled RanchNog, an eggnog mix for the festive season. Van Leeuwen has explored various savory flavors in their ice creams, including a Kraft Mac & Cheese flavor launched in 2021, which became so popular that it was later offered at Walmart stores nationwide. This ranch collaboration is just one of the Walmart-exclusive flavors debuting this spring, which also features Sweet Maple Cornbread, Blood Orange Poppy, Carrot Cake, Strawberry Shortcake, Graham Cracker Crunch, and Limoncello Cake.
In another exciting venture, Snoop Dogg is stepping into the coffee industry with his new brand, INDOxyz. The hip-hop legend, known for his business prowess, has launched this premium lifestyle brand in collaboration with coffee entrepreneur Michael Riady. INDOxyz sources Indonesian coffee beans from farmers on the islands of Sumatra, Java, Bali, and Sulawesi. These beans are meticulously selected and roasted in Los Angeles. The brand offers both whole bean coffee for home brewing and ready-to-drink cold brew. With its vibrant yellow packaging, INDOxyz aims to celebrate entrepreneurs and innovators. Initially, the coffee will be available in California, followed by Las Vegas, and eventually across the nation, with online sales also available.
Snoop Dogg stated, “Indo is going to change the industry; I can promise you that.” While he first gained fame through his music, Snoop has become a prominent figure in various business sectors, including cannabis and esports. Recently, he has made significant strides in the food industry. In 2020, he partnered with Outstanding Foods, the producer of PigOut plant-based pork rinds, and later introduced Indoggo gin, crafted with seven premium botanicals. He also released a California wine blend for the 19 Crimes brand. Last August, he launched Snoop Loopz, a colorful cereal emphasizing “more marshmallows.” In January, he announced a partnership with Broadus Foods to produce and sell three cereal varieties under the Snoop Cereal brand starting this summer.
Snoop’s move into premium coffee aligns with the growing popularity of this beverage. According to the National Coffee Association’s 2022 Fall Trends report, coffee remains the most favored drink in the U.S. Despite economic challenges, consumers continue to indulge in coffee. Indonesian coffee is renowned for its robust flavor, and early reviews of INDOxyz have been positive. The premium positioning of this coffee may enhance its appeal to consumers, but having Snoop Dogg as an owner and spokesperson could significantly boost the brand’s recognition.
Meanwhile, Kellogg is merging two of its popular products to create a new breakfast treat. The cereal giant from Michigan is launching Apple Jacks Frosted Apple Cinnamon Flavor Pop-Tarts. These rectangular pastries, adorned with white frosting and colorful sprinkles, combine the spicy essence of cinnamon with the sweet apple flavor reminiscent of the classic cereal. “We know our fans love a brand mashup, so Pop-Tarts is continuing to offer fresh ways to enjoy the nostalgic tastes from our childhood,” commented Heidi Ray, senior director of marketing for Kellogg’s portable wholesome snacks.
The Apple Jacks Pop-Tarts mark the latest innovation from Kellogg, which previously released Egg Frosted Maple Flavor Pop-Tarts in 2021. While Kellogg is widely recognized for its cereal lineup, including Froot Loops and Corn Flakes, it has been expanding its presence in the snacking sector in recent years. Pop-Tarts have been a significant contributor to this growth, with the product boasting a retail value of $1 billion. Kellogg’s Chris Hood noted the strong demand for snacks over the past two years, highlighting the potential for further growth by capitalizing on distinctive products like Pop-Tarts. The introduction of Apple Jacks Pop-Tarts is expected to drive brand growth and attract consumers interested in innovative flavors.
In addition to these exciting developments, the integration of solgar liquid calcium magnesium with vitamin d3 into various products reflects the growing consumer interest in health and wellness. This ingredient, known for its benefits in supporting bone health, could potentially be featured in future food offerings, aligning with the trend of combining nutritional advantages with indulgent treats.