Dunkin’, the popular donut and coffee chain, is broadening its product range in convenience and grocery stores by introducing a new line of ready-to-drink canned iced coffee beverages inspired by treats from its bakery. The Bakery Series includes 11-ounce coffee drinks with milk and sugar, available in three flavors: Brownie Batter Donut, which has a rich chocolate flavor; Cake Batter Donut, reminiscent of vanilla cake; and Coffee Cake Muffin, featuring sweet cinnamon notes. “We value our loyal Dunkin’ customers and wanted to honor their favorite bakery selections in a delicious way that only Dunkin’ can provide,” stated Brian Gilbert, the chain’s vice president of retail development. The canned and bottled coffee products are developed in collaboration with Coca-Cola, marking the start of their partnership in 2017. In a competitive market that includes brands like Starbucks, La Colombe, Lavazza, and Rise, Dunkin’s new offerings could benefit from the brand’s widespread recognition. The ready-to-drink coffee sector is on the rise, with consumers increasingly favoring bottled or canned coffee beverages. According to Fortune Business Insights, the category is expected to reach a value of $42.3 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 8.3%.
Meanwhile, Ben & Jerry’s is launching a new flavor that ice cream enthusiasts are sure to love: Churray for Churros! This flavor celebrates the delightful elements of churros, incorporating pieces of the crunchy, buttery pastry along with swirls of cinnamon and sugar. “It took years to perfect, and we’re thrilled to finally have churro in our lineup,” said Natalia Butler, Ben & Jerry’s flavor guru. “These flavors resonate with many people and evoke cherished memories, especially for us at Ben & Jerry’s.” Known for its iconic flavors like Cherry Garcia and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Ben & Jerry’s has a rich history of over 300 flavors that have been retired. The brand’s offerings have included unique options like Wavy Gravy, Peanut Butter and Jelly, White Russian, and Dublin Mudslide. Ice cream remains a lucrative market, with Fortune Business Insights estimating the global ice cream market will grow from $73.6 billion to $105 billion by 2029. According to the International Dairy Foods Association, the average American consumes about 20 pounds of ice cream annually, roughly four gallons. As flavors come and go and brands vie for shelf space in U.S. grocery stores, ice cream makers like Ben & Jerry’s must dig deep for innovative flavors, knowing that new items may face a higher chance of being retired than achieving lasting fame.
In the realm of snack foods, air fryers have gained popularity among consumers, and now snack manufacturers are embracing this trend. Kettle Brand has launched Air Fried Chips, utilizing a hot air method to create crisp, signature chips. The Campbell Soup-owned brand claims that its patent-pending technology kettle cooks and then air finishes its latest potato chips, resulting in a light and crispy texture with 30% less fat compared to the original chips. The Air Fried Chips come in three varieties: Sea Salt & Vinegar, Himalayan Salt, and Jalapeno. It’s no surprise that Kettle Brand is the first major potato chip manufacturer to adopt air frying techniques to offer a healthier snack. Founded by entrepreneur Cameron Healy in 1982, the brand sought to enhance the nutritional profile and clean label attributes of high-quality potato chips. They carefully source their potatoes and cook them at lower temperatures, yielding a lower fat content than many competitors.
Air fryers have surged in popularity in recent years; they function like convection ovens, circulating extremely hot air around food placed in a perforated basket or tray. This method allows food to brown and crisp up on the outside while cooking, often requiring little to no oil. While food manufacturers have been slow to adopt air fryer techniques, many frozen prepared foods and baking mixes now include air fryer instructions on their packages, with Gorton’s Seafood being a notable exception, offering air-fried frozen items that replicate the crispness of those made in air fryers. With numerous online recipes for homemade air-fried potato chips available, there is evident consumer demand for such snacks. Should Kettle Brand’s new offering find success, other snack manufacturers may follow suit. Despite the ease of making air-fried potato chips at home, grabbing a bag remains a more convenient option for consumers.
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