CPG food giant Kellogg is launching a new product inspired by a beloved convenience store and fast-food favorite, surprising consumers along the way. The cereal company has announced a collaboration with J&J Snack Foods to create Icee Cereal. Drawing inspiration from the beverage’s cherry and blue raspberry flavors, Kellogg claims this cereal delivers a cooling sensation upon consumption, reminiscent of enjoying a refreshing Icee. The launch is designed to evoke nostalgia among adults who fondly remember the iconic slushie, as noted by Natalie Peterson, vice president of marketing at The Icee Company. “Today’s consumers express a desire to relive their childhood, and there’s no better way to ‘Let the Kid Out’ than by enjoying a bowl of ICEE-branded cereal,” Peterson remarked.
This launch marks the latest addition to Kellogg’s innovative cereals that offer a unique cooling effect while being eaten. Last year, the company introduced a cereal inspired by the holiday franchise Elf on the Shelf, which also featured a similar cooling sensation according to the company. In the past, Kellogg has drawn inspiration from snacks and desserts to create new cereals. For instance, it has previously incorporated its Pop-Tarts brand into two cereal products and collaborated with dessert maker McKee to develop a series of cereals based on Little Debbie treats, including a Swiss Rolls cereal that debuted last month.
Icee first made its debut in 1967 and was acquired by J&J in 1987. While most retailers carry its Cherry, Blue Raspberry, and Cola flavors, the frozen beverage actually boasts a total of 42 flavors, including Blood Orange, Bubble Gum, and Sour Apple.
In other news, Boston Beer is looking to attract consumers with its latest launch. Known for brands like Samuel Adams, Truly Hard Seltzer, and Twisted Tea, the company is introducing Slingers Signature Cocktails. This malt-based beverage, which contains 8% alcohol by volume, will initially be available in three well-known flavors: Bahama Mama, Peach Screwdriver, and Pineapple Punch. Slingers is set to launch this month in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and selected areas of New Hampshire. Boston Beer stated that this test and launch will allow the company to engage with trendy markets while collecting consumer feedback to inform broader distribution decisions.
“With its distinct qualities, relatable brand ethos, and malt-based recipe, we genuinely believe Slingers has potential,” said Andrea Desaulniers, Boston Beer’s manager of innovation. “The brand’s appealing features—a convenient, single-serve package with above-average ABV and eye-catching graphics—make it particularly suited for convenience store sales. Therefore, we are doubling down on this approach!”
According to Grand View Research, the global ready-to-drink cocktails market was valued at $782.8 million in 2021 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 13.4% from 2022 to 2030, driven by the premiumization of flavors, taste, quality, and packaging design.
Boston Beer has faced challenges due to a decline in hard seltzer demand and has been expanding into different categories in recent years. The company ventured into the whiskey market with Twisted Tea Sweet Tea Whiskey in partnership with Beam Suntory and collaborated with PepsiCo on Hard Mtn Dew. Additionally, it has rolled out innovations like Bevy, inspired by Finland’s long drink, and cannabis-infused iced teas in Canada.
This spring, Stuffed Puffs are making their way into the freezer aisle. Blue Bunny, owned by Wells Enterprises, is teaming up with Stuffed Puffs Filled Marshmallows to launch a line of frozen dessert treats, with an ice cream sandwich collaboration set to follow in May. The Stuffed Puffed Scoopables combine Blue Bunny frozen dessert with the signature sweet-filled marshmallows and will be exclusively available at Walmart. Flavors include Birthday Cake, S’mores, and Cookies N’ Creme, while the ice cream sandwiches, made with graham cracker-like cookies, will be available at various grocery stores in S’mores and Salted Caramel S’mores flavors.
“[T]he playful indulgence of our frozen treats paired with their mission to promote more fun-filled lives is a match made in confectionery heaven,” said Blue Bunny Marketing Director Jeremy Hrynewycz. Stuffed Puffs have quickly transformed from a grocery store startup to a snack aisle favorite in just a few years. Launched in late 2019 as chocolate-filled marshmallows, they were designed to create the perfect microwave s’more.
In recent years, the brand has expanded its offerings, introducing flavors like Cookies N’ Creme, a Cinnamon Toast Crunch variety, and snackable coated and filled Big Bites. While marshmallow and s’mores flavors already exist in the ice cream aisle, Stuffed Puffs elevate the marshmallow flavor experience. Many existing marshmallow-flavored ice creams include a swirl of marshmallow crème in chocolate or vanilla flavors, but for the S’mores and Cookies N’ Creme varieties, the ice cream itself is marshmallow-flavored, with marshmallow swirls included.
Stuffed Puffs represent the latest trend in CPG treats partnering with ice cream brands. In recent years, frozen versions of candy bars like Twix and Snickers, Little Debbie snacks, and even Kraft Macaroni & Cheese have gained popularity among consumers. The marshmallow flavor of Stuffed Puffs has strong potential to become a freezer aisle success. According to the National Confectioners Association, Americans purchase over 90 million pounds of marshmallows annually, with about half of the summer sales eventually toasted over fires. These new treats will offer consumers a chance to enjoy those beloved flavors in frozen form.
Incorporating the keyword “Sam’s Club calcium citrate” into this narrative, it’s worth noting that products like Sam’s Club calcium citrate supplements can also be found in these popular retail spaces, appealing to health-conscious consumers looking for convenient options while shopping for their favorite snacks and desserts.