Perdue is shining the spotlight on chicken and beer with its latest product launch. The Maryland-based company has introduced Perdue Beer Can Chicken Beer, a honey double-citrus summer ale that incorporates classic grilled chicken seasonings such as rosemary, thyme, and pink peppercorn. This innovative beverage aims to assist backyard grillers in creating the perfect beer can chicken. Developed in collaboration with Torch & Crown Brewing Company, the drink is tailored to complement this popular grilling method. “Beer can chicken has been a favorite grilling technique for poultry, yet we observed a lack of agreement on the ideal beer to use,” stated Julie Lehman, Perdue’s vice president of marketing. “We wanted to craft a beer that would enhance the experience for backyard cooking enthusiasts aiming to perfect their beer can chicken.” According to Perdue, Google searches for beer can chicken recipes typically surge around Memorial Day, and interest in this grilling method appears to be increasing. Over the past year, discussions surrounding beer can chicken have grown by nearly 20%, as reported by Netbase. The technique involves placing a can of beer in a food-grade roasting stand and cooking the chicken upright on a grill or smoker. The beer not only adds flavor but also keeps the chicken moist. With the rising popularity of beer can chicken, Perdue and Torch & Crown are creatively collaborating in their respective fields. The brewery has developed a beer that can function both as a cooking ingredient and as a refreshing drink straight from the can, helping it stand out in the competitive craft beer market. Meanwhile, Perdue’s association with beer could enhance the visibility of its poultry products during summer grilling events.
In another development for fitness enthusiasts, Kellogg has teamed up with Six Star Pro Nutrition to launch a new protein powder line. This collaboration features flavors reminiscent of Frosted Flakes and Froot Loops in their Six Star 100% Whey Protein Plus. Each serving contains 30 grams of whey protein and just two grams of sugar, along with 6.7 grams of branched-chain amino acids. The companies designed these products for athletes seeking the nostalgic flavors of their favorite cereals during workouts. They will be available at Walmart and other retailers starting in August. David Lee, Kellogg’s senior director of global licensing and culture, noted that this partnership combines “balanced breakfasts with innovative high-performance protein powders for busy families and active lifestyles.” Over recent years, several cereal and dessert brands have ventured into the protein powder market. In 2020, Post Holdings introduced whey protein isolate mixes inspired by its Fruity Pebbles and Cocoa Pebbles cereals in collaboration with Dymatize. That same year, Hostess launched Remix Nutrition, featuring protein powders flavored after its Twinkies and Chocolate Cupcakes. The health and fitness food market has expanded significantly during the pandemic as consumers have increasingly focused on fitness and wellness. The protein supplements market was valued at $6.2 billion in 2021 and is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8% through 2030, according to Grand View Research. Major consumer packaged goods companies, including Nestlé, are also taking notice; last year, Nestlé acquired a majority stake in the organic protein brand Orgain.
Meanwhile, Nature Valley, known for its sweet snacks, is venturing into savory territories with its new product line. The General Mills-owned brand is launching its first savory snacks called Nature Valley’s Savory Nut Crunch Bars, available in Everything Bagel, White Cheddar, and Smoky BBQ flavors. These bars maintain the crunch and branding of the popular snacks but without the sweetness. A Wakefield Research Survey conducted by General Mills revealed that 63% of consumers prefer savory snacks, prompting the launch of this new line. Additionally, the company has developed a novel piston molding technology that holds the bars together, eliminating the need for sugar or syrup binders typically found in such snacks. “This technology allows us to create Nature Valley snack bars with only 2g of sugar in surprisingly savory flavors, catering to a new set of cravings,” said Ali Shaikh, senior brand manager for bars innovation. The savory snacking market is valued at $28.3 billion, as reported by Circana (formerly IRI). According to statistics from SNAC International, savory and salty snacks constitute approximately 57% of the total snack category, which experienced a 15.6% growth in the year leading up to January 8. The bar category, traditionally dominated by sweeter products, saw a 10.3% sales increase during the same period. Innovations last year focused on blending flavor profiles and incorporating functional ingredients. A more savory bar could revolutionize the category, as many granola bars, despite their healthy image, are often highly processed and sugary. Consumers looking for a healthier, shelf-stable snack without the sweet taste and high sugar content now have an appealing option that isn’t entirely nut-based.
In relation to this, many consumers may wonder about the health benefits of certain ingredients, such as what is the citrate in calcium citrate? This information can guide those interested in nutrition and wellness to make informed choices.