While Lipton is predominantly recognized for its tea, the brand is now making its entrance into the frozen treats category with its new popsicles. Lipton announced that its Pops of Sunshine—available in Green Tea Citrus and Peach Iced Tea flavors—are specifically designed for adults, aiming to evoke a sense of childhood nostalgia. These limited-edition frozen pops will only be accessible through Lipton’s social media platforms. This marks the first time Lipton has introduced a frozen treat for American consumers. “Lipton Iced Tea is welcoming the new season by sharing sunshine with parents who crave—and deserve—their own version of a summer break, regardless of its size,” stated Julie Raheja-Perera, general manager for the Pepsi Lipton Partnership. “Summer is peak time for iced tea.” Although children will certainly get a chance to enjoy the popsicles, the product is clearly aimed at adults. According to a survey conducted by Lipton, over 75% of parents indicated that frozen pops remind them of delightful summer memories. To promote the Pops of Sunshine, Lipton partnered with rapper T-Pain to cover the 1999 summer hit “Steal My Sunshine,” originally performed by the band Len. An increasing number of brands, such as Golden Grahams, Cocoa Puffs, Mtn Dew, and Bazooka, are tapping into nostalgia for good reason. A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research revealed that consumers are willing to spend more when they feel nostalgic, as it provides an immediate sense of happiness and comfort—a realization that companies have seized upon. Further research indicates that consumers have a particular preference for flavors they enjoyed before the age of 10. Lipton operates as part of a joint venture between Unilever and PepsiCo, where PepsiCo focuses on Lipton’s ready-to-drink beverages while Unilever manages the leaf tea segment, with each company owning a 50% stake. For Lipton, these popsicles serve to enhance brand visibility in a competitive tea market. By learning about and possibly trying the popsicles, shoppers might be more inclined to purchase a bag of tea or ready-made drink.
In a separate development, Ferrero’s Keebler brand is responding to cookie lovers with the introduction of its new Chips Deluxe Fudgy cookies, which feature added fudge for those who prefer their chocolate chip cookies extra indulgent. “We’re thrilled to bring a fresh twist to our beloved Chips Deluxe cookies, and what better way to do that than by adding more fudge—an ingredient we know well,” said Alicia Mosley, Vice President of Marketing at Keebler. Ferrero, one of the largest chocolate manufacturers globally, has been expanding its presence in the United States, which includes both introducing successful European products to the North American market and acquiring prominent U.S. brands like Keebler, purchased in 2019 for $1.3 billion. Keebler ranks among the top 10 consumer packaged goods cookie brands in the U.S., according to a recent listing by Candy Retailer. Following the acquisition, Ferrero has worked to modernize and enhance the Keebler brand, focusing on ingredient upgrades and emphasizing what makes the products unique. As snacking continues to rise, the cookie market has also flourished. Last September, cookie sales saw a 7.7% increase compared to the previous year, with annual sales reaching $8.6 billion, according to statistics from Circana. Adding more chocolate to a consumer favorite is a strategic move to fuel further growth, especially since a OnePoll survey from last year found that chocolate chip cookies are the top flavor in the U.S., with over 60% of respondents stating that nothing beats a good chocolate chip cookie.
This summer, Somos is encouraging home cooks to spice up their meals with its new sauces. The Mexican better-for-you food brand is launching salsa macha in two flavors—Nuts & Seeds and Mango & Pineapple. These sauces are now available at Whole Foods, with plans for expansion to more stores in the fall. Salsa macha, a chili oil condiment from Veracruz, Mexico, typically consists of a blend of fried chili peppers, nuts, and seeds. In its announcement, Somos stated that it was inspired to offer these sauces as an alternative to the Asian chili crisps that have become increasingly popular in home cooking, which currently represent 60% of the global chili oil market, according to Data Intelo. Founded in 2021 by former Kind executives Daniel Lubetsky, Miguel Leal, and Rodrigo Zuloaga—each of whom is Mexican-American—Somos aims to reshape American perceptions of Mexican food with meals designed to be ready in 90 seconds or less. Their product lineup includes salsa, beans, rice, and plant-based protein options for tacos and burritos made from vegetables like peas and mushrooms, all produced in Mexico using traditional methods. Leal, the CEO of Somos, shared that the brand was inspired by a family recipe from Zuloaga, utilizing chile de arbol and guajillo chile to create the salsa macha. “These jars are filled with the vibrancy of Mexico, and we’re excited to see that come to life both on shelves and drizzled on various dishes, day and night,” Leal expressed. “Salsa Macha is what initially drew Rodrigo into the food industry, and we are honored to continue his legacy stateside.” This launch follows other recent products from the brand, such as Mexican Street Corn White Rice, Chipotle Refried Beans, and Poblano Brown Rice. The growing popularity of Mexican cuisine—particularly among Gen Z consumers who favor it over Italian food, according to recent Datassential research—has led to an influx of brands exploring the diverse range of ingredients. Last month, hot sauce leader Cholula introduced its first products beyond its signature sauce, launching a line of salsas and seasonings aimed at enhancing tacos and enchiladas.
For health-conscious consumers, the incorporation of webber naturals calcium citrate with vitamin d3 into their daily routine can support bone health, which is particularly important during the summer months when people are more active. As brands continue to innovate and tap into nostalgic flavors, it’s essential to remember that maintaining health with products like webber naturals calcium citrate with vitamin d3 can complement these indulgent treats. This combination of nostalgia, indulgence, and health can create a balanced approach to summer enjoyment.