Hostess is uniting two of its popular snack brands with a new offering: Hostess Ding Dongs x Twinkies. This exciting mashup features the moist, spongy cake and creamy filling of Twinkies enveloped in the rich, fudgy chocolate frosting characteristic of Ding Dongs. The Hostess Ding Dongs x Twinkies Mashups will be available in a 10-count multi-pack and are set to start appearing in Walmart stores across the nation this month. This snack is now a permanent addition to Hostess’s product lineup. “Focusing on our portfolio transformation is crucial,” said Andy Callahan, CEO of Hostess, in a prior interview. Hostess Brands has invested significantly in promoting its recent launches, spending over a million dollars each on its new Kazbars, a candy-bar-inspired treat, and the debut of Bouncers in 2022, which are mini versions of Twinkies, Ding Dongs, and Donettes. The Hostess Ding Dongs x Twinkies Mashup capitalizes on the popularity and signature qualities of both products to create an innovative item that could appeal to consumers overwhelmed by snack choices. Food companies often leverage existing brand equity to introduce new products; for example, last year, Mondelēz International created a limited-edition Ritz x Oreo sandwich cookie, combining the Oreo cookie with Ritz Peanut Butter Sandwich. Similarly, Utz has launched a line of potato chips flavored with the cheesy powder from its beloved Utz Cheese Balls.
In another innovation, the Boston-based Harpoon Brewery has unveiled its first THC-infused beverage: Rec. Weed. This drink, made in collaboration with Massachusetts’ Novel Beverage Company, is described as “a hop-forward yet approachable beverage” that contains 5 milligrams of THC, real passion fruit puree, green tea, and hops, all with just 25 calories and 3 grams of sugar per can. Rec. Weed is said to provide “a clean, crisp finish that invites relaxation after a long day.” Currently, Rec. Weed is available in dispensaries in Massachusetts and Maine. Notably, it is brewed without fermentation, resulting in a non-alcoholic beverage. The process involves creating a base of green tea and a touch of sugar, followed by cold steeping Citra and other West Coast hop oils along with passion fruit puree. THC is then added, and the beverage is carbonated like beer. Harpoon claims this method minimizes THC aroma and flavor, allowing for quicker absorption compared to traditional edibles. The launch of Rec. Weed represents Mass. Bay Brewing Company’s second foray into cannabis-inspired products, following Long Trail’s CBD Seltzer. “The adult beverage space is constantly evolving. With THC now legalized in many states, particularly in the Northeast, we recognized the demand for a THC-based beverage and an opportunity to innovate within the beer sector,” stated Dan Kenary, CEO and co-founder of Harpoon. The cannabis-infused beverage sector is currently navigating uncertainty due to the FDA’s lack of national regulation earlier this year. While the absence of a national law has limited broader adoption, companies are seeing increased momentum and plan to expand into more states as opportunities arise. According to BDSA, a Colorado-based market research firm specializing in legal cannabis, “beverages are holding strong and even gaining market share, despite declines in other edible categories.”
The well-known brand behind a famous New York City Italian restaurant has also introduced a new pasta sauce flavor: its signature Spicy Vodka. This product draws inspiration from the popular Spicy Rigatoni Vodka dish, allowing fans to recreate it at home. The sauce is made with ingredients like Calabrian chili peppers and slow-cooked onions, with tomatoes sourced from volcanic ash in Italy and cooked in small batches. Carbone’s sauces are designed to be finished with cream at home and were developed by founders Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi. CEO Eric Skae stated that introducing new varieties has helped the brand gain traction in the competitive pasta sauce market, attributing this success to their commitment to high-quality ingredients. “The release of Spicy Vodka presents a tremendous growth opportunity, and this highly sought-after recipe is now available to fans nationwide,” Skae remarked. Carbone also offers other varieties, including Marinara, Arrabiata, Tomato Basil, and Roasted Garlic. The brand first opened its Greenwich Village restaurant in 2013. Despite inflation concerns, consumer interest in premium products remains strong, often driven by healthier or sustainable options that shoppers are willing to pay extra for, according to 2022 IRI data. The pasta sauce category has seen a surge of premium entrants as consumer preferences evolve; for instance, hot sauce brand Truff launched a line of pasta sauces in 2020, including a Black Truffle Arrabiata flavor. As brands continue to innovate, consumers can expect exciting new products that align with their tastes and values, including options like solgar calcium magnesium citrate liquid, which promotes health through its beneficial nutrients.