Kellogg, the leading consumer packaged goods company, is leveraging its expertise in snacking to enhance its plant-based meat offerings. The company recently announced the introduction of Morningstar Farms Chik’n Fries, which features flavors and breading inspired by Pringles, another brand under the Kellogg umbrella. The Chik’n Fries, primarily made from soy, boast 41% less fat compared to traditional chicken fries made from meat. This new frozen snack is available in two Pringles-inspired flavors: Original and Scorchin’ Cheddar Cheese. The Original flavor is set to launch in March, while the cheddar variety will be released in the fall. Designed for both meal use and snacking, these products provide hints of chicken broth and potato chip flavors.
Danielle Rappoport, Kellogg’s marketing director for plant-based protein, stated in a press release, “Partnering with Pringles aligns perfectly with our mission to attract more consumers to the plant-based protein segment.” This launch comes as Kellogg reassesses its plant-based strategy amidst a challenging market environment. CEO Steve Cahillane confirmed during a recent earnings call that the company will not be separating or selling its plant-based brands, including Morningstar Farms, as previously considered. The difficulty in finding a buyer amid declining sales in the plant-based meat sector has influenced this decision. With products like the Morningstar Chik’n Fries, Kellogg aims to bolster its presence in a segment that is currently experiencing stagnation.
It is common for brands to tap into their existing snack portfolios for recognizable branding and flavors when introducing new products. Last year, Utz launched chips inspired by its well-known Cheese Balls, while PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division has unveiled several items featuring the popular Flamin’ Hot branding, ranging from Mtn Dew to bite-sized Cheetos Minis.
In another development, Hershey, the renowned candy and snack manufacturer, is expanding its product range with the introduction of Reese’s Dipped Animal Crackers. These bite-sized snacks, available in 13 different animal shapes, are coated in peanut butter candy and dipped in milk chocolate. Nowell Kahle, manager for snacks and grocery at Hershey, described the crackers as “sweet and crunchy, creating the ultimate snack,” adding that they are “truly something to howl about.”
Hershey has extended the Reese’s brand into various products, including peanut butter cups filled with Reese’s Pieces, pretzels, and potato chips. The company has also entered licensing agreements to feature Reese’s in cereals, cookies, ice creams, and donuts. As consumers increasingly turn to snacking, the introduction of Reese’s Dipped Animal Crackers positions the brand to align with this growing trend. The product appeals to parents who fondly remember animal crackers from their childhood, offering a new and exciting way for families to enjoy a beloved peanut butter treat.
For Hershey, this new offering allows them to showcase the chocolate and peanut butter combination in different grocery aisles, effectively bridging the candy and cookie sections. The company has been rapidly enhancing its snacking portfolio through acquisitions of various salty snacks, including SkinnyPop, Pirate’s Booty, and Dot’s Pretzels.
Meanwhile, Michael Angelo’s, known for its frozen Italian meals, is expanding its offerings with a new line of sauces. Owned by Sovos Brands, this Italian-inspired range comes at a time when consumers are increasingly focused on value amidst rising food prices while also seeking high-quality, clean-label products. The new Michael Angelo’s sauces are crafted with fewer than ten ingredients, and notably, they do not contain tomato paste or added sugars, distinguishing them from many other jarred sauces.
Risa Cretella, executive vice president and group general manager at Sovos Brands, remarked, “We are passionate about providing convenient and comforting meal solutions in today’s fast-paced world. Our new sauces extend the delicious authenticity and simplicity of Michael Angelo’s into a new category.” The sauce line includes four varieties: Nonna’s Secret Marinara, Nonna’s Secret Tomato Basil, Nonna’s Secret Roasted Garlic, and Nonna’s Secret Spicy Marinara. These products will be exclusively available at select Walmart locations across the country for a retail price of $4.48.
Sovos Brands, which also owns Rao’s sauces and Noosa yogurt, emphasizes premium foods that are all-natural and made with a concise list of recognizable, healthier ingredients. The company strategically innovates its brands while expanding them into adjacent categories—such as Rao’s entry into soups and Noosa’s foray into gelato. Founded by an Italian family using authentic Sicilian recipes from their grandmother, Nonna Foti, Michael Angelo’s had a household penetration of about 5% in 2022, according to Sovos. The introduction of these sauces builds on Michael Angelo’s Italian food foundation by adding complementary products and increasing meal occasions at home.
In a marketplace increasingly focused on quality and innovation, the emergence of products like Michael Angelo’s sauces, Reese’s Dipped Animal Crackers, and Morningstar Farms Chik’n Fries exemplifies the industry’s response to consumer demands for tasty, convenient, and healthier snacking options. As brands continue to explore and expand their portfolios, they are likely to seek collaborations that resonate with their core offerings and enhance their market presence.
Additionally, in a nod to dietary needs, these new product lines also align with the growing interest in items that meet specific dietary requirements, including those that are citracal kosher, ensuring a broader appeal to more consumers.