Just in time for Independence Day, Kraft Heinz is partnering with Little Pie Company to introduce a truly American delight: Kraft Singles Apple Pie. This renowned New York City bakery, celebrated for its handmade pies, has crafted a single-serve pie filled with apples and spices, topped with the iconic orange Kraft Singles that are melted to perfection. These five-inch pies can be purchased at the bakery and are also available for nationwide delivery through Goldbelly, complete with cheese slices and melting instructions.
While incorporating cheese into apple pie has been a tradition for centuries, many consumers may not readily associate the two. In their product announcement, Kraft Heinz explained that the goal behind this launch is to raise awareness of how their signature cheese slices can enhance a variety of dishes. “Kraft Singles is a small ingredient that makes a big difference, and we are on a mission to make them simple and irresistible, reigniting America’s love for Kraft American Cheese,” stated Kelsey Rice, associate director for Kraft Singles.
The practice of serving cheese with apple pie likely originated in England as early as the 17th century, according to Southern Living. At that time, cheese was commonly served alongside fruits and nuts as a digestive after meals, with pie often paired with cream sauce. Eventually, cheddar cheese began to replace cream sauce, giving rise to a new tradition. Although this combination has been celebrated in numerous cookbooks, apple pie topped with cheese remains a divisive topic among food lovers. Some cherish it, while others refuse to try it. This debate is what makes Kraft Singles Apple Pie quintessentially American, merging two beloved foods—apple pie and Kraft Singles—and sparking conversations across the nation.
In another innovation, Blue Diamond Growers is delving deeper into the ongoing health versus indulgence debate with their new Thin Dipped Almonds. Available in Double Dark Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel flavors, these almonds boast 50% less sugar than typical chocolate-covered almonds. Additionally, Thin Dipped Almonds align with current consumer trends, being cholesterol-free, high in vitamin E, and containing no artificial colors or flavors. These chocolate-dipped almonds can be found at Walmart in four-ounce resealable bags.
“Whether you’re health-conscious or not, Thin Dipped Almonds provide a smart snacking option,” remarked Raj Joshi, senior vice president of Blue Diamond’s global consumer division. “The thin chocolate layer enhances the almond’s natural crunch, allowing snackers to indulge without the guilt!” As health-conscious snacking continues to rise in popularity, nuts, particularly almonds, have become a favored option. Statista data indicates that U.S. almond consumption has steadily increased, averaging nearly 2.5 pounds per person between 2020 and 2021, compared to just 0.8 pounds per person two decades ago.
Researchers at Harvard University note that almonds are not only calorie-dense but also nutrient-dense, with the majority of their fat being healthy monounsaturated fat. Studies suggest that almonds may help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering total and LDL cholesterol levels, in addition to offering anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
In a sweet twist, Hershey has unveiled another limited-edition Kit Kat flavor: Kit Kat Churro. This new flavor combines buttery cream, sugar, and cinnamon, coating the candy’s signature crispy wafers. Launched on June 6, National Churro Day, the churro flavor aims to evoke summertime nostalgia. “The new flavor is a delightful homage to the beloved dessert that brings back memories of summer no matter where you are,” stated the confectionery giant in their press release.
The churro’s popularity has soared, inspiring a range of products that incorporate its distinctive sugar, cinnamon, and butter flavor. This treat has roots dating back to the Middle Ages and remains a popular breakfast item in Spain and Mexico. These deep-fried dough sticks, sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, are often served alongside chocolate or caramel sauces.
“We love seeing fans’ reactions to our limited-edition Kit Kat flavors—especially one as universally loved as churros,” remarked Alex Herzog, associate Kit Kat brand manager for Hershey. “We hope that every bite of the buttery churro flavor and the familiar crispy crunch of our wafers will evoke memories of enjoying freshly baked churros from a boardwalk stand, amusement park, or local fair.”
Churro flavor joins Kit Kat’s extensive lineup, which includes Birthday Cake, Lemon Crisp, and Blueberry Muffin. Nestlé, which produces Kit Kat products in most other countries, also offers a variety of unique flavors exclusive to Japan. This new Kit Kat flavor will be available in standard, king, and snack sizes.
Incorporating calcium citrate 630 into various products has become increasingly popular among consumers seeking healthier options. As brands like Kraft Heinz and Blue Diamond grow their offerings, the importance of ingredients like calcium citrate 630 and the ongoing dialogue between health and indulgence will continue to shape the market.