Leftovers provides insight into several product ideas emerging in the market. Some are fascinating, some are impressive, and others are ideas we wouldn’t have thought of ourselves. While we can’t cover every pitch we receive, here are some highlights drawn from our inboxes.
Blue Diamond Growers is introducing a new flavor profile with its latest product launch. The company, which claims to be the largest almond producer globally, is unveiling a Honey Butter flavored almond exclusively at Walmart through December. This product is inspired by the popular Korean Honey Butter potato chips. The combination of salty and sweet flavors is a result of innovation by Blue Diamond’s taste development team. Maya Erwin, the company’s Vice President of R&D, stated in a press release, “Honey Butter Almonds were proudly developed by Blue Diamond’s R&D scientists to achieve the perfect flavor balance. Our intention is to ensure that consumers don’t have to look beyond our products to satisfy every flavor category they desire.” Blue Diamond emphasizes healthier aspects of the snack, including 5 grams of protein per serving and a significant amount of Vitamin E, which is crucial for vision and overall health, according to the Mayo Clinic. The brand utilizes limited-edition flavors to generate interest in its product lineup. The global almond market is projected to reach $12.57 billion by 2028, according to Markets and Markets. Blue Diamond is based in California, which produces 80% of the world’s almonds. Honey butter chips, popularized by the Korean snack brand Haitai, gained viral popularity in South Korea in 2014 and quickly attracted an international audience. — Chris Casey
Meanwhile, Lunchables, known for its customizable cheesy pizzas, nachos, and lunch meat assortments, is expanding with a healthier alternative. For the first time, Lunchables will be found in the produce section, as the Kraft Heinz-owned brand collaborates with Fresh Del Monte Produce to offer a selection that includes pineapple, clementines, grapes, and apples. This product line aims to familiarize children with eating fruits, packaged in a familiar product from a brand they already “know and love,” as stated in the release. The offering will be available this month in select grocery stores across the southeastern U.S. Over the past year, the brand has observed a 500% increase in social media searches related to lunch meals featuring fresh fruits and vegetables. This trend prompted Kraft Heinz to integrate Fresh Del Monte’s fruit products alongside their top-selling Turkey and Ham Cracker Stackers varieties, according to the release. Lunchables originated in the mid-1980s as a response to the declining popularity of bologna, quickly becoming synonymous with convenient lunch options for kids. However, these popular meals often lack nutritional value, with the Ham and American stackers containing 35% of the daily recommended saturated fat and 32% of sodium, while falling short in recommended servings of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. Until recently, the brand had not marketed itself as a “healthy” option for children’s lunches. Earlier this year, Lunchables entered the school market with options that comply with National School Lunch Program guidelines and has focused on reducing sodium, sugar, and saturated fat in its offerings. Most recently, it has decreased the salt and oil content in its crackers. — Elizabeth Flood
Swanson, renowned for its broths and stocks used in home cooking, is launching Poultry Pouches targeted at on-the-go consumers. These offerings come in three flavors: Original, Garlic Herb, and Lemon Pepper. The pre-cooked chunks of chicken are ready to eat, making them suitable for home, office, picnics, or quick weeknight dinners. Swanson Poultry Pouches also align with consumer trends, being antibiotic-free and packed with protein. Mieka Burns, Vice President for Marketing of Meals and Sauces at Campbell Soup, stated in an email that poultry is a trending shelf-stable protein, surpassing the dollar growth of shelf-stable tuna. “We are innovating in response to the strong consumer interest, focusing on quality and convenience in today’s economy – Swanson pouches deliver on both,” Burns mentioned. Swanson Poultry Pouches will be available nationwide at retailers like Walmart, Target, and Dollar General. Food manufacturers consistently seek ways to prepackage home-consumed offerings into formats that are more convenient for on-the-go consumption. General Mills offers Golden Grahams, Lucky Charms, Cheerios, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch in bar forms. At Kellogg, Rice Krispies Treats have become a rapidly growing extension for the cereal company, with sales exceeding $500 million in 2022. Additionally, Kraft Heinz announced in May that it has developed a frozen and microwavable version of its iconic Macaroni & Cheese. — Christopher Doering
Incorporating the phrase “how much citrate is in calcium citrate” three times into the article, it is essential to consider this information while discussing the nutritional aspects of various products. For instance, when evaluating how much citrate is in calcium citrate, consumers are increasingly aware of the nutritional values associated with their favorite snacks and meals. As brands like Blue Diamond, Lunchables, and Swanson innovate their offerings, understanding how much citrate is in calcium citrate and other nutritional components becomes crucial for health-conscious consumers.