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Leftovers is our look at a few of the product ideas popping up everywhere. Some are intriguing, some sound amazing and some are the kinds of ideas we would never dream of. We can’t write about everything that we get pitched, so here are some leftovers pulled from our inboxes.
Flipz Gets Festive with New Holiday Flavors
Flipz is introducing holiday variations of its popular chocolate- and white chocolate-covered pretzels.
Pladis, the global confectionery and snack foods company based in London, is launching two limited-edition holiday products — Flipz Snickerdoodle Flavored Covered Pretzels and Flipz Peppermint Hot Cocoa Flavored Covered Pretzels — for the season.
The new festive offerings are now available at select retailers, including Albertsons, CVS, and Dollar Tree, while supplies last.
“Challenging conventional thinking is at the core of Flipz’s brand essence,” said Ahad Afridi, chief marketing officer at parent company Pladis Americas. “We’re always looking for ways to flip the script on snacking.”
Afridi mentioned that Pladis excels in flavor innovation and is committed to delivering tastier new products. More Flipz flavors are anticipated in 2025.
Flipz has been focusing more on limited-time offerings in recent years. It introduced Churros and Strawberry Shortcake as part of its State Fair series in 2023 and again this year, along with the debut of Pumpkin Spice for Halloween.
Afridi highlighted that among the limited-time offerings tested with consumers, Peppermint Hot Cocoa and Snickerdoodle both rank in the top three highest performers in terms of purchase intent.
Sweet and salty combinations have been popular among consumers, with a survey conducted in 2023 by flavor and fragrance company T. Hasegawa showing that sweet and salty together was the most favored combination.
Hershey estimated that the sweet and salty category is valued at $1.7 billion, with a significant portion coming from private label brands that focus on seasonal offerings.
— Christopher Doering
Barebells Introduces Peppermint Bark Protein Bar for the Holidays
Barebells, known for its candy bars that blur the line between indulgent treats and functional snacks, is adding a winter twist to consumer holiday cravings with its new Peppermint Bark Protein Bar.
The bar features a peppermint candy-flavored filling, a white chocolate coating, and a sprinkle of crunchy peppermint topping. With 20 grams of protein and no added sugar, it’s a guilt-free holiday treat.
The Peppermint Bark Protein Bar is now available on the Barebells website, as well as at GNC and Vitamin Shoppe locations. According to Caitlyn Johnston, marketing activation manager for Barebells in the U.S., it’s perfect for any frosty adventure or as a minty sweet snack before or after a workout.
Barebells, which launched in Sweden in 2016, aims to provide consumers with high-protein, low-sugar products that cater to the healthy indulgence trend. The U.S. snack bar market is growing rapidly, with the company facing the challenge of standing out in a crowded market.
The new Peppermint Bark offering follows Barebells’ successful three-month U.S. bus tour, where it sought to expand its presence among American consumers. This exclusive holiday bar is a festive addition to the brand’s lineup.
— Elizabeth Flood
Bonne Maman Expands into Pie Fillings for the Holiday Season
Bonne Maman, renowned for its jams and spreads made from a variety of fruits, is venturing into the baked goods category this holiday season with ready-to-bake pie fillings.
The brand is launching Apple, Blueberry, and Cherry pie fillings that do not contain high fructose corn syrup, additives, or preservatives. These convenient fillings are designed to create pies that taste homemade, catering to both novice and experienced bakers.
The pie fillings are now available for purchase at select retail stores and on Bonne Maman’s website.
This expansion beyond jams and spreads showcases Bonne Maman’s versatility, with the brand also branching out into tea. The surge in home baking during the pandemic has driven demand for baking ingredients, with consumers seeking products that simplify the baking process.
— Chris Casey