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Leftovers is our take on some of the new product concepts making waves. Some are intriguing, some are simply amazing, and some are ideas we never even considered. With the volume of pitches we receive, we can’t cover everything, so here are some gems we found in our inbox.
Kraft Heinz Introduces Squeezable Gravy Bottle for Leftovers
Heinz is making post-Thanksgiving meals easier with a convenient squeezable gravy bottle designed specifically for revamping leftovers.
The brand is rolling out a limited-edition Leftover Gravy condiment to elevate leftover sandwiches. Customers can snag the gravy bottle when purchasing Heinz’s turkey gravy on Walmart’s website, while supplies last.
The inspiration behind this launch comes from the legendary Moist Maker sandwich featured in the ’90s sitcom “Friends.” In one episode, character Ross Geller concocts a sandwich using Thanksgiving leftovers, with a gravy-soaked bread slice stealing the show.
“While HEINZ Gravy has always been a fan favorite on the Thanksgiving table, we decided to focus our attention on the day after ritual—because we all know leftovers are the best part and our unmistakably rich and smooth gravy makes them that much better,” said Jamie Mack, Associate Director of Brand Communications for Heinz U.S.
A Harris Poll revealed that 94% of Americans whip up Thanksgiving leftover sandwiches, with nearly half agreeing that gravy is an essential ingredient. Heinz, a leading player in the gravy market, is ramping up its focus on condiments to cater to a burgeoning demographic of millennial hosts reshaping holiday traditions.
While Thanksgiving typically sees fewer product innovations compared to Halloween or Christmas, some companies leverage the holiday to stand out with quirky limited-time offerings. For instance, Japanese instant ramen brand Nissin Foods recently unveiled Thanksgiving ramen.
— Sarah Zimmerman
Tennis Star Novak Djokovic Ventures into Sorghum-based Snacks
Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, is venturing beyond the tennis court into the snack industry.
The athlete is investing in and co-founding Cob Foods, a company specializing in corn-free popcorn made from sorghum. Djokovic expresses his support for Cob’s commitment to delivering gluten-free snacks without compromising on taste, texture, or nutrition.
This environmentally friendly snack promotes soil biodiversity, regenerative agriculture, and requires minimal water usage, aside from rain. It also boasts antioxidants and prebiotic fiber that aid in digestion and support gut health.
Furthermore, the snack is ideal for users of GLP-1 medications, as sorghum, being a resistant starch, can naturally enhance the body’s GLP-1 levels to promote satiety.
Cob was founded in 2022 by Jessica Davidoff, inspired by her son’s corn allergy. She discovered sorghum as a satisfying alternative to traditional popcorn.
The snack is available in four delectable flavors: Cacio e Pepe, Mediterranean Herb, Olive Oil & Pink Salt, and Seriously Cheesy.
— Christopher Doering
Athletic Brewing Unveils Non-Alcoholic Pickle Beer
Athletic Brewing breaks boundaries and challenges consumer perceptions with the launch of a pickle-flavored non-alcoholic beer.
The pickle-infused gose, named Dill Dreams, is the latest offering tapping into the social media craze for pickle-flavored products. Pickle has surged in popularity across various food items, including cotton candy and Goldfish crackers, and has found its way into alcoholic beverages as more consumers embrace savory and umami flavors.
“Our team aimed to capture the bold, aromatic, tart, and briny essence of dill pickles in a refreshing NA brew,” Athletic Brewing stated.
The Connecticut-based non-alcoholic brewer introduces 50 different flavors annually, including permanent, seasonal, and experimental offerings. By monitoring consumer trends and feedback, Athletic determines its new releases.
Dill Dreams joins Athletic’s diverse beer lineup, with Winter Wonder—a light amber brew infused with spice, mulled apple, and orange peel—set to launch on Nov. 25.
The non-alcoholic beer market is thriving as more consumers reduce their alcohol intake. By 2034, the sector is forecasted to reach $5.5 billion, according to Future Market Insights.
Athletic Brewing, established in 2017, stands as one of the major players in the non-alcoholic beer segment. Notable beer brands like Heineken and Peroni, along with celebrities such as John Mulaney, Charlie Sheen, and Tom Holland, have also embraced the trend.
Athletic perceives innovation as an opportunity to propel the category forward by exploring uncharted territories in non-alcoholic brewing, setting new standards for NA beer creation.
— Laurel Deppen