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Here are some interesting product ideas that have caught our attention recently. Some are innovative, some are delicious, and some are just plain surprising. We can’t cover every pitch we receive, so here are some highlights from our inbox.
Kraft Natural Cheese introduces high-protein snacks
Kraft Natural Cheese is jumping on the protein bandwagon with its latest offering.
The brand, now owned by Lactalis USA, has launched Kraft Natural Cheese Protein Cheese Sticks. These portable snacks are aimed at meeting the growing demand for convenient, protein-packed options.
Available in Mild Cheddar and Pepper Jack flavors, each stick contains 17 grams of protein per serving and half the fat of traditional varieties, according to Lactalis.
“Consumers today are looking for snacks that are not only convenient but also nutritious. Our Protein Cheese Sticks are designed to meet those needs,” said Amanda Vaal, director of brand marketing at Lactalis Heritage Dairy.
You can find Kraft Natural Cheese Protein Sticks at select retailers like Target, Publix, Food Lion, and Amazon Fresh.
Protein has been a hot trend in the food and beverage industry, with companies like General Mills, Conagra Brands, and PepsiCo capitalizing on the growing demand.
The recent dietary guidelines from the Trump administration have also highlighted the importance of protein in a balanced diet.
— Christopher Doering
Butterfinger puts a twist on brunch
Butterfinger is bringing a brunch-inspired treat to its lineup.
The Ferrero-owned brand has introduced Butterfinger French Toast as a limited-time offering, capturing the flavors of a classic weekend brunch in a convenient format.
“French toast is a beloved dish that resonates with people of all ages. We wanted to create a product that brings that same experience to consumers anytime, anywhere,” said Yann Bastien, vice president of marketing for Butterfinger.
This new flavor innovation is part of Butterfinger’s strategy to refresh its lineup and appeal to a wider audience. After acquiring the brand in 2019, Ferrero has been focused on revitalizing Butterfinger’s offerings.
With annual sales exceeding $200 million, Butterfinger has seen steady growth under Ferrero’s ownership.
— Sarah Zimmerman
Heineken introduces new non-alcoholic flavors
Heineken is expanding its non-alcoholic range with two exciting flavors, cold pressed lime and nectarine juniper.
These new offerings, now available in select stores across the country, offer the same great taste as Heineken 0.0 with added fruit flavors. As more consumers seek variety in their non-alcoholic beverages, Heineken is responding with innovative options.
“We believe that flavors are the next big thing in the non-alcoholic beverage market. Our new offerings provide more premium choices for those embracing a balanced lifestyle,” said Heineken USA CEO Maggie Timoney.
Heineken was among the first major beer brands to launch an alcohol-free version of its popular beer. With the industry facing challenges in beer consumption, Heineken is doubling down on non-alcoholic options to meet changing consumer preferences.
The introduction of these new flavors coincides with Heineken’s restructuring efforts and the search for a new CEO. The company is adapting to market trends and consumer demands to drive growth in a challenging environment.
— Laurel Deppen