Table of Contents
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.
Chef Boyardee brings sizzle to skillets
Chef Boyardee is introducing a new line of skillet meals to its menu.
The skillet meals allow Chef Boyardee to tap into a growing category as consumers seek easy, budget-friendly meal solutions without compromising on taste. The lineup includes five varieties: Beef Pasta, Cheeseburger Mac, Cheesy Italian Shells, Meat Lasagna, and Chicken Alfredo.
“Families today are looking for meals that are quick to make, affordable, and enjoyable for everyone at the table,” said Dan Anglemyer, COO at Hometown Food. “Chef Boyardee Skillet Meals deliver exactly that, combining the brand’s rich Italian heritage with the convenience modern households need.”
The Chef Boyardee Skillet Meals are currently available at select retailers, with plans for nationwide expansion this summer.
The launch marks a significant milestone for Hometown Food, a part of private equity firm Brynwood Partners, in revitalizing Chef Boyardee after acquiring it from Conagra Brands for $600 million last year. The acquisition added Chef Boyardee to Hometown Food’s portfolio, which also includes Pillsbury, Birch Benders, and Hungry Jack.
Anglemyer stated that the Chef Boyardee Skillet Meals are just the beginning of the brand’s innovation plans, with consumers expected to see it in several new locations in stores in 2026.
— Christopher Doering
Buldak spices up macaroni and cheese
Samyang Foods, known for its spicy Buldak ramen, is bringing the heat to macaroni and cheese with Buldak Mac & Cheese.
This marks the Korean company’s entry into the category, offering consumers a nostalgic comfort food with a spicy global twist. The product will be available in two varieties: Sweet Corn Buldak Mac & Cheese and Carbonara Buldak Mac & Cheese, exclusively at Walmart from May until late fall.
“Traditional Mac & Cheese has remained unchanged for decades, leaving a massive opportunity for a product that resonates with the modern palate,” said Youngsik Shin, CEO at Samyang America. “By combining the creamy indulgence of Mac & Cheese with the signature Buldak sauce, we are creating a new eating experience that transcends the pantry staple into a cultural journey.”
Buldak’s extra hot noodles have gained popularity on TikTok, particularly among Generation Z and Generation Alpha consumers, with the “Buldak Noodles Challenge” amassing over 251 million posts on the platform.
Samyang America reported that Americans accounted for the majority of the 1 billion Buldak instant ramen packets sold in the second half of 2025, with sales reaching $419 million last year, up from $50 million three years ago.
— Sarah Zimmerman
‘Breaking Bad’ stars break into tequila
“Breaking Bad” actors Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul are expanding their mezcal company, Dos Hombres, to include tequila offerings.
Dos Hombres, founded by the actors in 2019 and partially owned by Constellation Brands, is launching blanco and reposado tequila varieties, each with a 40% ABV.
Produced in partnership with Tequilera Tap Distillery in Jalisco, Mexico, the tequilas are double-distilled and made with slow-roasted Tequilana Blue Weber and volcanic water.
The blanco tequila, with flavor notes of black pepper, lime, and orange zest, was released on May 1, while the reposado, aged in bourbon barrels from Four Roses, will be available later in 2026.
Dos Hombres is also unveiling new packaging designs to coincide with the tequila launch, priced at $39.99 and $49.99 to cater to the growing interest in high-end and premium tequila offerings.
— Laurel Deppen