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Kraft Mac & Cheese introduces Pizza flavor
Can’t decide between pizza or macaroni and cheese? Now you can have both.
Kraft Heinz has launched a limited-edition Pizza flavor of its iconic mac and cheese, available at retailers nationwide during the back-to-school season. The new flavor features savory notes of garlic and classic Italian spices.
To celebrate the launch, Kraft Heinz is offering consumers in New York City, Chicago, and Detroit the opportunity to have the macaroni and cheese flavor delivered to their doorstep in as little as 15 minutes, complete with a custom Kraft Mac & Cheese pizza delivery box.
Cheryl Barbee, communications director for Kraft Mac & Cheese at Kraft Heinz, stated, “Pizza is such an iconic food, and we wanted to create something totally out of the (blue) box to introduce the world to our newest limited-edition flavor. From the scented delivery box to the rapid delivery timing, red pepper flakes, and even our note to the fans designed to look like a ‘guest check,’ we really lean into the sensorial elements of the pizza delivery experience.”
The $2.9 billion shelf-stable macaroni and cheese market is poised for significant growth, with a near-term opportunity exceeding $100 million. Consumers enjoy the popular side dish an average of 22 times a year, according to Nestlé.
Kraft Heinz continues to introduce new limited-time flavors of its pasta brand, with a recent launch of a smoky barbecue flavor for the summer.
Kraft Heinz previously mentioned that nearly half of Americans customize their macaroni and cheese with extra seasonings and ingredients, known as “mac hacks.”
— Christopher Doering
Hain Celestial unveils new functional teas
Hain Celestial has introduced a range of wellness teas designed to support consumers throughout the day, expanding beyond bedtime.
The company, known for Sleepytime tea, has expanded its wellness tea portfolio to include functional beverages that boost mood, immunity, and digestive health. Lee Nelson, marketing director of Celestial Seasonings, stated, “More than ever, health-conscious consumers are looking to their daily cup of tea as part of their overall wellness ritual.”
The new teas include Good Vibes Lemon Mint, Detox Blend Dandelion, and She-Well Raspberry Leaf, each offering unique benefits. Celestial also offers an Everyday Wellness variety pack featuring four functional Sleepytime teas.
All new teas are currently available at Walmart, with Good Vibes Lemon Mint remaining an exclusive at the retailer. The other teas will be available at nationwide retailers later this summer.
As more consumers seek beverages to support their health, the demand for functional drinks has contributed to growth in the beverage industry, with non-alcoholic sales surpassing alcohol sales.
— Sarah Zimmerman
Progresso launches BBQ-inspired soup flavors
General Mills’ Progresso brand introduces Progresso Pitmaster, a line of BBQ-inspired soups that capture the essence of a classic backyard cookout.
The new soups, such as BBQ-Style Grilled Chicken and Fire Roasted Corn, Hearty Smokehouse-Style Steak and Potatoes with Roasted Vegetables, Sausage and Beer Cheese with Potatoes, Smokehouse-Style Grilled Chicken and Potato with Roasted Vegetables, and Steakhouse-Style Steak & Bean, offer between 14 and 20 grams of protein per can.
María Carolina Comings, business unit director at General Mills, expressed, “With Progresso Pitmaster, we’ve packed all the bold, smoky, familiar flavors of a backyard cookout into one easy bowl.”
Sales of soup and convenient meal options have increased as consumers cook more at home. Campbell’s noted that consumers are preparing meals at home at the highest level since early 2020.
— Sarah Zimmerman