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Welcome to Leftovers: A Look at Quirky Food Products
Leftovers is our exploration of the latest food product ideas making waves. Some are intriguing, some are delightful, and some are just plain wacky. We can’t cover everything we receive, so here are some highlights from our inbox.
Progresso Introduces Candied Soup Drops
General Mills has unveiled a unique new product that combines the comforting taste of soup with the sweetness of candy.
Progresso Soup Drops offer the flavor of Chicken Noodle Soup in a lemon drop candy shape. Described as “soup you can suck on,” these candies contain the essence of broth, vegetables, chicken, noodles, and parsley.
Available for a limited time on Thursdays this month, Progresso Soup Drops can be purchased on the brand’s website and come with a complimentary can of Chicken Noodle Soup.
The world of social media has allowed consumer packaged goods companies to experiment with limited-time offerings to generate buzz around well-known food items. From unexpected flavor combinations to unique collaborations, brands are constantly pushing the boundaries of taste.
In recent years, we’ve seen Kraft Heinz partner with Van Leeuwen for a Mac & Cheese ice cream flavor and team up with a winery for a Grey Poupon mustard-inspired wine blend.
— Chris Casey
Ragu Launches Hot Ones Heat Pack
Italian sauce brand Ragu is turning up the heat with its latest offering aimed at spicy food enthusiasts.
The Ragu Hot Ones Heat Pack includes three jars of sauce in increasing levels of spiciness: Fiery Garlic, Chipotle Blaze, and Chile Inferno. This limited-edition pack is designed to add a fiery kick to your meals and snacks.
As the popularity of spicy foods continues to rise, Ragu’s new heat pack caters to consumers’ growing appetite for bold flavors.
According to a survey, over half of Gen Z consumers consider themselves hot sauce connoisseurs, and the majority of all consumers are more likely to purchase spicy products. This trend has spurred innovation in the food and beverage industry, with brands like Kraft Heinz and Tajín introducing spicy offerings.
— Christopher Doering
Cheez-It Unveils Pizza-Inspired Flavors
Fans of margherita and pesto pizza can now enjoy the flavors of their favorite dishes in the form of Cheez-It crackers.
Kellanova has introduced two new Cheez-It varieties inspired by pizza flavors. Snap’d Extra Crunchy Margherita Pizza features tomato, basil, olive oil, and mozzarella tastes, while Duoz Pesto + Mozzarella combines green herbs, Italian cheeses, and garlic.
These new Cheez-It products will be available nationwide soon, adding to the brand’s innovative snack offerings.
Kellanova’s focus on expanding the Cheez-It brand has led to the introduction of various new products, including collaborations with Hidden Valley Ranch and unique flavors like Smoked Cheddar and Smoked Gouda. Drawing inspiration from the popularity of pizza flavors, Cheez-It’s latest creations are set to delight snack lovers everywhere.
— Chris Casey