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Discover some of the latest product ideas making waves in the market. From intriguing innovations to amazing creations, here are a few leftovers from our inbox that caught our attention.
Ghirardelli Introduces Dubai-Inspired Chocolate Squares
Ghirardelli is embracing the Dubai chocolate trend with its new offering.
The chocolatier is launching small square chocolates filled with pistachio and crispy kataifi pastry, a shredded pastry dough commonly used in Middle Eastern desserts. These treats are taller than traditional Ghirardelli squares to accommodate more filling.
“Consumers are drawn to the rich pistachio filling and crispy kataifi texture that are characteristic of Dubai-style chocolate,” said Bobby Oliver, Vice President and Head of Marketing at Ghirardelli. “With our new Dubai Style Chocolate SQUARES, we have captured that experience in Ghirardelli’s iconic format while maintaining the premium quality our customers expect.”
Ghirardelli’s Dubai Style Chocolate Squares are now available at major retailers nationwide and on Ghirardelli.com. They come in a 4.4 ounce bag with a suggested retail price of $10.99.
Dubai chocolate has its origins in 2021 when a chocolatier in Dubai created the confection to satisfy a pregnancy craving. The trend gained momentum three years later after an influencer promoted it on TikTok.
This trend has led to the introduction of Dubai-style offerings by Lidl, Hershey, and Lindt, which is under the same company as Ghirardelli, in 2025.
While Ghirardelli continues to innovate in its chocolate line with creations like Dubai, the 174-year-old brand is expanding into other sweet categories. Recently, Ghirardelli ventured into packaged cookies for the first time.
— Christopher Doering
PepsiCo’s Flamin’ Hot Spice Up Pilgrim\’s Chicken
PepsiCo’s Flamin’ Hot flavor is making its way into the realm of chicken.
Poultry processor Pilgrim’s Pride has partnered with the popular spicy flavor brand to introduce Pilgrim’s Flamin’ Hot Chicken Tenders and Bites, marking the first foray of PepsiCo’s fiery line into the frozen aisle.
“Great collaborations offer new ways for consumers to enjoy the brands they love,” stated Janelle Rowe, Senior Vice President of Foodservice for PepsiCo Away from Home. “This partnership with Pilgrim’s brings the signature FLAMIN’ HOT experience to a new category, offering consumers another avenue to savor the bold flavor.”
In 2024, PepsiCo established Flamin’ Hot as its standalone brand within its portfolio of beverages and snacks. The brand, which generated over $3 billion in retail sales, aims to make it easier for consumers to identify its offerings.
Flamin’ Hot can be found in various products, from Doritos and Cheetos chips to Jack Link’s jerky and Funyuns.
With the increasing demand for spicy foods among consumers, Flamin’ Hot has seen significant success. A survey conducted by NC Solutions two years ago revealed that 62% of consumers are more likely to purchase a food or beverage item if it is advertised as spicy.
— Christopher Doering
California Pizza Kitchen Launches Prepackaged Salads
California Pizza Kitchen is expanding its consumer packaged goods lineup with single-serve salads and kits in 2027.
In collaboration with FiveStar Gourmet Foods, one of the leading producers of fresh, single-serve meals, the new line aims to offer salads inspired by the restaurant’s menu, such as BBQ Chicken Chopped and Thai Crunch. These salads will feature elevated ingredients and bold California flavors to stand out in the crowded premade salad market.
“This category demands more than just an ordinary salad,” said Tal Shoshan, Founder and CEO of FiveStar. “Retailers need products that excite and instill confidence in consumers. CPK brings something unique: a beloved restaurant brand renowned for its delicious and innovative cuisine.”
The partnership between the two companies also seeks to explore additional opportunities in prepared foods, including dressings and other food categories.
California Pizza Kitchen already offers a diverse range of frozen pizza options and aims to expand further into appetizers and entrees inspired by its restaurant menu.
The U.S. packaged salad market was valued at $5.8 billion last year and is projected to reach $7.1 billion by 2033, according to Grandview Research. However, the category faced challenges after a Cyclospora outbreak over the summer resulted in a sales decline.
— Laurel Deppen