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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.
Mochi maker scoops up ice cream sandwich
My/Mochi, known for its ice cream wrapped in sweet, pillowy rice dough, is expanding its offerings to include ice cream sandwiches.
The new mochi ice cream sandwiches, featuring mochi ice cream balls nestled between two soft cookies, cater to Gen Z consumers seeking multi-textured eating experiences. This marks a significant innovation for My/Mochi, which previously focused on introducing new flavors.
“We know consumers, especially Gen Z, are looking for more multi-sensorial experiences,” said Brigette Wolf, Chief Marketing Officer of My/Mochi. “Mochi ice cream is inherently dual-textured, but we understand that our consumers want more ways to enjoy mochi. After testing several concepts, ice cream sandwiches emerged as the clear favorite.”
The new mochi ice cream sandwiches, available in Strawberry Mochi Ice Cream with Sugar Cookie and Vanilla Mochi Ice Cream with Chocolate Chip Cookie flavors, will launch exclusively on Gopuff.
My/Mochi, the world’s largest producer of mochi ice cream, has experienced increased velocity, household penetration, and brand awareness through a strategic focus on marketing and innovation within its core business.
— Christopher Doering
Football stars kick off cereal partnership with General Mills
General Mills has teamed up with NFL receiver Justin Jefferson to introduce limited-edition cereal mixes as part of the “Cereal Training Camp” campaign.
Jefferson’s “Jettas Mix” combines Frosted Lemon Cheerios with Cinnamon Toast Crunch Strawberry for a fruity fusion that promises a winning flavor experience.
In addition to Jefferson, General Mills is collaborating with Ja’Marr Chase and Amon-Ra St. Brown on limited-edition cereal boxes featuring the NFL stars posing with their favorite cereals. Chase will be featured on Lucky Charms boxes, while St. Brown will adorn Honey Nut Cheerios boxes.
Jettas Mix and the limited-edition cereal boxes will be available nationwide in August.
By aligning with popular athletes like Jefferson, General Mills aims to reshape the image of cereal as a breakfast option for champions, emphasizing the connection between sports and nutrition.
Mindy Murray, Brand Experience Director for General Mills’ Morning Foods, highlighted that the launch focuses on “heart, hustle, and humor” to ensure that cereal and football fans start their day with a winning experience.
— Sarah Zimmerman
Ben’s Original launches portable rice cups for convenient cooking
Ben’s Original, owned by Mars, introduces single-serve rice cups with expanded flavors to cater to on-the-go consumers.
These microwave-ready cups, available in Jasmine Rice, Spanish Style Rice, Fried Rice, and Roasted Chicken flavors, can be enjoyed as a snack, side dish, or base for a meal.
The brand has also expanded its street food-inspired microwavable meal bowl line with new flavors like Honey BBQ Flavored Rice with Chicken and Teriyaki Style Rice with Chicken, which have become fan favorites since their launch in 2024.
With three-quarters of U.S. adults eating meals on the go and half of Gen Z expressing interest in convenient cooking products, Ben’s Original’s new offerings aim to make healthy eating more accessible and hassle-free.
David Jacobs, Vice President of Marketing at Mars Food & Nutrition North America, emphasized the convenience of the Single-Serve Cups in providing a delicious and filling option for busy lifestyles.
— Sarah Zimmerman