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Leftovers: Reese’s PB&J Big Cups, Clif Bar’s Caffeinated Collection, and Smash Kitchen Condiments
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.
Reese’s bites into a PB&J
Reese’s is turning the popular peanut butter and jelly sandwich into its iconic chocolate cup form.
The confection brand announced on Tuesday — National PB&J Day — that it is launching Reese’s PB&J Big Cups. The brand sidesteps the ongoing PB&J debate over which jelly flavor is best — strawberry or grape — by rolling out both products.
“PB&J is an all-time classic, and Reese’s was always the missing piece—so we fixed it!” Melissa Blette, senior brand manager at Reese’s, said in a statement. “Putting our spin on the iconic sandwich wasn’t just about great taste; it was about bringing back that feel-good nostalgia with every bite.”
Hershey’s multi-billion dollar Reese’s brand goes through about 160 million pounds of peanut butter annually, enough for more than 1 billion PB&Js, the company said. The confection has introduced its peanut butter cups loaded with other sweet and salty treats before, including caramel, potato chips, pretzels, chocolate filling, and Reese’s Pieces.
Reese’s PB&J Big Cups are available at retailers nationwide for a limited time in standard, king, and snack-size multipacks.
The average American eats almost 3,000 PB&Js in their lifetime, and the average adult eats one approximately three times a month, according to data from the National Peanut Board.
—Christopher Doering
Clif Bars get a caffeine kick
Mondelēz is giving an extra energy boost to Clif Bars with the launch of caffeinated offerings.
Clif Bar’s Caffeinated Collection contains approximately 65 milligrams of caffeine, equivalent to one espresso shot, according to a release. The Vanilla Almond and Caramel Chocolate Chip flavors were developed with professional women’s basketball star Breanna Stewart and tennis pro Frances Tiafoe.
“Sometimes, you need that extra boost to get moving on the journey to raise your bar,” Nicolas Henault, Clif Bar’s senior marketing director, said in a statement. “Our Caffeinated Collection not only delivers a kick of caffeine to help you tackle your next workout, but it also helps provide the sustained energy that CLIF BAR is known for.”
Overall coffee consumption has declined 5% during the past four years, according to a Datassential report, as prices rise and more people look to get their caffeine fix from energy drinks or other more convenient sources.
—Sarah Zimmerman
Hollywood star Glen Powell releases condiment line
Glen Powell — star of recent box office hits like “Twisters,” “Anyone But You,” and “Top Gun: Maverick” — has debuted Smash Kitchen, a line of better-for-you shelf-stable condiments.
The brand’s portfolio includes regular and hot honey-flavored varieties of ketchup and barbecue sauce; regular and Dijon mustard; and regular and spicy mayonnaise. Smash Kitchen products are organic and made without “artificial nonsense, and things that no one can pronounce,” according to the brand.
Sean Kane, the co-founder and president of Smash Kitchen, said in the press release the brand doesn’t want to stop at condiments and plans to “transform the entire pantry, bringing delicious, organic options to every shelf, one category at a time.”
The products are available exclusively at Walmart.
“Through fitness, I became more aware and educated on better-for-you foods – and I started to see just how many questionable ingredients were hiding in everyday pantry staples,” Powell said in a statement. “It was clear we needed to make a clean condiment brand– no second-guessing, just great flavors that connect us to the moments we love.”
In recent years, condiment makers have debuted new products to fulfill the desire for healthier alternatives. Last year, Kraft Heinz launched a line of dipping and meal sauces through its Primal Kitchen brand.
—Chris Casey