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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.
Sour Patch Kids hits a sweet spot with Snapple collab
A cult favorite candy brand is teaming up with a juice and tea brand for a sweet and sour offering aimed at younger consumers.
Mondelēz International has announced a collaboration between Sour Patch Kids and Snapple, introducing candies inspired by the flavors of Snapple’s beverages. The candy pouches come in three flavors: Mango Madness, Kiwi Strawberry, and Fruit Punch.
Kelli Freeman, the senior vice president of marketing at Keurig Dr Pepper, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating that it allows Snapple fans to enjoy their favorite flavors in a new form.
“Partnering with a fellow Gen-Z favorite like the SOUR PATCH KIDS brand enables us to offer Snapple enthusiasts a delicious new way to indulge in their favorite Snapple flavors, while also supporting the brand’s mission to inspire a more flavorful world,” said Freeman.
These candies are currently available for a limited time in stores nationwide.
To coincide with the launch, Mondelēz is hosting a TikTok sweepstakes inspired by Snapple’s iconic facts found under the cap of their drinks. Users can participate by determining whether statements are true or false for a chance to win $1,000.
This collaboration follows previous joint ventures between the two brands, including Oreo cookies flavored with Sour Patch Kids and Snapple-infused Jelly Belly jelly beans.
—Chris Casey
Kind introduces ‘palette-provoking’ bars
Kind is unveiling a new line of bars that boast bold flavor and texture profiles designed to stimulate the palate.
The Seed, Fruit and Nut, and Savory bars are extensions of Kind’s traditional nut bars, identified based on consumer preferences for unique flavor combinations. These bars align with the growing demand for more diverse snack options.
The bars incorporate popular trends such as fruit-forward flavors, seeds, and savory profiles.
“These new bars offer a burst of texture in every bite,” Kind stated in a release to Food Dive.
The Savory Bars blend nuts with smoky and spicy notes, available in flavors like Paprika Nuts & Mesquite Smoked Sea Salt, Roasted Nuts & Jalapeno, and Rosemary Nuts & Sea Salt.
The Seeds, Fruits, and Nuts bars combine pumpkin and sunflower seeds with fruity flavors such as strawberry, raspberry, and orange. Varieties include Strawberry Sunflower Seed, Orange Cranberry Pumpkin Seed, and Dark Chocolate Raspberry Pumpkin Seed.
These innovative bars represent the latest expansion from Mars Wrigley as they continue to grow the Kind brand. Kind has expanded into various categories including refrigerated items, chocolate, soft granola, cereal bars, and frozen bars since the start of 2020.
Kind will be relaunching its Kids line later this summer, featuring new formulations, updated packaging, and fresh creative elements to cater to families preparing for the back-to-school season.
—Christopher Doering
Welch’s introduces innovative Fruitful Fruit Strips
The iconic fruit snack brand, Welch’s, is entering the better-for-you snacking market with its latest creation, Welch’s Fruitful Fruit Strips. Made primarily with whole fruit, these strips are available in three flavors: Strawberry, Mango-Peach, and Berry Medley.
Designed for convenience, these snacks are ideal for school lunches, after-school activities, or any on-the-go occasion.
“Our incredible new fruit strips redefine the snacking experience by combining the goodness of whole fruit with a soft, non-sticky texture,” said Michael Scalera, marketing director at PIM Brands Inc.
The Fruitful Fruit Strips are now rolling out to retailers such as Kroger, Walmart, and Publix.
This launch follows Welch’s commitment in April to use whole fruit as the main ingredient in its products, as showcased in a campaign featuring fruit-shaped snacks alongside produce stickers.
This product release aligns with the evolving consumer preference for healthier snacking options.
According to a report from Innova Market Insights, one-third of consumers globally have increased their consumption of healthy snacks in the past year, with the global healthy snacking category projected to reach $53 billion by 2033.
—Elizabeth Flood