Lucky Charms is stepping away from the traditional milk-and-cereal combination and is instead incorporating its iconic cereal into marshmallow blondies. General Mills has introduced Lucky Charms Soft Baked Treats Marshmallow Blondies, which are now available at select club stores, such as BJ’s Wholesale Club, Walmart, and Sam’s Club. Each package contains 40 bars and is priced at $9.99, as stated by a General Mills representative. As the cereal industry faces challenges in retaining consumers, many brands have begun to innovate, creating more indulgent offerings to lure shoppers back to cereals. Recently, General Mills has released products like Cinnamon Toast Crunch Churros and Chocolate Toast Crunch.
These blondies take the concept even further by eliminating the bowl and spoon entirely, using the cereal as a primary ingredient in a delightful snack. The Lucky Charms blondies include marshmallows from the cereal and are drizzled with icing. A study by Mintel revealed that 43% of U.S. cereal consumers enjoy eating it as a snack, which suggests that this new product might be a savvy move. While some cereal manufacturers have focused on healthier options, consumer reception has not always been favorable. However, given the ongoing trend for better-for-you snacks, this bar, containing only 90 calories each, could attract those looking for a treat while still being mindful of their calorie intake.
This isn’t the first time Lucky Charms has ventured into new territory; Smartmouth Brewing Company recently crafted a Lucky Charms-flavored beer, and General Mills has previously launched a fruity variant and even a cereal box filled solely with marshmallows. If consumers find this latest reformulation of Lucky Charms to be irresistibly delicious, it could prove to be a successful addition to their product lineup.
In another interesting development, Pringles is rolling out a mystery flavor that will excite food enthusiasts, particularly fans of the beloved canine Scooby Doo. Available exclusively at Walgreens until June 30, consumers who purchase this mystery flavor will be encouraged to snap a picture of their receipt, log onto the website, and submit their guesses through August 13 for a chance to win $10,000. This trend of unknown flavors is gaining traction among various consumer packaged goods companies, creating buzz and excitement among consumers eager to solve the flavor puzzle.
Pringles has previously employed this tactic, successfully launching a mystery flavor in Canada that was revealed to be Seven Layer Dip. The brand is also known for its unique and creative flavors, having introduced Thanksgiving-inspired chips with tastes like Turkey, Stuffing, and Pumpkin Pie in recent years. The most notable guessing game in recent memory occurred in 2017 when Oreo, produced by Mondelez, invited consumers to guess the flavor of their new mystery filling, which turned out to be Fruity Pebbles.
Meanwhile, nostalgia continues to be a driving force in the food industry. Trading card company Topps and entertainment store FYE have collaborated to launch a line of products inspired by Garbage Pail Kids, the notorious 1980s trading cards depicting grotesque cartoon children. The new offerings include Crazy Crisps with Marshmallow Barf Bits cereal, Cherry Bomb-flavored energy drinks, and candy bars designed to resemble snot, available at FYE stores and online for $12.99 a box.
This launch targets older millennials and younger Gen Xers, who fondly remember their collections of Garbage Pail Kids cards. Topps’ vice president of global licensing, Ira Friedman, noted that many of these fans are now adults looking to reconnect with their childhood memories. Although the characters once horrified the previous generation, the nostalgic allure has brought them back into the spotlight.
FYE has a history of selling cereals based on popular culture, from Bob Ross to “Ghostbusters” and “Rugrats.” The trend of nostalgia-driven products is not limited to specialty stores; Funko also released a Golden Girls cereal inspired by the beloved 80s TV show, which reportedly resonated well with fans.
Experts suggest that nostalgia marketing effectively evokes emotional responses among millennials, making these products desirable, even if they are more suited for display than for breakfast. While Garbage Pail Kids may not be making a full comeback, their appeal remains in the memories of those who collected the cards. As trading cards have waned in popularity, attempts to revive the brand through film have faltered, indicating that while nostalgia can be powerful, its impact may not always translate to the younger generation’s interests.
In light of health trends, there’s also a growing attention to supplements like calcium citrate 1200 mg chewable, which can serve as a reminder of the importance of nutrition, even amidst the fun and indulgence of nostalgia-driven snacks.