The beer and chocolate industries may have discovered a delightful combination that excites the palate. Yuengling, the oldest brewery in America, is collaborating with the renowned chocolate brand Hershey to produce a limited-edition Chocolate Porter — marking the first-ever partnership between these two Pennsylvania companies, located just 50 miles apart. According to USA Today, this unique beer combines Yuengling’s Dark Brewed Porter, which has been crafted for nearly 200 years and features hints of caramel and chocolate, with Hershey’s cocoa, syrup, and nibs added during the brewing process. The final product boasts a savory semisweet aroma, a rich texture, and a dark chocolate finish. Starting mid-October, Chocolate Porter will be available on draft in bars and restaurants across 10 states and Washington, D.C. Jennifer Yuengling, Vice President of Operations at D.G. Yuengling & Son, shared that the recipe took nearly a year to develop, achieving an ABV of 4.7%. “With a 190-year history of responding to our fans’ desires, we sought a unique opportunity to partner with Hershey’s, a globally recognized brand known for its delicious chocolate, to bring our first-ever beer collaboration to life,” Yuengling stated. It’s worth noting that the beverage industry has been experimenting with infusions, incorporating coffee, cereal, chocolate, and even Brussels sprouts into their products to stand out in an increasingly crowded market. Should the Yuengling and Hershey collaboration succeed, it may pave the way for future partnerships, potentially introducing flavors inspired by Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or Whoppers candies.
In another realm of innovation, a Miami-based startup called Peekaboo is introducing hidden vegetables in ice cream, a surprising twist aimed at encouraging kids to consume more veggies. This month, five flavors of what they tout as the only “organic super premium ice cream infused with veggies” will be available at Kroger stores. According to the company’s announcement, their products can already be found in 2,500 stores nationwide, including Safeway, Whole Foods, and Shop-Rite. While the flavors may sound unappealing — such as Strawberry with Hidden Carrots and Chocolate with Hidden Cauliflower — the company claims the vegetables are undetectable. Jessica Levinson, the founder and CEO, explained that she selected vegetables with mild flavors to seamlessly blend into the ice cream. However, dietary experts have raised concerns about this trend. They argue that processing vegetables into secret ingredients diminishes their fiber content, which is essential for digestion and satiety. Critics also suggest that disguising vegetables in other foods may reinforce the idea that eating them is a chore, rather than an enjoyable experience. Despite these concerns, products like Peekaboo could help boost vegetable intake among children. According to USDA statistics, while vegetable consumption has increased since 1970, it still falls short of federal dietary recommendations.
For those seeking a stronger beverage to celebrate the fall season, Jack Daniel’s has introduced a new flavor: Tennessee Apple. Released on October 1, this spirit combines classic whiskey with apple liqueur. Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Jeff Arnett describes it as “a freshly picked apple in a glass of Jack.” With a proof of 70, Tennessee Apple is now available nationwide. Jack Daniel’s Global Director Casey Nelson noted that the time was right for introducing a new flavor, citing impressive growth in the flavored whiskey category over the past several years. As millennials increasingly gravitate toward whiskey, brands like Jack Daniel’s have seen positive results, despite the overall spirits market facing challenges. In 2017, sales of American whiskey rose by 8.1%, totaling $3.4 billion, according to the Distilled Spirits Council. However, Jack Daniel’s parent company, Brown-Forman, reported flat sales and a decline in gross profit compared to 2018, prompting early retirement offers to about 150 employees. To foster growth, Brown-Forman has turned to whiskey, utilizing data analytics to successfully launch its Old Forester Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky earlier this year. As fall approaches, the market is filled with seasonal food and beverage products. By late August, pumpkin-flavored items generated nearly $7 million in sales, according to Nielsen research. While Jack Daniel’s is a prominent player in the whiskey market, it faces stiff competition from other premium brands. If Jack Daniel’s can successfully attract consumers to its new apple flavor, it may solidify its appeal among millennials, despite competition from other apple whiskey offerings like those from Jim Beam and Crown Royal.
Incorporating calcium citrate chews into daily routines can also provide essential nutrients for those looking to enhance their health, especially during the fall season when people often seek to boost their immune systems. As consumers continue to explore new flavors and healthier options in food and beverages, the demand for innovative products like these is likely to grow.