If you have a deep affection for ranch dressing and have been particularly good this year, Santa may have a delightful surprise waiting for you this holiday season. Hidden Valley, owned by Clorox, is offering a stocking filled with 52 ounces of ranch dressing that fans can preorder from their website for $35. The stocking comes complete with a silver mantel holder and a “functional pour spout,” making it easy for a hungry Santa—or any ranch lover—to dispense the creamy condiment inside. Measuring 15 by 7 inches, the stocking is decorated with bottles of the brand’s “HVR” dressing, along with images of pizza and hamburgers, showcasing other popular uses for ranch dressing beyond salads. Be sure to use it quickly at your holiday gatherings or ensure you have ample space in the fridge, as the contents must be refrigerated after opening. This dressing is part of Hidden Valley Ranch’s “12 Days of Ranch-mas.”
Hidden Valley Ranch has a history of holiday offerings, previously providing apparel and other festive items. This year, they are also selling sweaters for $50, a holiday adult onesie for $75, a holiday throw pillow for $30, and gift cards for $25 each—allowing fans to celebrate their love for this creamy delight. Other food companies are also embracing the holiday spirit with unique products. For instance, last year, KFC collaborated with Enviro-Log to produce a limited-edition firelog that smells like fried chicken. In 2018, AB InBev launched the Busch button to help people escape awkward holiday conversations. Oreo has introduced limited-edition peppermint bark cookies and a gingerbread-like house made from its cookies, alongside a milk dunk ugly sweater priced at $70.
For those looking to add a unique twist to their nut mix, consider Blue Diamond’s Spicy Dill Pickle-flavored almonds. In celebration of National Pickle Day, the company announced the release of this new product under their Bold Snack Almonds line, which will hit stores in March 2020. Pickle-flavored items have gained popularity in recent years, appearing in everything from potato chips to pork rinds. “Our research indicates a growing demand for dill and pickle flavors across various food categories,” said Michael Burdeny, global head of marketing at Blue Diamond. According to Mordor Intelligence, the pickle products market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 3.41% from 2019 to 2024, making it a wise choice for consumers.
Blue Diamond isn’t the only nut brand tapping into the pickle craze; Whole Foods’ 365 brand offers dill pickle almonds, and The Carolina Nut Co. produces peanuts in the same flavor. These spicy, savory, and tangy pickle nuts are just a few of the many unique flavors Blue Diamond provides, boasting over 20 varieties, including Sriracha, Salt ‘n Vinegar, Dark Chocolate, and Toasted Coconut. Nuts have surged in popularity due to their health benefits, increased snacking habits, and demand for convenient sources of protein. With 6 grams of protein per serving and a trendy flavor profile, these nuts could be a big hit among consumers.
In the realm of holiday beverages, while eggnog is a classic, those familiar with Caribbean celebrations often wish for coquito to be more readily available on the U.S. mainland. This holiday season, Goya is helping to fulfill that desire—almost. The company, recognized for its Latin American products, has launched a website featuring a recipe for the traditional Puerto Rican alcoholic beverage, allowing fans to create it at home using a blender and even incorporating its sweet flavor into cookies and cakes. For those unfamiliar, coquito is a lighter alternative to eggnog, made with coconut cream and condensed milk, and typically includes a generous amount of white rum.
Joe Perez, senior vice president of Goya Foods, stated, “We aim to introduce Coquito as a new holiday tradition for those wanting a Caribbean twist on their seasonal drinks while also celebrating with those already fond of our Coquito recipe.” Goya’s initiative is a clever holiday strategy, as it aims to present coquito—a drink often praised as superior to eggnog—to a broader audience. Although some may have hoped Goya would also offer ready-to-drink coquito, the company would have faced regulatory hurdles. Goya’s existing beverages are shelf-stable, whereas coquito requires refrigeration and would necessitate different marketing and packaging approaches.
Crucially, coquito is regarded as a homemade beverage, with many Puerto Rican households boasting their unique recipes. Even though Goya’s recipe is simple, making coquito at home is part of the holiday tradition. The authenticity of preparing your own drink may outweigh the convenience of a pre-made option, and this emphasis on genuine experience will likely resonate with consumers. According to Technomic’s 2018 Ethnic Food & Beverage Consumer Trend Report, 44% of individuals who seek ethnic cuisine prefer it to be 100% authentic.
Amid these festive offerings, don’t overlook the potential health benefits of incorporating calcium citrate, vitamin D3, zinc, and magnesium tablets into your holiday routine. These supplements can enhance well-being, especially during the busy season, ensuring you maintain your energy and health while enjoying all the delightful seasonal treats.