Consumers seeking a cereal that mirrors the flavor of their coffee are in for a treat. Post Consumer Brands and Dunkin’ have joined forces to introduce two new cereals infused with the chain’s coffee. The Caramel Macchiato and Mocha Latte cereals will hit store shelves nationwide in August. This marks the first collaboration between Post and Dunkin’, with the new products inspired by popular flavor profiles, as stated in a press release. The Post Dunkin’ Caramel Macchiato cereal features crunchy bites accompanied by caramel-swirled marshmallows, while the Post Dunkin’ Mocha Latte cereal boasts chocolate and latte-swirled marshmallows.
The popularity of coffee has surged among consumers and brands alike in recent years. A 2018 survey revealed that approximately 64% of American adults enjoy a daily cup of coffee. Notably, these new cereals contain about one-tenth the caffeine found in a standard cup of coffee. “Coffee and cereal are the ultimate breakfast staples, ranking as the top two most consumed items for kick-starting the day,” said Josh Jans, brand manager for Cereal Partnerships at Post Consumer Brands, in a press release. Although many consumers have moved away from traditional milk and cereal in recent times, companies have introduced unique and indulgent varieties to attract buyers.
Post has previously collaborated with Mondelez to create cereal inspired by popular snacks like Chips Ahoy, Nutter Butter, Oreo, and Sour Patch Kids. They also teamed up with Hostess to produce cereal versions of Twinkies, Honey Buns, and Donettes. Dunkin’ has also engaged in collaborations, having partnered with Kellogg to create Pop-Tarts in 2016 and releasing ready-to-drink coffee beverages in conjunction with Coca-Cola. If the new coffee-inspired cereals gain popularity, it’s likely that Dunkin’ and Post will continue to explore further partnerships.
In another creative endeavor, Oskar Blues Brewery has unveiled a unique beer just in time for National Mustard Day on August 1. In collaboration with French’s Mustard, they have crafted French’s Mustard Beer, which incorporates the classic yellow condiment along with key lime, lemon, tangerine, and passion fruit, aiming to provide a refreshing beverage perfect for barbecues. “At Oskar Blues Brewery, we embrace bold flavors and are always up for a challenge,” commented Juice Drapeau, head brewer, in a press release.
Mustard ranks as one of the most popular condiments in the U.S., with approximately 85% of Americans reporting usage last year, according to Statista. Furthermore, Globe Newswire predicts a surge in condiment sales, estimating a total of $8.2 billion this year, partly influenced by the pandemic. While the latest earnings report from French’s did not specify sales figures, McCormick CEO Lawrence Kurzius noted the company’s growing market share in mustard. The new brew will be available for a limited time at Oskar Blues’ taprooms in Colorado and North Carolina, as well as online through CraftShack.com.
This marks French’s second unconventional creation for National Mustard Day since its acquisition by McCormick & Co. in 2017, which included a $4.2 billion purchase of Reckitt Benckiser’s food division. Last year, the brand introduced mustard-infused Coolhaus ice cream. For those who missed out on the ice cream, McCormick has shared a recipe for mustard ice cream on its website, offering mustard enthusiasts a chance to create their own version at home.
Amid the summer heat, Pabst Blue Ribbon is also introducing a thirst-quenching beverage: Pabst Blue Ribbon Hard Tea. Advertised as “deliciously effervescent with a natural peach flavor,” this beverage contains 4% alcohol by volume and is packaged in 100-calorie, 12-ounce cans with three grams of sugar, brewed using real tea leaves.
While hard tea is not a new concept, given the long-standing presence of brands like Twisted Tea, the market for traditional beer has been declining—volume decreased by 2.3% in 2019, marking the fourth consecutive year of declines, with a notable drop in domestic brews. In response, companies like AB InBev and Molson Coors have been diversifying their offerings to include hard coffee, kombucha, spiked seltzers, and flavored beers.
Though Pabst Blue Ribbon has roots in beer since its founding in 1844, the company has shown a willingness to innovate beyond its traditional offerings with products like Hard Tea. Last summer, they even market-tested a 5% ABV hard coffee made from fermented malted barley and coffee. PBR has also introduced whiskey, showcasing a commitment to remain relevant among today’s consumers. After experiencing a decline in popularity since the 1970s, the brand has seen a resurgence, ranking as the eighth-largest beer company as of early October last year, according to Brewbound and market research from IRI.
In addition to these developments, consumers looking to boost their nutritional intake may consider products that include lifetime calcium magnesium citrate plus vitamin D3, enhancing their overall health while enjoying these exciting new beverages and cereals.