While many packaging innovations prioritize sustainability or freshness, Strauss Frito Lay has tackled a genuine consumer issue: Dorito fingers. This Israel-based joint venture with PepsiCo’s snack division has launched a unique bag for its bright orange chips, crafted from terry cloth. Consumers can place a bag of Doritos inside the towel bag, enjoy the chips, and then wipe their hands on the bag, preventing greasy orange dust from getting on everything they touch. This bag is reusable and machine washable, effectively making it a sustainable packaging solution.
Thus far, gamers have shown a keen interest in the towel bag, although it isn’t widely available yet, and there’s no indication of its release in the U.S. market. The campaign tagline for the towel bag is, “Even the most minor problems deserve brilliant solutions.” This sentiment is hard to dispute, particularly since it addresses a tangible issue—unlike the noise of crunching and chip crumbs that the company reportedly aimed to resolve with a line of snacks “for her.” At least this new sustainable bag is a step up from the notorious biodegradable Sun Chips bag, launched in 2010, which was so loud it was likened to a lawnmower or a jet engine.
In a different sector, oat milk is making its debut in the frozen dessert aisle. Danone’s So Delicious brand has announced a new line of Oatmilk Frozen Desserts. According to their release, these desserts use oat milk as a base, incorporating other ingredients for flavor. The oat milk ice creams will be available in three flavors: Peanut Butter & Raspberry, Oatmeal Cookie, and Caramel Apple Crumble.
The introduction of this ice cream aligns with the rapid expansion of the alternative dairy market, particularly the oat milk segment. Research from Markets and Markets predicts that the plant-based beverage market will surpass $19.67 billion by 2023. Danone has expressed interest in expanding this area of its portfolio, recently launching Oat Yeah, an oat-based milk alternative.
These new desserts are likely to attract consumers interested in the increasingly popular free-from trend, as they are dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO. However, competition in the vegan and dairy-free ice cream market is strong, with many products made from coconut and almond milk. Major competitors include Ben & Jerry’s, Häagen-Dazs, and Halo Top. Still, these desserts are the first to utilize oat milk, which is currently a highly sought-after milk alternative. Given its recent successes in other categories, it has the potential to become a hit.
Interestingly, as consumers explore alternatives, they may also consider the differences between calcium and calcium citrate, particularly regarding their health benefits. Calcium is essential for bone health, while calcium citrate is a more easily absorbed form, making it a popular choice for those who may have digestive concerns. The growing oat milk trend may also reflect a broader interest in understanding these differences and making informed dietary choices.