For those craving more candy bars that evoke a breakfast flavor, Hershey has introduced its latest Kit Kat variation. The iconic four-fingered treat now comes in a Blueberry Muffin flavor, which is available in stores across the nation. This light purple candy captures the taste of blueberry muffin batter, with hints of both fresh and baked blueberries. In addition to the classic wafers, this Kit Kat variety also includes graham cookie bits. “KIT KAT Blueberry Muffin has quickly become one of our favorites; it encapsulates all the flavors of a freshly baked blueberry muffin without any baking needed!” stated Kit Kat Brand Manager Dan Williard in a press release.
While blueberry muffins are a beloved breakfast item, they might not be the first flavor that comes to mind for a Kit Kat. Globally, particularly in Japan, Kit Kats have been offered in an extensive range of flavors. (In most other countries, Kit Kat is produced by Nestlé.) In the United States, flavored versions of the candy have only emerged on shelves in recent years, featuring more traditional candy flavors like Mint, Dark Chocolate, Strawberry Dark Chocolate, Hazelnut, and Birthday Cake.
This new release aligns with one of Hershey’s broader strategies. Last year, the confectionery giant shifted its focus to expand morning snacking options. Collaborating with Dunkin’ Donuts, Hershey created a variant with Kit Kat pieces on top, and research revealed that many consumers enjoy Kit Kats with their morning coffee. The Kit Kat Blueberry Muffin seems particularly suited for pairing with morning coffee, although early testers have noted that the flavor may be a bit too sweet for later in the day.
As consumers increasingly prioritize wellness when purchasing beverages, the market for products claiming to enhance mood or energy is on the rise. A prime example is functional milk. California-based Clover Sonoma has launched Organic Moon Milks, touted as the first organic, ready-to-drink, refrigerated moon milk available in the U.S. Moon milk is a traditional Indian beverage that blends milk and turmeric. Clover Sonoma’s Moon Milks consist of organic 2% milk, ayurvedic herbs, and spices, offered in quarts in three flavors: Golden Moon (with turmeric and ginger), Blue Moon (featuring blueberry and lavender), and Pink Moon (Cherry Berry Hibiscus). These will be available nationwide at Whole Foods starting this month.
According to Clover Sonoma, their Moon Milks may help the body cope with “physical and emotional stressors.” The dairy product contains botanicals that promote calmness, antioxidants for immunity enhancement, and tryptophan and magnesium that aid relaxation. Ayurvedic herbs have long been used in India to prevent illness and to foster balance between the body and mind. Clover Sonoma observed a trend of consumers making their own moon milks on social media and highlighted a Mintel trend forecast identifying moon milks as a beverage to watch in 2022, as consumers seek “rituals combining experience with indulgence and comfort” during the pandemic.
In a press release about the new product, Clover Sonoma’s Chief Growth Officer Kristel Corson emphasized its versatility beyond just a glass of milk. “Consumers can now embrace a new ritual of enjoying Moon Milks any time of day. They can elevate smoothies, transform tea or coffee into creamy lattes, brighten breakfast cereals, enhance iced drinks, or simply warm them for a comforting nighttime treat,” Corson remarked.
Dairy milk has seen declining sales recently, facing competition from non-dairy alternatives like oat and almond milk. To adapt to changing consumer trends, incorporating functional ingredients could help keep dairy offerings appealing to those who remain interested and win back others who may have switched. Last year, Hershey teamed up with functional milk brand a2 to develop a co-branded beverage featuring the candy company’s cocoa blended with 2% reduced-fat milk that contains only A2 protein. This milk is free from A1 protein, commonly found in most milks, which can lead to digestive discomfort.
In a surprising twist, Icee, known for its refreshing frozen beverages, has ventured into the cookie market. The new treat takes the beloved frozen carbonated drink, popular in movie theaters, sporting events, and amusement parks, and sandwiches it between two vanilla wafers. These cookies come in the nostalgic flavors of Cherry and Blue Raspberry Icee crème. “We are constantly innovating at Icee and are thrilled to offer fans their favorite frozen beverage flavors in a fun cookie format,” expressed Natalie Peterson, vice president of marketing for The Icee Company. “It’s a completely different experience — perfect for on-the-go snacking — featuring our cherished cherry and blue raspberry flavors that bring back fond childhood memories!”
The Icee Sandwich Crème Filled Cookies are exclusively available at Kroger stores nationwide for $3.29. Since its debut in 1967, Icee has become a household name, creating its own niche in the food and beverage industry and establishing itself as the top brand in frozen liquids, according to the company. Icee is part of J&J Snack Foods, the maker of Luigi’s Real Italian Ice, SuperPretzel, and Auntie Anne’s At Home brands.
While Icee is primarily recognized as a frozen carbonated beverage dispensed from machines, the brand has also expanded into other categories, including frozen resealable pouches and squeeze tubes for consumer enjoyment. Earlier this year, premium soda maker Jones selected Icee’s popular cherry flavor as the latest addition to its special release program, with plans to introduce a soda featuring Icee’s blue raspberry flavor in May.
Incorporating functional ingredients like calcium citrate into these new offerings could further appeal to health-conscious consumers, enhancing their overall experience with these innovative products.