Following a successful prior collaboration, Goldfish crackers is once again teaming up with McCormick & Co. for a limited-time release. Campbell Soup, the parent company of Goldfish, is adding Old Bay seasoning—a blend of 18 herbs and spices such as black pepper, red pepper flakes, paprika, celery seed, and salt—to a new variety of their signature crackers. The packaging for this special edition mimics the classic yellow can of Old Bay. According to The Baltimore Sun, the product sold out online within nine hours, but more inventory is on its way to retailers. “What excites me most about this partnership is that Goldfish is once again making a bold statement for flavor enthusiasts,” stated Janda Lukin, chief marketing officer of Campbell Snacks. “Old Bay Seasoned Goldfish combines the fan bases of two iconic brands, offering consumers a fresh way to enjoy their favorite zesty flavor on a beloved fish-shaped cracker, just in time for summer.” This collaboration marks the second product offering between Goldfish and McCormick; last year, they launched limited-edition Frank’s RedHot flavored crackers, which became the fastest-selling cracker launch of summer, according to both companies.
Old Bay, originally found only in the Chesapeake Bay area of the eastern U.S., is now a staple seasoning across the nation and even internationally. While it is primarily recognized for enhancing seafood dishes such as shrimp, salmon, and crab, it is also used to season hamburgers, chicken, pizza, pasta, and vegetables. Unique products featuring Old Bay have even included ice cream and beer. The seasoning blend was created by Bavarian immigrant Gustav Brunn in 1939 after he escaped a Nazi concentration camp during WWII and settled in Baltimore. Initially named “Delicious Brand Shrimp and Crab Seasoning,” it was later renamed Old Bay.
In the frozen food sector, Real Good Foods has introduced a novel product: Crispy Chicken Shell Tacos, which replace the traditional tortilla with a chicken and cheese shell. These tacos feature fillings like seasoned beef and cheddar cheese, pulled chicken with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and shredded chicken with Oaxaca and cotija cheeses accompanied by tomatillo salsa from Cacique. Exclusively available at Walmart, these grain- and gluten-free tacos provide a health-conscious option, boasting 25 grams of protein and only 2 grams of net carbs per serving. “Unlike other options on the shelves that are made with processed grains and packed with carbohydrates, our nutritious tacos are low in carbs and high in protein,” said Bryan Freeman, executive chairman of Real Good Foods, though he admitted that designing a grain-free, low-carb chicken shell taco was a challenging task.
As consumers increasingly gravitate towards frozen foods during the pandemic, the variety of Mexican and southwestern offerings has expanded, reflecting better-for-you trends. Last year, frozen food brand Tattooed Chef acquired Foods of New Mexico for $35 million, a company known for ready-to-eat Mexican dishes like quesadillas, burritos, and sauces. Tattooed Chef also offers plant-based items, such as vegetarian enchilada bowls and Mexican-style street corn topped with cotija cheese. While Real Good Foods’ latest product is innovative, chicken shell tacos have already made appearances at restaurants, with Taco Bell introducing its Naked Chicken Chalupa featuring a fried chicken shell in 2017, and KFC launching the Kentaco—a fried chicken shell filled with lettuce, tomato, and cheese—at Singapore locations in 2020.
As global cuisine gains popularity, many consumers find it challenging to prepare exotic dishes at home without visiting specialty restaurants. Ayo Foods is addressing this issue by bringing authentic West African cuisine to U.S. consumers’ freezers. Since its inception in 2020, Ayo has partnered with chef Zoe Adjonyoh, known for her acclaimed restaurant Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen in London, to create two new dishes for their frozen line. “As an advocate for the wider adoption of New African cuisine, I’m thrilled to collaborate with Ayo Foods,” Adjonyoh said in a press release. “Food is a powerful connector, and I hope our meals promote greater appreciation for West Africa’s culinary heritage.” The newly launched products at Sprouts Farmers Market include Aboboi, a refreshing vegan stew flavored with bambara beans, red peppers, chiles, and Adjonyoh’s spice blends, and Groundnut Stew, also known as West African peanut soup, which combines peanuts, tomatoes, and chicken.
Ayo Foods aims to provide U.S. consumers with a taste of a region rich in gastronomic history, yet often underrepresented in grocery stores. Their main product line, available in over 4,000 stores nationwide—including Kroger, Whole Foods, and Target—features regional favorites such as Jollof Rice and Cassava Leaf Soup, along with a variety of hot sauces. Founded by Perteet and Fred Spencer, the company aims to honor Perteet’s Liberian heritage and fill a gap in grocery offerings. According to Chicago Inno, Ayo’s revenue surged by 850% in 2021, with expectations of over $5 million in sales for 2022. Adjonyoh is not the only notable chef Ayo has partnered with; they previously collaborated with Eric Adjepong, a Ghanaian “Top Chef” finalist, to create specialty dishes.
As the number of U.S. consumers trying African cuisine has risen by 6% to 8% since 2018, many are eager to explore these flavors but have yet to do so. Brands like Ayo Foods—meaning “joy” in Yoruba—are well-positioned to meet this growing demand. By collaborating with chefs like Adjonyoh, their products offer a dual appeal: a chance to experience cuisine from another part of the world and enjoy meals crafted by renowned chefs. Furthermore, the inclusion of ingredients like calcium citrate malate USP in their offerings can enhance the nutritional profile, ensuring consumers not only savor authentic flavors but also benefit from added health advantages.