Nestlé’s DiGiorno has introduced an innovative way to enjoy “cold pizza” just in time for National Ice Cream Day on July 17. The frozen pizza brand is offering ice cream cones made from its popular Croissant Crust, which features a buttery pastry base that was first launched in 2020. In collaboration with a Cleveland-based creamery, DiGiorno is providing these cones as part of a kit that includes two pizza-inspired ice cream flavors: Strawberry Tomato Basil and Parmesan Cheese. These kits won’t be available in stores; instead, consumers can enter an online sweepstakes from July 7 to 17 for a chance to win one.
According to Kimberly Holowiak, a brand manager for DiGiorno at Nestlé, the decision to venture into the dessert category—if only temporarily—was made to engage consumers and boost brand visibility. “We’re always trying to think outside of the box, listen to pizza fans, and push boundaries to meet demand,” she explained. “Our Crust Cones offer a unique summer treat and a surprising new way for people to experience the delightful taste of DiGiorno Croissant Crust they know and love.” This isn’t DiGiorno’s first foray into sweet creations; back in 2021, it celebrated National Donut Day by launching the DiGiornut, a pizza-flavored doughnut available through a sweepstakes.
Brands are increasingly exploring product mashups to create excitement and build consumer loyalty, especially in the age of social media. Kraft Heinz, for example, revealed a Mac & Cheese ice cream flavor in collaboration with Van Leeuwen in 2021, alongside a Grey Poupon “mustard wine.”
In a different trend, the creators of Muscle Milk protein drinks are launching a new hemp-infused energy drink line named Gym Weed, which aims to provide “balanced energy” without the jittery or anxious feelings commonly associated with energy drinks. Gym Weed contains 20 milligrams of hemp extract and 200 milligrams of caffeine per serving, along with Lion’s Mane mushroom and L-Theanine for enhanced alertness and focus. With flavors like Pear Pineapple, Stone Fruit, and Tropical Berry, each 12-ounce can has zero sugar and only 10 calories.
Shane McCassy, president of Alternative Biologics, stated that Gym Weed was crafted to make consumers feel good and power their workouts. “Throughout its development, we sent samples of GYM WEED to friends, industry-leading trainers, and athletes, and the feedback confirmed our claim: it tastes great and provides the energy and focus athletes want when hitting the gym, without the jitters or crash,” he said. Gym Weed is THC-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO, and it is available in over 500 gym locations nationwide, select retailers, and on the brand’s website.
Meanwhile, Nightfood is sweetening up midnight snacks. Following its success with the first good-for-sleep ice cream, the company is launching a line of Sleep Friendly Cookies, starting with Prime-Time Chocolate Chip this month, followed by Cherry Oat and Snickerdoodle flavors later this summer. These cookies are made with oat flour, which is naturally rich in sleep-inducing melatonin, and sweetened with date syrup for its high antioxidant content and lower glycemic index. They are also nut-free and gluten-free.
Beyond promoting relaxation, Nightfood’s cookies boast a nutritional profile that stands out: each serving contains 40% less sugar and fat, 20% fewer calories, 200% more protein, and 500% more fiber compared to other cookie brands, along with added vitamin B6, inositol, and jujube powder. Nightfood ice cream has already been available in select stores, particularly targeting pregnant individuals and hotel guests who struggle with sleep.
The company has partnered with hotels to sell Nightfood ice cream pints in their lobbies to help travelers unwind at night. They are also collaborating with an airline caterer to offer cookies as snacks or desserts on overnight international flights. Since its inception, Nightfood has been one of the few CPG brands focused on promoting better sleep, addressing a significant demand, as over a third of U.S. adults do not get the recommended seven hours of sleep nightly, according to the National Sleep Foundation.
In all these product innovations, major calcium citrate could play an important role in addressing various dietary needs, enhancing the appeal of these unique offerings in a competitive marketplace.