As temperatures begin to fall, Kellogg is sweetening up morning routines. The cereal giant is introducing two new products designed to enhance both breakfast and snack time. Kellogg’s Krave is launching a new flavor called Double Chocolate Brownie Batter, while Kellogg’s Froot Loops Jumbo Snax will now include marshmallows.
Laura Newman, senior director of brand marketing at Kellogg, stated, “Whether parents or kids are in the mood for something sweet and chocolatey, or are craving something fruity and crunchy, Kellogg’s Krave Double Chocolate Brownie Batter Cereal and Kellogg’s Froot Loops with Marshmallows Jumbo Snax are the ideal treats.” Krave has consistently catered to chocolate lovers, featuring a crisp exterior and a chocolate-filled interior. It’s no surprise that Kellogg found a way to amplify its chocolate appeal; the new offering boasts a chocolate outer layer filled with brownie batter flavor.
The addition of marshmallows to Froot Loops Jumbo Snax—larger versions of the iconic colorful fruit rings intended for post-breakfast enjoyment—adds an extra layer of sweetness. These new releases align with a trend in the cereal industry towards more indulgent breakfast options. Grocery store cereal aisles have begun to resemble dessert sections, with products like Little Debbie snack cakes, Hostess treats, Sour Patch Kids, Funfetti cake, and Peeps dominating the shelves.
Industry executives and analysts suggest that the surge of sugar is a strategy employed by cereal companies to encourage consumers to purchase more. However, as shoppers increasingly scrutinize labels for healthier food choices, one must wonder if cereal products are introducing too much sweetness into the breakfast experience. For instance, a bowl of the new Krave variety contains 24 grams of added sugar—28% of the recommended daily limit—with chocolate-flavored filling and sugar as its top two ingredients.
According to a report from FONA International last year, half of consumers aged 24 and older are attempting to reduce their overall sugar intake. While this demographic may not be the primary audience for Kellogg’s new offerings, it likely represents their parents. Children may be drawn to anything with added chocolate and marshmallows, but their parents will have to consider how much sugar is excessive.—Megan Poinski
If you’re torn between a beer and a cup of tea, you no longer have to choose. Stony Creek Brewery has teamed up with Bigelow Tea to create tea-infused beers. This collaboration, featuring the brews No Comment and Carpe Tea-em, is the first of its kind between these two Connecticut-based businesses.
No Comment is a refreshing German-style lager infused with Bigelow’s “Constant Comment,” a blend of black tea, orange peel, and sweet spices. Carpe Tea-em, a Hefeweizen, showcases the citrusy aroma and flavor of bergamot from Bigelow’s Earl Grey Tea. To infuse the tea, the unfermented beer is brought to a boil before the hops are added, allowing for the perfect steeping time, according to the companies.
Cindi Bigelow, president and CEO of Bigelow Tea, expressed excitement about the partnership: “Working with Stony Creek Brewery offers us a chance to think outside our core business. We look forward to where this collaboration leads us in the future.” The craft beer scene has become increasingly popular for incorporating unconventional ingredients like Bigelow’s renowned tea. With over 9,000 craft breweries now in operation—nearly double the number from seven years ago—innovation is crucial for standing out. Oskar Blues has collaborated with French’s Mustard to create a mustard-infused beer, while Harpoon Brewery and Dunkin’ have launched donut-flavored beers, including Harpoon Dunkin’ Pumpkin Spiced Latte Ale, Boston Kreme Stout, and Jelly Donut IPA.—Christopher Doering
GrownAs Foods, a new vegan brand launched this year, has introduced a line of mac and cheese made with potato and coconut flour, nutritional yeast, and smoked paprika. The company emphasizes the healthier aspects of this mac and cheese in a press release, highlighting its 10 grams of protein per serving. Available in Classic and Truffle flavors, the product can be purchased in two-box bundles for $12 to $16 on the brand’s website, as well as on Amazon and in select grocery stores.
The packaging is designed to be eco-friendly, with a recyclable box and a 100% compostable pouch. “Having been vegan for over five years, I struggled to find a mac and cheese that I enjoyed, or that my children would eat,” said David Delcourt, founder and CEO of GrownAs Foods. “We envisioned a mac and cheese that everyone at the table could enjoy, so we created it from scratch.”
GrownAs Foods operates under Seed Ranch Flavor Co., known for its hot sauces. In addition to mac and cheese, the brand offers vegan cheese powder. Other newcomers in the mac and cheese market are adapting the dish to appeal to modern, health-conscious adult consumers. Goodles, which launched in 2021, features a variety of plant-based ingredients, such as mushrooms, kale, and pumpkin, in its mac and cheese, and it also offers a vegan version with 12 grams of protein per serving. The demand for plant-based alternatives is rising, with brands like Annie’s thriving with non-dairy options. Kraft even released a vegan version of its classic Mac & Cheese in Australia in 2021.—Chris Casey
Incorporating the benefits of bluebonnet calcium citrate magnesium and vitamin D3 liquid into daily routines can also contribute to healthier eating habits.