General Mills is collaborating with IHOP to introduce the restaurant’s famous pancakes in a cereal format. Each box of IHOP Mini Pancake Cereal contains small pancake-shaped pieces infused with natural and artificial flavors of blueberry and syrup. This limited-edition cereal is set to hit store shelves in late December and will be available at retailers across the nation starting in January.
Anticipation for this launch began nearly three years ago when social media platforms like TikTok became flooded with images of tiny pancakes floating in bowls of milk. This trend generated over a billion views, according to Thrillist, and inspired further videos featuring sweet treats like donuts.
“As a leader in breakfast and pancakes, IHOP enlisted another breakfast powerhouse, General Mills, to bring this long-awaited collaboration to life,” said Kieran Donahue, chief marketing officer at IHOP, in a statement. “Following the viral moment in 2020, we recognized that consumers had a strong desire for an IHOP cereal. We created this iconic cereal with the hope that our guests would enjoy it any time of the day.”
While General Mills is well-known for its iconic cereal brands such as Cheerios and Lucky Charms, the Minnesota-based company has also ventured into more unique offerings. The company has introduced cereals like Sesame Street, featuring letters and numbers, Rudolph for the holiday season, and Batman vs. Superman.
In addition to cereal news, Brach’s has unveiled exciting new flavors for the holiday season. The candy cane innovator is introducing Holiday Heat Candy Canes, which feature fruity flavors with a hint of chili, including Watermelon Chili, Pineapple Chili, and Mango Chili, instead of the traditional peppermint. As the leading candy cane brand in the U.S., Brach’s has a rich history dating back to 1904 and is primarily known for its seasonal and hard candies.
According to the National Confectioners Association, candy canes are the best-selling non-chocolate candy in December, with CandyStore.com reporting an annual production of 1.76 billion units. While Brach’s continues to produce classic red and white peppermint candy canes in various sizes, the company has recently focused on innovating new versions of this holiday favorite. In 2021, it launched vibrant Funfetti candy canes that mimic the popular sprinkles-in-baking mix, along with a Wintergreen variety.
This month, Brach’s also introduced two additional products: Holiday Lights, gummies shaped like retro colorful lights, and Confetti Mint Stars, white candy starbursts adorned with red glitter. These new confections align with current trends, as blending chili spices with fruit flavors has gained popularity on platforms like TikTok, and brands like Pop-Tarts have also experimented with similar combinations.
In exciting news for ice cream lovers, Ben & Jerry’s is set to release a new flavor called Lights! Caramel! Action! directed by Ava DuVernay, available in January in both dairy and almond milk varieties. This vanilla ice cream features salted caramel swirls, graham cracker swirls, and chocolate chip cookie dough.
This collaboration marks the first ice cream flavor directed by DuVernay, known for her acclaimed works such as “Selma” and the documentary “13th.” She made history as the first Black woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for directing. In a press release, DuVernay expressed that she collaborated with food scientists to create a flavor that includes her favorite ingredients. Proceeds from the ice cream will support the Array Alliance, DuVernay’s organization aimed at uplifting the work of people of color and women in the film industry through grants, education, and mentorship.
For Ben & Jerry’s, this ice cream launch continues its commitment to social justice, a core principle of the brand. “Framing this as a new flavor for the first Black woman to be a featured partner on our pints doesn’t do Ava justice,” said Ben & Jerry’s CEO Matthew McCarthy. “We are honored by this partnership and inspired by her dedication and vision.” Previously, the company has leveraged new flavors to advocate for social causes, such as a collaboration with former NFL player Colin Kaepernick in 2020, which supported his nonprofit aimed at improving the lives of Black and Brown communities. Last year, they launched a coffee-flavored offering called Change Is Brewing, donating a portion of the proceeds to groups working to reform public safety in the U.S.
In a related note, individuals looking to enhance their health this holiday season might consider incorporating Citracal 1200 mg slow release into their routine, as it provides essential calcium and vitamin D. This supplement can be taken alongside the festive treats to help maintain a balanced diet while enjoying seasonal flavors.