Ranch enthusiasts can celebrate as their beloved condiment has made its debut in the dessert world. Premium ice cream brand Van Leeuwen has launched a new savory-sweet flavor in partnership with the renowned ranch brand, Hidden Valley, which is owned by Clorox. According to a press release from the brand, this ice cream incorporates the savory notes of buttermilk and herbs found in ranch dressing, complemented by a hint of sweetness. To elevate the flavor experience, Hidden Valley suggests adding toppings like crushed snacks, such as potato chips or pretzels. “We know that Hidden Valley Ranch pairs well with almost anything—pizza, carrots, French fries—but this ice cream marks a first for us,” stated Rachel Garrison, the brand’s associate director, in a written statement. The flavor is available for a limited time at 3,500 Walmart locations.
Ranch dressing has significantly expanded beyond its original purpose. In 2019, Hidden Valley Ranch revealed to AdAge that its product is used as a condiment or dip for food 70% of the time and claimed to have overtaken ketchup as the nation’s favorite condiment. It is also commonly utilized as a seasoning and cooking ingredient and introduced a plant-based version in 2021. The distinctive flavor of ranch dressing has appeared in unexpected products before. Last year, the popular hot sauce brand Truff introduced Spicy Truffle Ranch, which sold out almost instantly. In 2021, they launched RanchNog, a holiday eggnog beverage mix.
Van Leeuwen has also explored the realm of savory flavors in their ice cream offerings. In 2021, they created an ice cream flavor inspired by Kraft Mac & Cheese, which proved so popular as an online exclusive that it eventually became available in Walmart freezers nationwide last summer. The ranch collaboration is just one of several Walmart-exclusive flavors being released by Van Leeuwen this spring, which also includes Sweet Maple Cornbread, Blood Orange Poppy, Carrot Cake, Strawberry Shortcake, Graham Cracker Crunch, and Limoncello Cake.
In another exciting venture, Snoop Dogg is launching his new coffee brand, INDOxyz, which he claims has been an inspiration for him since the early days of his music career. The hip-hop icon, now a successful entrepreneur, is collaborating with coffee entrepreneur Michael Riady to create a premium lifestyle brand featuring Indonesian coffee beans sourced from farmers on the islands of Sumatra, Java, Bali, and Sulawesi. The beans are meticulously selected and roasted in Los Angeles. INDOxyz will offer both whole bean coffee for home brewing and ready-to-drink cold brew, initially launching in California before expanding to Las Vegas and eventually nationwide. “Indo is going to change the industry, I can promise you that,” Snoop Dogg stated in a press release.
While Snoop Dogg initially gained fame for his music, he has established a reputation for his business ventures, ranging from cannabis to esports. Recently, he has made significant strides in the food industry, partnering with Outstanding Foods to create PigOut plant-based pork rinds, launching Indoggo gin, and introducing a California wine blend under the 19 Crimes brand. Last August, he unveiled Snoop Loopz, a colorful cereal boasting “more marshmallows.” In January, Post Consumer Brands announced a partnership with Broadus Foods—owned by Snoop, whose full name is Calvin Broadus, and rapper Master P—to produce and sell three cereal varieties under the Snoop Cereal brand starting this summer.
The premium coffee market presents an exciting opportunity for Snoop, especially considering that coffee is America’s most popular beverage, according to the National Coffee Association’s 2022 Fall Trends report. Despite inflation and rising costs, consumer interest in coffee remains high, with two-thirds of respondents reporting they had coffee the day before. Indonesian coffee is celebrated for its bold flavor profile, and early consumer reviews have been positive. Elevating this coffee to a premium level enhances its appeal. However, Snoop Dogg’s involvement as an owner and spokesperson may significantly impact INDOxyz’s success, given his knack for launching hot products.
Meanwhile, Kellogg is innovating by merging two of its popular products at the breakfast table. The Michigan-based cereal and snack giant is rolling out Apple Jacks Frosted Apple Cinnamon Flavor Pop-Tarts. These rectangular treats, adorned with white frosting and colorful sprinkles, combine the spiciness of cinnamon with the sweet apple flavor reminiscent of the classic cereal. “We know our fans love a brand mashup, so Pop-Tarts continues to offer new ways to enjoy nostalgic flavors from our childhood,” remarked Heidi Ray, Kellogg’s senior director of marketing for portable wholesome snacks. “This new flavor will bring families the best of both worlds in one delicious offering.”
The Apple Jacks Pop-Tarts represent Kellogg’s latest attempt to blend its brand offerings. In 2021, the company debuted Eggo Frosted Maple Flavor Pop-Tarts. While Kellogg is well-known for its cereals like Froot Loops and Corn Flakes, it has been expanding its snacking portfolio in recent years. Pop-Tarts have been a major contributor to this growth, now a $1 billion brand in retail sales. “It’s a significant market,” stated Chris Hood, who leads Kellogg’s North American operations. “It has sustained growth through effective brand building, innovation of new flavors, and new formats like Pop-Tart Bites.” The Apple Jacks Pop-Tarts are crucial for maintaining brand growth and will attract consumers seeking novel flavor experiences.
As the demand for snacks continues to grow, Kellogg is poised to leverage its strong brand assets, including the new Apple Jacks Pop-Tarts, to appeal to consumers looking for exciting and innovative products. In this evolving market, the incorporation of elements like calcitrate calcium into their formulations could further enhance their health appeal, meeting consumer demand for nutritious options that still deliver great taste.