Kellogg, the food industry giant, is launching a new product in collaboration with J&J Snack Foods that draws inspiration from a beloved convenience store and fast food staple, offering consumers an unexpected twist. The cereal brand has announced the introduction of Icee Cereal, which features flavors reminiscent of cherry and blue raspberry. Kellogg claims this innovative cereal delivers a cooling sensation that mimics the refreshing experience of sipping an Icee. The product aims to evoke nostalgia among adults who cherish memories of enjoying slushies, as noted by Natalie Peterson, the vice president of marketing at The Icee Company. “Today’s consumers express a desire to feel youthful again, and there’s no better way to ‘Let the Kid Out’ than by indulging in a bowl of ICEE branded cereal,” Peterson stated.
This launch is part of Kellogg’s broader trend of creating cereals that offer a unique sensory experience. Last year, the company introduced a cereal inspired by the holiday franchise “Elf on the Shelf,” which also featured a cooling effect when tasted. Historically, Kellogg has drawn inspiration from snacks and desserts to craft new cereal offerings, including two products inspired by its Pop-Tarts brand and a recent collaboration with McKee on cereals based on Little Debbie treats, such as the Swiss Rolls cereal that launched last month.
Icee first appeared on the market in 1967 and was later acquired by J&J Snack Foods in 1987. While most retailers stock the classic Cherry, Blue Raspberry, and Cola flavors, the frozen beverage boasts a total of 42 flavors, including unique options like Blood Orange, Bubble Gum, and Sour Apple.
In another development, Boston Beer is introducing its latest product, Slingers Signature Cocktails, aiming to attract consumers with a refreshing new offering. Known for brands like Samuel Adams and Truly Hard Seltzer, Boston Beer is launching Slingers, a malt-based beverage with an alcohol content of 8% by volume, available in three popular flavors: Bahama Mama, Peach Screwdriver, and Pineapple Punch. This product is set to debut in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and select areas of New Hampshire, allowing Boston Beer to engage with trendy markets while collecting consumer feedback for potential broader distribution.
Andrea Desaulniers, Boston Beer’s innovation manager, remarked, “With its strong differentiators, relatable brand ethos, and malt-based recipe, we truly believe we have a winner with Slingers.” The product’s convenient single-serve packaging and appealing graphics make it particularly suited for convenience stores, prompting the company to focus its efforts on this market.
The ready-to-drink cocktails market was valued at approximately $782.8 million in 2021, with projections indicating a compound annual growth rate of 13.4% from 2022 to 2030, driven by demand for premium flavors and attractive packaging. Boston Beer, which has faced challenges due to a decline in hard seltzer demand, has diversified its portfolio in recent years, venturing into whiskey with Twisted Tea Sweet Tea Whiskey and collaborating with PepsiCo on Hard Mtn Dew. Additionally, new innovations like Bevy, inspired by Finland’s traditional drink, and cannabis-infused iced teas in Canada, illustrate the brand’s commitment to expansion.
This spring, Wells Enterprises’ Blue Bunny is set to introduce Stuffed Puffs to the freezer aisle, teaming up with Stuffed Puffs Filled Marshmallows for a new line of frozen dessert treats. The collaboration will feature an ice cream sandwich product launching in May. The Stuffed Puffed Scoopables combine Blue Bunny frozen dessert with signature sweet-filled marshmallows, available exclusively at Walmart in flavors such as Birthday Cake, S’mores, and Cookies N’ Creme. The ice cream sandwiches, made with graham cracker-like cookies, will be found in various grocery stores, offered in S’mores and Salted Caramel S’mores flavors.
Blue Bunny Marketing Director Jeremy Hrynewycz declared, “The playful indulgence of our frozen treats, combined with their mission to promote more fun-filled lives, is a match made in confectionery heaven.” Since their launch in late 2019, Stuffed Puffs have quickly evolved from a grocery store startup to a celebrated snack aisle icon, originally marketed as chocolate-filled marshmallows perfect for microwave s’mores. The brand has since expanded its offerings with flavors like Cookies N’ Creme, a Cinnamon Toast Crunch variety, and snackable coated Big Bites.
While marshmallow and s’mores flavors are already present in the ice cream aisle, Stuffed Puffs elevate the marshmallow flavor experience. Unlike typical marshmallow-flavored ice creams that incorporate a swirl of marshmallow creme, the S’mores and Cookies N’ Creme varieties feature marshmallow-flavored ice cream with actual marshmallow swirls. Given the rising popularity of marshmallow-flavored treats, these innovations position Stuffed Puffs as a compelling candidate for success in the freezer aisle. According to the National Confectioners Association, Americans consume over 90 million pounds of marshmallows annually, with a significant portion being toasted over summer fires, making these frozen delights a delightful way for consumers to enjoy nostalgic flavors in a new format.
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