Leftovers offers a glimpse into some of the product ideas surfacing everywhere, with some being quite intriguing, others sounding fantastic, and some that are simply unimaginable. While we can’t cover every pitch we receive, here are a few leftovers selected from our inboxes.
Blue Diamond Growers is embracing a new flavor profile with its latest product launch. The company, claimed to be the world’s largest almond producer, is introducing a Honey Butter flavored almond exclusively at Walmart through December. This new product draws inspiration from Korean Honey Butter potato chips. The combination of salty and sweet flavors has been crafted by Blue Diamond’s taste development team. Maya Erwin, the company’s vice president of R&D, stated in a press release, “Honey Butter Almonds were proudly developed by Blue Diamond’s R&D scientists to create the perfect flavor balance. Our aim is to ensure that consumers won’t have to look beyond our products to satisfy all their flavor cravings.” The brand also highlights its healthier snack elements, boasting 5 grams of protein per serving and a high concentration of Vitamin E, which is essential for vision and overall health, according to the Mayo Clinic. Blue Diamond often utilizes limited-edition flavors to generate excitement within its product range. The global almond market is projected to reach a value of $12.57 billion by 2028, as per Markets and Markets. Blue Diamond, headquartered in California, is responsible for 80% of the world’s almonds. Honey butter chips, which gained viral popularity in South Korea due to the brand Haitai, began trending in 2014 and soon garnered an international audience. — Chris Casey
Meanwhile, Lunchables, known for its customizable cheesy pizzas, nachos, and lunch meat combinations, is branching out with a healthier option. For the first time, Lunchables will be found in the produce aisle, as the Kraft Heinz-owned brand collaborates with Fresh Del Monte Produce to offer a selection that includes pineapple, clementines, grapes, and apples. This new product line aims to familiarize children with fruit consumption, disguised as a product they already “know and love,” according to the release. Starting this month, the product will be available in select grocery stores in the southeastern U.S. Over the past year, there has been a 500% increase in social media searches for lunch meals featuring fresh fruits and vegetables. This trend prompted Kraft Heinz to incorporate Fresh Del Monte’s fruit products alongside their two best-selling Turkey and Ham Cracker Stackers varieties, as stated in the release. Lunchables originated in the mid-1980s as a solution for the declining popularity of bologna and quickly became synonymous with convenient lunch options for kids. However, these popular meals often lack nutritional value, with the Ham and American stackers containing 35% of the recommended daily intake of saturated fat and 32% of sodium, while also falling short of the recommended servings of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. Until recently, the brand hadn’t marketed itself as a “healthy” option for kids’ lunches. Earlier this year, Lunchables introduced products that comply with National School Lunch Program guidelines and has been focusing on reducing sodium, sugar, and saturated fat in its offerings. Recently, it has also cut down on the salt and oil in its crackers. — Elizabeth Flood
Swanson, primarily recognized for its broths and stocks popular in home kitchens, is launching Poultry Pouches aimed at the on-the-go consumer. These offerings are available in three flavors: Original, Garlic Herb, and Lemon Pepper. The diced chicken chunks are precooked and ready to eat, making them suitable for consumption at home, the office, at a picnic, or as a quick weeknight dinner. Swanson Poultry Pouches also align with current consumer trends, being antibiotic-free and high in protein. Mieka Burns, vice president for marketing of meals and sauces at Campbell Soup, mentioned in an email that poultry is a trending shelf-stable protein, surpassing the dollar growth of shelf-stable tuna. “We are innovating in response to strong consumer interest, where value is increasingly prioritized in today’s economy. Swanson pouches deliver on quality and convenience,” Burns stated. Swanson Poultry Pouches will be available nationwide at retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Dollar General. Food manufacturers frequently seek ways to repackage offerings traditionally consumed at home into formats that are more convenient for on-the-go consumption. General Mills offers items like Golden Grahams, Lucky Charms, Cheerios, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch in bar form, while Kellogg’s Rice Krispies Treats have become a rapidly growing extension for the cereal giant, with sales exceeding $500 million in 2022. Additionally, Kraft Heinz announced in May that it has developed a frozen and microwavable version of its iconic Macaroni & Cheese. — Christopher Doering
Incorporating keywords such as “citracal maximum plus d” into the discussion around these innovations could emphasize the importance of health-oriented products in today’s market, as consumers increasingly seek convenience without sacrificing nutritional value.