Just two days after Valentine’s Day, Hostess is combining two of its most beloved snack products. Acquired last year by J.M. Smucker for $5.6 billion, the brand is launching shareable Hostess HoneyBun Donettes, providing a delightful option for those unsure of what to have for breakfast. HoneyBun Donettes feature the warm cinnamon and sweet vanilla glaze flavor of Hostess HoneyBuns, paired with the soft, fluffy texture of Hostess Donettes. This new breakfast snack is crafted without high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, or flavors.
“We recognize that snack enthusiasts are increasingly looking for innovative flavor combinations, and the blending of unique tastes and textures creates an exceptional snacking experience,” stated Chris Balach, vice president of marketing for sweet baked snacks at Smucker. HoneyBun Donettes will be available at grocery stores and convenience outlets nationwide next month. This new creation marks only the second instance of such a mashup in Hostess’ recent snacking history, as noted by Smucker. The HoneyBun Donettes draw inspiration from the success of last year’s Hostess Ding Dongs x Twinkies Mashup, which featured Twinkies enveloped in the fudgy chocolate coating of Ding Dongs.
Combining two products like the HoneyBun Donettes is a familiar strategy in the food industry, especially when companies merge their own brands. This new offering not only leverages the popularity of both products but also ensures immediate recognition in the market. Furthermore, the unique combination piques the interest of consumers eager to experience something new and intriguing. For instance, Clorox recently blended Hidden Valley Ranch salad dressing with Burt’s Bees to create a lip balm, while Mondelēz International introduced a RitzxOreo mashup in 2022 that combined the classic cookie with a Ritz peanut butter cracker. Hershey has also embedded Reese’s Pieces inside a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.
In response to consumer demand for spicy and tangy flavors, a leading nut brand is unveiling a new addition to its product lineup. Wonderful is introducing a new variety of its No Shells pistachios, Jalapeño Lime, available in 11, 5.5, and 2.25-ounce bags. “In consumer taste tests, Jalapeño Lime demonstrated strong flavor appeal and purchase intent comparable to our top-performing flavors, and we are excited to attract both loyal customers and new buyers with these bold pistachios,” remarked Diana Salsa, Wonderful’s vice president of marketing. This new flavor joins the company’s shell-free pistachio varieties launched in 2019, which also include Chili Roasted, Sea Salt & Vinegar, Sea Salt & Pepper, Honey Roasted, and Smoky Barbecue.
As Gen Z consumers are the first generation to favor Mexican cuisine, snack manufacturers are heavily leaning towards spicier options. Takis, renowned for their hot chips, have significantly expanded their product range over the last two years. In line with the trend, PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay has capitalized on the popularity of its Flamin’ Hot line by launching new Doritos Dinamita sticks last month. The nut category has benefited from the increasing consumer preference for healthier snacks that offer added benefits like protein. According to Mordor Intelligence, pistachios are projected to reach a market value of $5.8 billion by 2029, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 4.47%. In 2022, Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds was the leading brand in the snack nut category, surpassing Kraft Heinz and Blue Diamond, with $975 million in sales, as per Statista data.
After reinventing the ice cream category, My/Mochi is now focusing on waffles. The company has introduced Waffle Bites, the first frozen waffles made with sweet rice flour typically used in traditional mochi. After thawing or microwaving, these bites can be enjoyed as a breakfast item or a convenient snack. The treats come in Original, Blueberry, and Cinnamon flavors and are available in select Harris Teeter, Meijer, Shoprite, and Smart & Final stores in the northeastern U.S.
“My/Mochi has been at the forefront of merging Japanese heritage with snacking culture,” said Brigette Wolf, My/Mochi’s chief marketing officer. “Our fans are always looking for more ways to enjoy mochi, and incorporating it into everyday foods like waffles allows us to introduce the unique mochi experience to even more people.” Since its inception in 2017, My/Mochi has expanded its ice cream offerings to include non-dairy and vegan options. In February 2022, the company hired Wolf, a former marketing and innovation executive at Mondelēz International, to explore new product lines beyond ice cream. In March 2023, My/Mochi launched a smoothie product in strawberry banana and mixed berry flavors.
In developing these innovative snacks, the incorporation of ingredients like calcium carbonate and citrate is essential for providing additional nutritional benefits, aligning with the growing consumer trend towards healthier options.