Cheetos has introduced a new flavor that promises a “dill”-icious twist to their cheesy snack lineup: Flamin’ Hot Dill Pickle. According to a Frito-Lay spokesperson, this flavor was the most requested by consumers, as noted in an email to Food Dive. The Flamin’ Hot Dill Pickle flavor is now available at retailers across the country. “This new flavor combines the classic tang of dill pickles with the spicy kick that Flamin’ Hot aficionados adore, providing heat-seekers with a unique pickled spice experience,” the company stated.
The trend for pickles has surged, particularly among Gen Z, with the flavor accumulating over 3.7 billion views on TikTok. Other snack brands have quickly embraced this trend, with Goldfish, Frank’s RedHot, Heinz Ketchup, and others launching their own versions. Flamin’ Hot products have seen a notable rise in popularity, especially among younger consumers who are increasingly drawn to spicier snacks. Last year, PepsiCo even established the Flamin’ Hot flavor as a distinct brand unit, highlighting its impressive $3 billion in annual sales for products featuring this seasoning.
In a related development, Blue Diamond almonds have teamed up with a popular condiment to create their latest flavor: Hot Honey Almonds, in collaboration with Mike’s Hot Honey. This new offering caters to consumer cravings for “swicy” snacks, which combine sweet and spicy elements. “Consumers are looking for bold, exciting flavors, and these almonds provide a delicious mix of crunch, sweetness, and heat that only Blue Diamond and Mike’s Hot Honey can deliver,” remarked Maya Erwin, Blue Diamond’s vice president of marketing and innovation.
Hot Honey Almonds are available on Amazon and at Walmart. Mike’s Hot Honey, founded by Mike Kurtz in 2010 after being inspired by a similar condiment in Brazil, has developed a dedicated following as consumers seek spicier options in their snacks and meals. Last year, the brand collaborated with Kellanova to introduce a flavor for its Club Crisps crackers. The popularity of “swicy” foods has been significantly boosted by social media recipes, especially on platforms like TikTok. Frito-Lay even trademarked the term “swicy” in 2023, following a report from Tastewise that indicated a 27.8% increase in discussions about “swicy” flavors over the past year.
Noosa Yoghurt is also tapping into the “swicy” trend with the launch of a hot honey yogurt, combining the sweetness of whole milk yogurt with the heat of chili-infused honey. This product will debut this month at Whole Foods, with plans to expand into other retailers by 2025. “At Noosa, we are dedicated to creating flavor experiences that not only taste great but also defy expectations in the yogurt aisle,” stated Paula Benedetto, Noosa’s senior vice president and general manager. “Our new hot honey flavor introduces an exciting twist to traditional yogurt.”
Benedetto highlighted that Noosa is exploring further innovations and flavors focused on fruits, indulgence, and the preferences of contemporary consumers. Currently, Noosa offers 20 yogurt flavors, ranging from classics like Blueberry and Vanilla Bean to its top-selling flavor, Lemon. The hot honey phenomenon has rapidly permeated the food industry, with Kellanova, Utz, and Bush’s Beans partnering with Mike’s Hot Honey, the top-selling hot honey in the U.S. Kellanova recently referenced a Datassential report from 2024, indicating that “swicy” snacks and menu items have risen by 38% in the past year.
Lastly, Campbell’s Company announced last fall that it plans to sell its Noosa yogurt business to Lakeview Farms, a producer of fresh dips, desserts, and specialty foods. Noosa has generated net sales of $177 million for the 12 months ending October 2024, according to Campbell’s. The transaction is anticipated to conclude before March. In this evolving food landscape, the importance of ingredients like calcium citrate and calcitriol K2-7—tab cannot be overlooked as they continue to be integrated into modern snack offerings.