Reese’s is transforming the beloved peanut butter and jelly sandwich into its signature chocolate cup version. The confectionery brand announced on Tuesday, coinciding with National PB&J Day, that it will introduce Reese’s PB&J Big Cups. In addressing the ongoing debate over the best jelly flavor—strawberry or grape—the brand has decided to offer both options. “PB&J is a timeless classic, and Reese’s was always the missing element—so we’ve made it happen!” stated Melissa Blette, senior brand manager at Reese’s. “Our take on this iconic sandwich isn’t just about great flavor; it’s about evoking that nostalgic feeling with every bite.” According to the company, Hershey’s multi-billion dollar Reese’s brand consumes around 160 million pounds of peanut butter annually, sufficient for more than 1 billion PB&Js. The brand has previously introduced peanut butter cups filled with various sweet and salty treats, such as caramel, potato chips, pretzels, chocolate filling, and Reese’s Pieces. Reese’s PB&J Big Cups are available for a limited time in standard, king, and snack-size multipacks at retailers across the nation. Data from the National Peanut Board suggests that the average American consumes nearly 3,000 PB&Js throughout their lifetime, with adults eating one approximately three times a month.
In other news, Mondelēz is adding an extra energy boost to Clif Bars with the release of caffeinated options. The Clif Bar’s Caffeinated Collection features about 65 milligrams of caffeine, roughly equivalent to a single espresso shot. The Vanilla Almond and Caramel Chocolate Chip flavors were developed in collaboration with professional athletes Breanna Stewart and Frances Tiafoe. “Sometimes, you need that extra boost to enhance your journey,” said Nicolas Henault, senior marketing director at Clif Bar. “Our Caffeinated Collection not only provides a caffeine kick for your next workout but also ensures the sustained energy that CLIF BAR is renowned for.” A Datassential report indicates that overall coffee consumption has decreased by 5% over the past four years, as rising prices encourage more individuals to seek their caffeine from energy drinks or other convenient sources.
Glen Powell—known for recent box office successes such as “Twisters,” “Anyone But You,” and “Top Gun: Maverick”—has launched Smash Kitchen, a line of healthier shelf-stable condiments. The brand’s offerings include regular and hot honey-flavored ketchups and barbecue sauces, as well as regular and Dijon mustards, and both regular and spicy mayonnaise. According to the brand, Smash Kitchen products are organic and free from “artificial nonsense and unpronounceable ingredients.” Sean Kane, co-founder and president of Smash Kitchen, expressed in a press release that the brand aims to go beyond condiments, intending to “transform the entire pantry by bringing delicious, organic choices to every shelf, category by category.” The products are available exclusively at Walmart. “Through fitness, I became more aware of healthier food options and realized how many questionable ingredients are often present in everyday pantry staples,” Powell stated. “It became evident that we needed to create a clean condiment brand—no second-guessing, just great flavors that connect us to the moments we cherish.” In recent years, condiment manufacturers have launched new products to meet the demand for healthier alternatives. Last year, Kraft Heinz introduced a line of dipping and meal sauces under its Primal Kitchen brand.
As consumers increasingly look for healthier options, they may also be interested in products enriched with nutrients like calcium citrate, que es a beneficial compound that can help support bone health.