Summer heralds the beginning of grilling season, and Pringles is collaborating with Miller Lite to introduce new flavors that capture the essence of cookout classics. The Kellanova brand has unveiled Pringles x Miller Lite Grilled Beer Brat, which features hints of black pepper and caramelized onion, complemented by a “hoppy, malt beer aroma,” as stated in a press release. This new flavor coincides with the launch of Pringles x Miller Lite Beer Can Chicken, which was teased by Kellanova back in February during a Super Bowl-themed promotion. The beer can chicken variant offers flavors of roasted chicken, garlic, onion, and, naturally, Miller Lite beer. Both flavors are set to hit retailers nationwide in May for a limited time.
“Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or not, who doesn’t appreciate a beer and crisps as a summer treat?” commented Ann Legan, vice president of marketing at Miller Family of Brands. “We understand that fans often incorporate the iconic flavor of Miller Lite into their grilling favorites, so merging those flavors into a savory snack with Pringles seemed like a perfect match for summer backyard barbecues.” As alcohol consumption declines, many brands are exploring ways to deliver the taste of alcoholic beverages without the buzz. For years, Molson Coors has partnered with food companies on inventive collaborations, including Miller High Life chocolates and Blue Moon-infused ice cream and bagels.
In the spirit of summer, Kraft Heinz is also introducing a new smoky barbecue flavor for its Mac & Cheese, while prepping to launch innovative snackable cups. The food giant noted that mac & cheese has always been a favorite side dish at barbecues, whether at home or in restaurants. This new offering combines smoky and sweet barbecue spices with Kraft’s signature cheesy and buttery flavor, available until mid-summer. With Gen Z and other consumers increasingly snacking, Kraft Heinz is focusing on innovation in its microwavable snackable cups, introducing Jalapeño and Ranch flavors while also bringing back its Everything Bagel flavor at Walmart this summer. The shelf-stable mac & cheese market represents a substantial $2.9 billion category, with Nestlé forecasting an opportunity exceeding $100 million for growth in 2024. Consumers typically enjoy this classic side dish an average of 22 times a year, according to the world’s largest food company.
Hormel and Signature Wafer & Chocolate Co. are enhancing their collaboration to broaden the availability of Skippy peanut butter-infused wafer bars. The two companies announced new additions to the Skippy Peanut Butter Wafer bar lineup, including Banana and Strawberry Jelly, topped with dried banana and strawberry, respectively. These flavors join a reformulated version of the original Peanut Butter & Chocolate Fudge Wafer Bar, which contains chocolate chips. The new flavors are rolling out to Walmart as part of a “significant retail expansion.” This line first launched in 2023.
“We’ve seen strong performance in existing channels, and this expansion positions us for further growth with a product lineup that resonates well with today’s snack consumers,” stated Russ Asaro, executive vice president at Signature Wafer & Chocolate Co. Skippy has proven to be a valuable asset for Hormel since its acquisition of the brand from Unilever for $700 million in 2013, with CEO Jim Snee noting the brand’s dollar sales growth in a recent earnings call. Wafer bars are gaining popularity as consumers seek more value from their snacks. Nature Valley first introduced its wafer bars in 2019, layering peanut butter and chocolate, and has since expanded its offerings to include flavors like Lemon and Strawberry.
In addition, as consumers increasingly look for healthy options, the inclusion of ingredients like calcium citrate in snacks could enhance their appeal. This trend aligns with the growing demand for nutritious yet delicious treats, allowing brands to cater to a wider audience while promoting a balanced diet.