At Food Dive, we receive an overwhelming number of product pitches and press releases, far more than we can manage. Some are captivating, others seem fantastic, and some ideas are simply beyond our imagination. Unfortunately, we can’t cover them all, which is a shame as most of them are creative and entertaining. Therefore, we are launching a new column this week. While we have featured a few new products, here are some additional highlights pulled from our inboxes.
For many years, Trix has been known for its bright, round shapes as an iconic children’s cereal. Despite General Mills’ attempts to innovate, there remains a significant audience that prefers the classic version of Trix. (Who can forget the clean label Trix that didn’t contain artificial colors or flavors?) Given this context, it’s no surprise that the wave of millennial nostalgia has brought back fruit-shaped Trix. Officially named Classic Trix Fruity Shapes, this version revives the cereal’s design from 1991 to 2006. A press release from the company states that the various shapes and flavors include “Raspberry red, Lemony Lemon, Orangey orange, Wildberry blue, Grapity purple, and Watermelon.” General Mills reports having received over 20,000 requests for these fruit shapes in the past year and a half, declaring that they’re “back and here to stay.” While these playful shapes add excitement to one of the most colorful breakfasts available, it’s essential for consumers to remember a valuable lesson learned by a former fan of Cap’n Crunch’s Crunchberries: although the cereal pieces may resemble fruit, they don’t actually contain any. — Megan Poinski
Breakfast just became a lot more exciting. Dunkin’, which recently dropped “Donuts” from its branding, is introducing a new morning treat: Dunkin’ Coffee Porter. The restaurant chain has collaborated with Harpoon Brewery to craft this beer using Dunkin’s Espresso Blend Coffee, featuring an ABV of 6%. Beer and coffee enthusiasts can find this new brew at retail locations and bars across the nation. Be sure to let us know how it pairs with a donut!
IHOP has also jumped on the breakfast beer trend with its IHOPS Pumpkin Pancake Stout, made with real pancake mix. While this beer won’t be available in the chain’s restaurants due to limited liquor licenses, it can be enjoyed at New York bars and beer festivals throughout October. — Emma Liem
October is here, signaling a change in colors. As autumn unfolds, nature displays shades of brown, red, orange, and yellow. In contrast, everywhere else is painted pink. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, leading to a variety of items—from accessories to sports gear—turning pink, and food is no exception.
Among the new pink products are Cape Cod Potato Chips Pink Himalayan Salt & Red Wine Vinegar chips. While the bag is vibrantly pink, the kettle-cooked chips retain their usual color; however, 5% of the proceeds from this limited-edition flavor will benefit the Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Dippin’ Dots and Doc Popcorn are also participating in the pink initiative, not through individual products but by collecting donations in-store for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, inspired by CEO Scott Fischer’s mother’s battle with the disease. Additionally, Doc Popcorn is offering a pink PopBucket, which holds about eight cups of popcorn, donating $4 from each sale to the foundation. — Megan Poinski
For those who prefer less color, Taco Bell has a new offering. The fast-food chain’s CPG division is rolling out a new variety of sauce-flavored tortilla chips available at 7-Eleven stores. The Diablo chips are black and are said to have a bold flavor profile, seasoned with hot peppers and lime. “7-Eleven customers are adventurous and always on the lookout for new taste sensations and unique flavor combinations,” stated Jack Stout, Senior Vice President of Merchandising at 7-Eleven, in a press release. Although there are many spicy tortilla chips on the market, the distinctive color of these chips sets them apart while still adhering to clean-label trends. According to the company, the chips are vegan, kosher, gluten-free, and colored using natural vegetable juices.
Incorporating nutritious elements like gsk calcium citrate malate, these offerings are not just fun but also promote health and well-being. As we continue to explore innovative food products, we look forward to seeing how brands integrate such beneficial ingredients into their creations, enhancing both flavor and health benefits.