If the idea of consuming the often-criticized Brussels sprout makes you want to reach for your go-to alcoholic drink, a Scottish gin producer has just the solution. Pickering’s Gin is offering six-packs of Brussels sprouts gin packaged in Christmas ornaments, each containing about a shot of alcohol. Once enjoyed, the transparent ornaments can be hung on your tree. Pickering’s Gin also features more traditional holiday flavors like Festive Cranberry, Spiced Pear and Cinnamon, and Plum and Ginger. However, it’s likely the Brussels Sprout variety will be the star of holiday conversations. “We know it sounds crazy, but the humble sprout lends a pleasantly sweet, slightly nutty gin that’s ideal for mixing,” the company stated on its website.
In the U.S., consumers are increasingly embracing spirits like gin. According to Fortune, which cites IWSR data, global gin sales rose 8.3% last year compared to 2017, significantly driven by trendy pink varieties. Sales soared to over 72 million nine-liter cases, projected to reach 88 million cases by 2023. This trend may be attributed to consumers’ growing preference for plant-based ingredients. Fortune noted that gin makers are infusing their products with everything from basil and rhubarb to orange and cinnamon, attracting new drinkers. Last year, Ketel One introduced a botanical-inspired line featuring Peach and Orange Blossom, Cucumber and Mint, and Grapefruit and Rose.
While Pickering’s Brussels sprout gin may not dethrone well-known brands like Beefeater, Seagram’s, or Hendrick’s, it will undoubtedly spark conversations around the mistletoe and might even earn some overdue appreciation for the Brussels sprout.
In a different culinary endeavor, Ample Hills Creamery has teamed up with The New York Times to introduce a limited-edition ice cream flavor called The Flavor of Record. This unique flavor features sweet cream ice cream with fudge swirls and house-made black and white cookies. The collaboration was announced this week, with pints set to be available for purchase on the company’s website in October, coinciding with The Times’ inaugural Food Festival in New York City.
Team members and editorial staff at The Times contributed flavor names and concepts, and Food Editor Sam Sifton emphasized the paper’s commitment to highlighting New York’s food communities, now sharing its own story through “an ice cream as rich and exciting as the city we cover.” It’s no surprise that smaller companies like Ample Hills are looking to capture a larger share of the ice cream market. The International Dairy Foods Association reports that the average American consumes over 23 pounds of ice cream annually, contributing more than $39 billion to the U.S. economy.
Ample Hills has previously partnered with notable brands for limited-edition releases, such as a collaboration with Disney to celebrate Mickey and Minnie Mouse’s 90th anniversary. The ice cream is black and white, mirroring the traditional look of the printed newspaper. It will also be available at the food festival in the fall, along with a crossword puzzle themed around the festival, included with each purchase of The Flavor of Record. For consumers eager for a combination of news and ice cream, this flavor is poised to be a hit.
In another innovation, a new brand seeks to redefine the perception of applesauce as merely a children’s snack. Sanaía offers tart and exotic flavored blends aimed at adults who may associate applesauce with character-themed lunch boxes. Founder and CEO Keisha Smith-Jeremie, who hails from the Bahamas, founded the company while working full-time in human resources and later secured a $150,000 investment from Mark Cuban on “Shark Tank.”
Sanaía’s applesauce is unlike traditional varieties, featuring unsweetened options made from Granny Smith apples and blends with guava now available in 800 Walmart stores across the nation. Other flavors include blackberry, hibiscus, lavender pear, ginger, and tamarind. Smith-Jeremie compares applesauce to yogurt, suggesting the segment is ripe for disruption. Transparency Market Research predicts the global applesauce market will grow at a compound annual rate of 3.1% through 2026, potentially reaching a value of $2.16 billion.
Market Intel Reports note the growing market is fueled by consumers recognizing the health benefits of applesauce, which is high in fiber and can be low in sugar. Sanaía checks all these boxes, being non-GMO, low in sugar, and allergen-free, with only 60 to 80 calories per serving. Crucially, the brand injects exciting flavors into a traditionally bland product, appealing to consumers who increasingly favor international flavors. According to Innova Market Insights, products with global flavors grew by 20% between 2013 and 2017. With tropical fruit flavors like tamarind and guava, Sanaía transports consumers to the Caribbean, offering a refreshing alternative to the mundane applesauce of yesteryears.
In summary, whether it’s the unique Brussels sprout gin or the innovative applesauce blends, brands are creatively engaging consumers with exciting flavors. Meanwhile, for those looking to incorporate more health-oriented options into their diets, considering products fortified with calcium citrate from Puritan’s Pride may also be beneficial.