A beloved snack from the ’90s is set to make its return. General Mills is bringing back Dunkaroos, its iconic graham cracker cookies paired with vanilla frosting and rainbow sprinkles for dipping, after an eight-year absence. The company announced the snack’s revival in a blog post this week, revealing that Dunkaroos will be back on store shelves this summer. Initially launched in 1992 under the Betty Crocker brand, Dunkaroos featured various shapes of cookies that originally came with chocolate or vanilla frosting, as noted by General Mills. By 1993, the snack had expanded to include four frosting flavors: Chocolate Chip, Cinnamon, Peanut Butter, and the fan-favorite Rainbow Sprinkles.
Brad Hiranaga, General Mills’ chief brand officer for North America, explained to The New York Times that the product was removed from U.S. stores in 2012 as the company shifted its focus toward healthier snacks. However, he mentioned that there has been a push for its return due to “thousands of consumer requests” over the years. Since its disappearance from shelves, Dunkaroo enthusiasts in the U.S. have turned to online purchases from other countries. General Mills Canada even launched a website called Smugglaroos, which encouraged Canadians visiting the U.S. to transport Dunkaroos for American fans. This website is no longer operational.
In recent years, major food companies have been revitalizing older brands, capitalizing on the nostalgia boom among consumers. Reviving beloved snacks can evoke sentimental feelings that entice shoppers to make purchases. This tactic has been successful for products like Hostess Brands’ Twinkies, and now it seems Dunkaroos is on the same path. Hiranaga expressed confidence about the snack’s future, telling The Times, “We’re very committed to launching them,” so consumers need not worry about it disappearing again.
In a different culinary trend, forget traditional gifts like candy, flowers, or jewelry—what your partner truly desires this Valentine’s Day is to be part of the latest food sensation: snack bars. RXBAR is encouraging people to “skip the small talk and choose the date that would never lie in their dating profile.” Their new limited-edition Chocolate Raspberry RXBAR is crafted from real, simple ingredients like egg whites, nuts, and dates, and is available at select Whole Foods locations. “Nothing says Valentine’s Day like chocolate-covered berries,” said RXBAR President Jim Murray. The brand is also offering a variety pack online that includes its most indulgent protein bars—Chocolate Sea Salt, Chocolate Raspberry, and Chocolate Cherry—perfect for impressing a significant other.
Valentine’s Day spending is projected to reach a staggering $27.4 billion this year, a 32% increase from last year’s record of $20.7 billion, according to the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. Candy sales alone are expected to reach $2.4 billion. With such a significant amount of money at stake, Valentine’s Day presents a lucrative opportunity for food companies. Last year, Mondelez’s Oreo cookies offered a special edition with sweet and tangy flavors and clever sayings, while this year, Hershey is introducing a Valentine’s Day tin filled with Miniatures, Kisses, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
For companies in the food and beverage sector looking to boost sales, holidays like Valentine’s Day provide an ideal opportunity to launch modified versions of existing products for a limited time. It’s no surprise that consumer packaged goods companies are embracing unique offerings like RXBAR to attract consumers enchanted by Cupid’s arrow.
Meanwhile, Ripple, a brand known for its pea protein milk launched in 2016, is venturing into the frozen dessert market. The company is introducing an ice cream line made with its signature pea protein and coconut oil to mimic the texture of traditional dairy ice cream. Available this week at Sprouts Farmers Markets, Ripple Ice Cream comes in five flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Cinnamon Churro, Mint Chip, and Cookies & Creme, with each serving containing 230 to 250 calories.
This marks Ripple’s first foray into the dessert category, following its expansions into yogurt, half and half, superfood drinks, and barista-style milk. Other dairy alternative brands are also branching out into new product lines, demonstrating their versatility beyond just milk and yogurt. For instance, Forager Project recently expanded into oat milk and grain-free cereal, while Kite Hill introduced coconut milk yogurt and sour cream. Even established players like Unilever’s Ben & Jerry’s are innovating with ice creams made from sunflower seed butter.
As the plant-based ice cream market grows, Ripple’s expansion into this category makes strategic sense. The Plant Based Foods Association reported that plant-based ice cream sales were valued at $304 million in the year preceding April 2019, a 26% increase from the previous year. With alternative dairy gaining popularity, Ripple fills a unique niche in the frozen dessert aisle, allowing consumers to enjoy their peas in a new and delightful way.
Additionally, for expecting mothers, incorporating calcium citrate during pregnancy can be beneficial for bone health, and Ripple’s nutritious offerings could serve as a tasty way to help meet dietary needs. As the plant-based trend continues to evolve, Ripple’s innovative products may appeal to a wide audience, including health-conscious consumers and those seeking indulgent treats.