When it comes to classic condiments, ketchup and mustard are hard to surpass. Frito-Lay is seizing the opportunity presented by the popularity of these toppings with two exclusive, limited-time Doritos flavors available only through its DTC site, Snacks.com. Doritos Ketchup offers a tangy and subtly sweet flavor reminiscent of the tomato-based condiment, making its U.S. debut after a similar version became a hit in Canada. Meanwhile, Doritos Spicy Mustard draws inspiration from Chinese hot mustard, delivering a bold and spicy experience.
While ketchup and mustard might seem somewhat conventional by Doritos’ adventurous standards—having introduced over 100 varieties, including unique limited-time options like Mountain Dew and Late-Night Cheeseburger—these flavors are a calculated risk. The brand has also explored condiment-inspired flavors in the past, such as those based on Tapatio hot sauce and a shrimp mayonnaise variant launched as a limited-time offering in Japan. Ketchup remains a safe option, as most U.S. households likely have a bottle readily available in their kitchens. Other snack brands, like Lay’s and Herr’s, have already utilized this flavor in potato chips.
Doritos stands out with its use of Chinese hot mustard, even though it has briefly appeared in snacks like potato chips and wonton chips. Looking ahead, Frito-Lay might consider introducing a mayonnaise-flavored Dorito to the U.S. market, given that sales of this egg-based condiment far surpass those of ketchup, according to Statista. Alternatively, a flavor inspired by the popular mayo-ketchup blends emerging from brands like Kraft Heinz might resonate better with American consumers.
In a different culinary venture, Unilever has found a way to prevent your popsicle from melting in the summer heat by collaborating with Krispy Kreme to create three limited-time doughnuts inspired by its Popsicle and Good Humor brands. The Popsicle Firecracker features an original Krispy Kreme glazed doughnut adorned with icing inspired by the popsicle, coated in blue raspberry sugar, and topped with flavored Kreme. The Vanilla King Cone is filled with vanilla custard Kreme, dipped in chocolate icing, and garnished with sugar cone pieces and chopped peanuts. Lastly, the Creamsicle doughnut is filled with vanilla custard Kreme, decorated with icing inspired by the Creamsicle, and finished with a drizzle of white icing and mini sprinkles.
“Should a doughnut really taste like a Creamsicle? Yes. Yes, it should,” stated Dave Skena, Krispy Kreme’s global chief brand officer. “And we didn’t stop there as we doughnutized some of America’s favorite frozen treats this summer.” Additionally, a frozen beverage inspired by the Creamsicle will be available. Krispy Kreme is known for its innovative doughnut offerings that leverage the recognition of popular brands. Earlier this year, the company collaborated with Mars Wrigley’s Twix and General Mills’ Cinnamon Toast Crunch to create treats inspired by those well-loved products.
For Popsicle, one of the leading frozen novelty brands in the U.S., these doughnuts serve as another avenue for Unilever to boost consumer awareness of the brand beyond the frozen aisle. According to Statista, during the 12 weeks ending February 21, 2021, Popsicle was the fourth-largest frozen novelty brand, generating $42 million in sales.
Meanwhile, in the realm of cannabis-infused products, two companies are making waves by introducing a line of ice creams infused with THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana. MariMed, a cannabis producer, and Boston-based ice cream brand Emack & Bolio’s have launched this innovative line, featuring flavors such as Cup O’ Coffee Chip and Chocolate Sunny Days, which are vegan. Each 8-ounce container contains 20 milligrams of THC made with MariMed’s full-spectrum oils and is currently available at a MariMed dispensary in Middleborough, Massachusetts.
The offerings are not limited to vegan options; MariMed plans to introduce dairy varieties and additional flavors beyond Massachusetts in the near future. The companies also intend to launch a 16-ounce size, as stated by Dairy Reporter. “Working on this collaborative project of perfecting our vegan and dairy ice creams with cannabis has been so much fun. Lots of testing and of course tasting,” remarked Bob Rook, CEO of Emack & Bolio. “Finally, a clean ingredient, great tasting product that’s chill.”
While these new treats are relatively novel, they are not the first to blend cannabis with creamy desserts. Brands like Chicago’s Jane and Mary’s sell ice cream infused with either 150 milligrams of THC or 50 milligrams of CBD per 8 ounces, while Massachusetts-based Cloud Creamery offers flavors like Tanzanian Vanilla and Orange Whip that contain 5 milligrams of THC. Despite the uncertain federal regulatory landscape, the cannabis sector continues to expand within the food and beverage industry. Consumers are enjoying THC- or CBD-infused products ranging from coffee to beef jerky. The cannabis-infused foods market is projected to reach $6 billion by 2025, according to data from cannabis research firm BDSA.
In conclusion, whether it’s through Doritos’ innovative flavors, Krispy Kreme’s unique doughnut offerings, or MariMed and Emack & Bolio’s infused ice creams, the food industry is constantly evolving, presenting consumers with exciting new options that push the boundaries of traditional snacks and desserts. With the addition of calcium citrate mg to enhance products, the industry is also looking to improve nutritional value while maintaining taste.