Burger chain White Castle is expanding its presence in the frozen food section with the nationwide launch of its newest retail item, Castle Bites. These bites feature real beef and onions, reminiscent of White Castle’s famous Slider hamburgers, all encased in a crispy crust. Available in two flavors, Cheeseburger and Hamburger, they can be purchased in 18-ounce stand-up bags and 40-ounce party packs.
Based in Ohio, White Castle operates 368 restaurants across 14 states and has successfully broadened its brand nationally through retail offerings. Castle Bites, which are similar to General Mills’ Totino’s Pizza Rolls, are produced in collaboration with frozen food company Bellisio Foods. This product joins another recent offering from White Castle and Bellisio: a freezer-friendly version of the chain’s popular Chicken Rings. Additionally, White Castle sells frozen Sliders in all 50 states.
Founded in 1921 in Wichita, Kansas, White Castle prides itself on being the original fast food burger chain, having sold 6 billion of its iconic Slider burgers. In recent years, it has ventured into new markets such as Florida and Arizona, following impressive turnout at grand openings in those regions. The frozen appetizer category, particularly snack rolls, has experienced notable growth since the pandemic began, with the segment growing 10.6% to reach $3.5 billion in the year ending April 17, 2022, according to IRI data shared by Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery.
Meanwhile, Eat the Change is aiming to cater to adults in need of more vegetables with its new product, Organic Carrot Chews. Founded by Seth Goldman, co-founder of Honest Tea, and celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn, this product targets adults and is an extension of a similar release for kids earlier this year. Each 4.32-ounce multiserve pouch contains four ingredients, mainly organic carrots and organic fruit juice, providing vitamin A, 2 grams of fiber, and 130 calories per serving. The chews are available in Ginger Turmeric, Maple Cardamom, and Meyer Lemon flavors, with a suggested retail price ranging from $6.49 to $6.99.
Goldman stated, “After the successful launch of Cosmic Carrot Chews for kids, we identified an opportunity to create a snack appealing to adults of all ages.” The CDC reports that many adults fall short of their daily fruit and vegetable intake, with only 9% consuming the recommended amount of vegetables and 12% the suggested amount of fruit. To attract health-conscious consumers, food and beverage companies are increasingly looking to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their products.
Salt & Straw has introduced flavors featuring spinach, fennel, corn, and carrots in its unique ice creams, while Mondelēz International’s Dirt Kitchen has developed bars using ingredients like tomato, beets, pumpkin seeds, and carrots.
In a quirky twist, Southern QSR chain Zaxby’s is launching a limited-time popsicle collaboration with Alabama popsicle maker Frios. Known for its fried chicken, Zaxby’s will offer “Saucesicles” made from two of its signature dipping sauces—Zax Sauce and Tongue Torch. Starting September 19, customers can order free eight-packs of these unique frozen treats. “Saucesicles were created for our most loyal fans who can’t get enough of our signature sauces,” said Patrick Schwing, Zaxby’s chief marketing and strategy officer.
The Zax Sauce popsicle features the sweet and tangy flavor of the restaurant’s sauce blend, while the Tongue Torch variety has a mild tomato base with garlic, paprika, turmeric, and lime. Zaxby’s is not alone in experimenting with unconventional dessert flavors; McCormick’s French’s brand recently launched the “Frenchsicle,” a ketchup-flavored popsicle, despite mixed reactions on social media. Additionally, Kraft Heinz’s Oscar Mayer partnered with Popbar to create the Cold Dog, a frozen treat resembling an Oscar Mayer wiener, which drew a mix of astonishment and intrigue from consumers.
As these companies explore innovative products, it’s important for consumers to consider their nutritional needs, including the benefits of wholesome ingredients like purely holistic calcium citrate.