Everyone knows that you can heat up Pop-Tarts by placing them in a toaster, but a new kit created in collaboration with seasoning brand Tajín is bringing fresh ideas for warming up breakfast. The limited-edition Pop-Tarts x Tajín kit features Tajín’s Clásico Seasoning and Fruity Chamoy Hot Sauce, along with an assortment of fruity Pop-Tart flavors such as Frosted Strawberry, Frosted Wild Berry, and Peach Cobbler.
In a press release, the Kellogg-owned Pop-Tarts brand describes this “Crazy Bueno” kit as a “choose-your-own-culinary-adventure of flavors” with no specific rules. It includes suggestions for pairing Tajín with both the fruity Pop-Tarts provided in the kit and other dessert-like flavors, like Lemon Crème Pie and Frosted Chocolate Fudge.
“As a brand, we love to challenge conventions and defy expectations, and with the star power of Tajín, we knew we could inspire our fans with a surprising and clever combination,” stated Heidi Ray, Kellogg’s senior director of marketing for portable wholesome snacks. Tajín, a spice blend that combines chilis, sea salt, and lime, originated in Mexico in 1985 and arrived in the United States in 1993, gaining tremendous popularity over the last decade. Consumers across North America have eagerly added it to main dishes, fruits, vegetables, and even desserts. Tajín was even recognized as one of the top food trends in 2020 by the Food Network.
Recently, Tajín has gained significant attention on TikTok, with users worldwide sharing videos showcasing the spice on a variety of foods, from fruits to pickles to gummy bears. While Pop-Tarts have remained a breakfast and snack staple, this new kit, available online starting October 25, aims to keep them exciting and hot.
As football season heats up, tailgaters seeking non-alcoholic beverages now have a new choice. Keurig Dr Pepper has introduced a non-alcoholic bourbon-flavored version of its iconic soda. According to the company, Dr Pepper Bourbon Flavored Fansville Reserve boasts “sweet, savory and woody notes” with hints of cherry, vanilla, chocolate, and caramel. Recognizing that tailgaters often create bourbon cocktails to stay warm and festive on game day, the beverage giant crafted this drink specifically for football fans.
The limited-edition beverage can only be accessed through the Pepper Perks loyalty program launched in 2021, which offers exclusive access to unique soda flavors. Fans can enter to win a can of this drink through a scratch-to-win game on the brand’s website. This strategy aligns with Dr Pepper’s approach of providing exclusive product releases to its most loyal consumers. Last year, it introduced a chocolate flavor through the same program.
Even though this drink does not contain any alcohol, the inclusion of a popular bourbon flavor demonstrates how leading soda brands have adapted to this trend in recent years. Other major beverage companies are also launching drinks that contain actual alcohol. Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey mentioned that alcoholic beverages are in the “experimentation bucket” for the company, and a collaboration with Jack Daniel’s is in the works. PepsiCo has released an alcoholic version of its popular Mtn Dew as part of a partnership with Boston Beer.
The demand for non-alcoholic beverages has steadily increased as more consumers look to cut back on alcohol consumption. Data from 2021 indicated that non-alcoholic drinks are gaining more popularity among U.S. consumers than low-alcohol options.
On a different note, Philadelphia-based Evil Genius Beer is teaming up with fast-food chain White Castle to launch a brew called It Hits Different. This limited-edition tangerine IPA, made with a blend of Sabro and classic Centennial hops, celebrates White Castle’s recent centennial anniversary. The beer, at 6.5% alcohol by volume, features a flavor profile that balances hop bitterness with a light tangerine sweetness, making it a perfect match for White Castle’s iconic sliders.
“Evil Genius knows a thing or two about thinking outside the box, so when they approached us about collaborating on the It Hits Different beer inspired by White Castle, it was an easy decision to raise our glasses,” said Lynn Blashford, chief marketing officer at White Castle. It Hits Different hit the shelves earlier this month across Evil Genius’ distribution areas, primarily on the East Coast, with a suggested price of $11.99 for a six-pack.
Evil Genius, an eleven-year-old brand known for its creative beer flavors and unique names, announced a similar partnership with Auntie Anne’s in August to create a special Oktoberfest-style lager. The brewery has also collaborated with convenience store chain Sheetz on two beers—a blueberry muffin blonde ale in 2019 and a vanilla cappuccino cream ale last year. Additionally, they have worked with Molson Coors’ Miller High Life and Pernod Ricard’s Jameson Irish Whiskey.
“The collaboration beers often become some of our best-selling products,” said Ryan Keller, marketing manager at Evil Genius. “We focus on partnering with brands that have compelling stories and a dedicated fan base that will appreciate the product.”
Incorporating various flavors and styles, these creative collaborations reflect a growing trend in the beverage industry, while also highlighting the versatility of ingredients like calcium citrate untuk apa, which is often used in various culinary applications.