Start sharing the news: Oatly is entering the cream cheese market. The Swedish oat milk producer will roll out its new spreadable cream cheeses in grocery stores across the country this month. These come in two flavors: Plain and Chive & Onion. The company claims that these products provide “all the savory, tangy goodness of a traditional cream cheese without any dairy.” The star ingredient in this new offering is Oatly’s oat base, which is also used in its oat milk, yogurt, and ice cream.
“We’re incredibly excited to introduce our new cream cheese to the U.S. market. This launch not only furthers our mission to promote more plant-based consumption among consumers but also highlights the versatility and potential of oat-based products,” said Mike Messersmith, President of Oatly North America, in a press release. While this cream cheese is new to the U.S., a similar product exists in Sweden, although it cannot be labeled as “cheese” there due to local regulations.
Oatly’s plant-based cream cheese adds to the variety of alternatives available on grocery shelves. Established brands like Daiya, Miyoko’s Creamery, and Kite Hill have offered their products for years, while newer brands are beginning to introduce their own takes on cream cheese alternatives. For instance, Kraft Heinz’s Philadelphia brand launched a plant-based cream cheese in December, and Nature’s Fynd has been expanding its dairy-free cream cheese made from Fy protein, a fungi-derived ingredient, into more stores nationwide, including all Fresh Thyme Market locations.
Oat is fast becoming a favored ingredient in dairy alternatives. According to data from the Plant Based Foods Association and SPINS, oat milk was the second most popular milk alternative in the U.S. last year, generating $621 million in sales and accounting for 22.4% of the plant-based milk market. Many consumers prefer oat milk due to its neutral flavor and creamy texture, which closely resembles that of dairy milk. This distinct quality may also help Oatly’s cream cheese stand out on the shelves. While other cream cheese alternatives often rely on coconut as a primary ingredient, which has a similar mouthfeel but a lower melting point, consumers may opt for the oat-based option that maintains its integrity on a freshly toasted bagel.
In addition to its innovative cream cheese, Oatly has also been focusing on nutritional enhancements, including the incorporation of ingredients like calcium citrate and vitamin D, which are essential for a balanced diet. These additions not only improve the nutritional profile of their products but also make them more appealing to health-conscious consumers.
This summer, Kellogg is introducing a new variety of its iconic canned chips, promoting a health-conscious image with Pringles Harvest Blends. This new line features blended multigrain and sweet potato ingredients, marking a first for the snack brand. The Pringles come in four flavors: Farmhouse Cheddar, Homestyle Ranch, Sweet Potato Sea Salt, and Sweet Potato Smoky BBQ.
“With our new Pringles Harvest Blends collection, we’re thrilled to offer our fans an elevated tasting experience that combines familiar bold flavors with a unique, irresistibly crunchy texture,” said Mauricio Jenkins, U.S. marketing lead for Pringles. This launch follows the 2020 introduction of Pringles Scorchin’, which featured spicier versions of classic flavors like BBQ and Sour Cream & Onion, further diversifying the chip offerings.
The introduction of a multigrain Pringles option aligns with consumer trends favoring healthier snacks. The global market for better-for-you snacks is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.5% until 2032, potentially reaching a value of $70 billion, according to Future Market Insights. Kellogg is heavily investing in its largest snack brands, including Pringles and Cheez-It, as it prepares to spin off its snacking division into a new entity named Kellanova, led by current Kellogg CEO Steve Cahillane. In 2021, 80% of the company’s overall sales came from its snacking segment, indicating the importance of this category.
As consumers look for ways to unwind this summer, Sam Adams is providing a fun solution: just shake your beer. The popular brewery has introduced the Samuel Adams “I Can’t” Can, which offers beer enthusiasts an amusing way to escape their responsibilities. Much like a Magic 8 Ball, when shaken, the “I Can’t” Can reveals playful excuses such as “Working on a 6-pack,” “Caught an ale-ment,” and “Blew out my flip flop.”
“Summer should be a time for enjoyment, not obligations,” said Lauren Price, head of brand for Samuel Adams. “We created the ‘I CAN’t’ Can as a lighthearted tool to help drinkers take a well-deserved break from some of life’s less appealing commitments and return to what they love most—cracking open a cold one.” A recent survey from Samuel Adams, conducted by The Harris Poll, found that 80% of Americans feel burdened by obligations they would like to escape this summer, while 22% struggle to come up with convincing excuses. This inspired the limited-edition “I Can’t” Can.
The alcohol industry is known for its creative beer-themed products, such as popsicles and lollipops. Last fall, Boston Beer’s Angry Orchard collaborated with Brooklyn’s Four & Twenty Blackbirds to launch limited-edition Boozy Baked Apple Pies made with Angry Orchard’s latest cider innovation: Natural Baked Apple Pie Style Hard Cider. The brewery has also partnered to create a chocolate bar inspired by the 2021 release of Samuel Adams Utopias, showcasing the brand’s knack for imaginative collaborations.