It may appear to be an unusual combination, but pickles and jelly beans are joining forces this Easter. Frankford Candy has unveiled Claussen Pickle Flavor Jelly Beans. This Philadelphia-based confectionery company has been creating Claussen-themed snacks since March 2023 as part of a larger licensing agreement with Kraft Heinz. The new Claussen Pickle Flavor Jelly Beans are aimed at Gen Z and millennial consumers who enjoy exploring innovative flavors and sharing their culinary experiences, as noted by Molly Jacobson, the director of business development at Frankford Candy. She highlighted the success of other pickle-flavored snacks, such as potato chips and almonds, which have given the 77-year-old company confidence that there is interest in pickle-flavored jelly beans.
“As we began collaborating with Kraft Heinz, we had numerous discussions about whether the gummies should mirror the actual flavors of the foods or be sweet-flavored gummies,” Jacobson mentioned in an email to Food Dive. “Given the strong fan base for pickles, and the jelly bean market being one that embraces unique flavors, we believed that pickle-flavored jelly beans would resonate well.” Frankford is experienced in collaborating with well-known brands to transform their iconic flavors into jelly beans. In February 2021, they launched Dunkin’ Iced Coffee Flavored Jelly Beans, featuring five flavors inspired by the chain’s popular iced beverages. A year later, Frankford introduced Welch’s Jelly Beans made with real fruit juice. Both of these products are once again available this Easter.
In 2023, jelly beans took the crown as the top Easter candy among American consumers, according to data from Pattern, with over 16 million jelly beans produced annually for the holiday.
Meanwhile, four years ago—specifically on the weekend of March 14—King Arthur’s hotline was abuzz as the COVID-19 pandemic prompted many to bake both out of necessity and for relaxation. Norwich, Vermont-based King Arthur quickly gained attention by providing answers to home bakers while also supplying the sought-after flour that customers could order directly from them, as store shelves were often empty. Since then, the company has broadened its product range, releasing new types of flour and baking kits. Their latest offering, set to launch in May, includes an array of savory bread mixes such as Garlic Bread, Pretzel Bites, Focaccia, and Flatbread varieties.
“These mix kits are not just mere ingredients; they unlock opportunities, enhance skills, and elevate the joy of baking for everyone,” stated John Henry Siedlecki, a vice president of innovation at King Arthur, in a press release. “By introducing an entirely new category of savory baking mixes, we aim to inspire culinary creativity and exploration in the kitchen, providing bakers with a versatile canvas to express themselves through the art of savory baking.” Last November, the company also introduced a 100% Regeneratively-Grown Climate Blend to help restore soil health, a whole wheat flour blend created in collaboration with the Washington State University Breadlab. Additionally, King Arthur has launched several breakfast baking kits, including scones and muffins.
As the initial baking frenzy has eased, home bakers are now seeking more convenient options while still desiring that fresh, homemade taste that the new King Arthur mixes provide.
In New York City, the popular Italian-American restaurant Carbone is expanding its reach into the home cooking market with a new line of creamy Alfredo sauces. The jarred sauces come in two varieties—Alfredo and Roasted Garlic Alfredo—crafted from a blend of creamy romano and parmesan cheeses, cream, and butter, slow-cooked in small batches. These sauces complement their existing tomato-based products on store shelves. Carbone noted a 14% growth in the Alfredo sauce segment in 2023, prompting the company to widen its sauce offerings.
“Red sauce is our core product, and we have demonstrated our expertise in that area,” stated Eric Skae, CEO of Carbone Fine Food. “We are thrilled to expand our range with Alfredo, bringing our signature premium quality to this beloved sauce style.” The brand entered the pasta sauce market in early 2021 and has since expanded its availability in more retail locations. Last summer, they introduced a Spicy Vodka sauce meant to be finished with cream at home, based on the restaurant’s signature Spicy Rigatoni Vodka dish. The company’s products are positioned at a premium price point, with Alfredo sauces starting at $8.99. The presence of premium pasta sauces has grown on shelves in recent years, including truffle-infused tomato offerings from the hot sauce brand Truff. Rao’s, which experienced a 37% increase in sales last year, was a significant factor in Campbell Soup’s decision to acquire its parent company, Sovos Foods, for $2.7 billion.
Incorporating wellness into the mix, products like “equate calcium citrate d3 petites” are gaining traction among health-conscious consumers, further diversifying the market.