New Cheetos Crunch Pop Mix Blends Two Fan Favorites

by Jennifer SwartvagherJanuary 11, 2021

Crunchy or Popcorn? Easy, combine the two! Chester Cheetah did just that with the launch of the new Cheetos Crunch Pop Mix — a delicious and cheesy combination of Cheetos Crunchy and Cheetos Popcorn.

Unlike any ordinary snack mix, Cheetos has unleashed its new Crunch Pop Mix — a mischievously cheesy combination of traditional Cheetos Crunchy and the immensely popular Cheetos Popcorn introduced during last year’s Super Bowl LIV. Sure to be the most coveted snack in the pantry, Cheetos Crunch Pop Mix is so deliciously tantalizing that it comes with its own mock advisory, warning fans it may be snatched by others’ Cheetle-coated fingers.

Chester even rolled out a survey to back his theory: According to an upcoming Frito-Lay Snack Index Survey, nearly half of Americans (48%) admit to stealing snacks from friends or loved ones, and among those, one-in-four (25%) even admit to doing it with some regularity.

“2020 was a year unlike any other in that we saw the incredibly popular introduction of Cheetos Popcorn in January, quickly followed by world-changing events that affected every industry differently,” said Rachel Ferdinando, SVP and CMO, Frito-Lay North America. “For our brands, we saw trends like Cheetos recipe searches skyrocketing 190%. So now we’re thinking with that lens through everything we introduce to the world. Hopefully Cheetos Crunch Pop Mix can provide a small moment of joy and bring a few smiles this year.”

Cheetos Crunch Pop Mix is available in a 7 ounce bag retailing for $3.99 and 2.25 ounce bag for $1.89.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Cheetos

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Homesick and Dunkin’ Bring Back Limited-Edition Candles for the Holidays

by Jennifer SwartvagherNovember 23, 2020

Bring the donut shop into your living room. After a successful 2019 launch, lifestyle brand Homesick announced it would once again team up with Dunkin’ to bring back limited-edition candles inspired by some of the brand’s beloved menu items. Original Blend Coffee and Old Fashioned Donuts scents are back by popular demand and come with a new candle personalization feature.

“When we first started working with Dunkin’ to create this collection, we immediately bonded over our shared passion for putting a smile on people’s faces. It was all the more fulfilling for us to see such a positive response to the lineup – between Old Fashioned and Original Blend selling out so quickly, and an influx of comments, DMs, and emails from our customers asking us to bring it back,” said Lauren Lamagna, Director of Product Development and Merchandising at Homesick. “Whether our customers are buying for themselves to relive a special Dunkin’ memory, or to give to friends and family customized with their go-to order, we’re excited to team up with Dunkin’ again to offer this meaningful gift for the holiday season.”

Homesick x Dunkin’ Collection candle fragrances include:

Original Blend: Dunkin’s signature blend coffee that has been keeping America running for 70 years. The combination of Original Blend Coffee and cream delivers a sweet scent to be enjoyed by all.

Old Fashioned: Indulge in the coziness of freshly baked Old Fashioned Donuts with the sweet but subtle scent of traditional warm spices that wrap you in nostalgia.

Packaged in Dunkin’s iconic pink and orange colors, the limited-edition collection is available beginning today, Nov. 23, at homesick.com/dunkin for $34. For an additional $15 you can add a personalized message on the jar to make it an extra special gift for your favorite Dunkin’ fan.

Each candle is hand-poured in the U.S. with a soy wax blend and offers a generous burn time of 60 to 80 hours.

“In a year when everyone could use a little more cheer, Dunkin’ coffee and donuts and Homesick candles have both played a role in bringing people moments of comfort and joy. Our fans are as unique as their coffee orders and we wanted to bring back our collaboration with the fun new twist of personalization,” said Justin Unger, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Dunkin’ Brands. “After last year’s response, it was an easy decision to team up with Homesick again to bring back those fan-favorite fragrances and allow people nationwide to experience Dunkin’ at home.”

For more information visit www.homesick.com/dunkin.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Dunkin’

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Sun-Maid Offers New Options for Halloween Including Glow in the Dark Packaging

by Jennifer SwartvagherOctober 20, 2020

This Halloween may be different this year so why not try something new? Sun-Maid wants to help parents out by offering new better-for-you snacks to enjoy or hand out. Just in time for Halloween they are revealing a whole new alternative to candy treats.

New Peanut Butter Yogurt Covered Raisins

After the success of popular Yogurt Covered Raisin mashups like Strawberry and Vanilla and Chocolate and Vanilla, Sun-Maid reveals its latest raisin recipe flavor: Peanut Butter. Peanut Butter is perfect for the Yogurt Covered Raisin and pairs for two new products: Chocolate and Peanut Butter Yogurt Covered Raisins and PB&J Yogurt Covered Raisins. These new combinations are the first new Yogurt Covered Raisin offerings of 2020 and create 10 kid-friendly flavors in Sun-Maid’s mix of Yogurt Covered Raisin options. Sun-Maid Yogurt Covered Raisins are non-GMO and always made with natural flavors.

Chocolate and Peanut Butter: The chocolate and peanut butter combination is made with whole fruit with a raisin at the core, surrounded by a creamy mix of rich chocolate and nutty peanut butter. Inspired by the peanut butter cup, the new release comes just in time for Halloween when the popular flavor combination sweeps shelves.

PB&J: The classic marriage makes its way to whole fruit with a familiar flavor for kids and parents. Made with strawberry – PB&J Yogurt Covered Raisins pack a sweet and savory punch and a welcome alternative to or complement for the traditional sandwich.

Sour Raisin Snacks, Yogurt Covered Raisins in Glow-in-the-Dark Packaging

Adding even more inspiration for spirited fun, Sun-Maid is releasing limited edition, glow-in-the-dark packaging in Sour Raisin Snacks and Yogurt Covered Raisin variety packs. The Halloween-themed Sour Raisin Snacks come in 24 fun size pouches with 12 Strawberry and 12 Blue Raspberry flavors. The Sun-Maid Yogurt Covered Raisin snacks for Halloween are available in an 18-fun-sized pouch box including Chocolate and Vanilla covered raisins. Available via Walmart.com and Amazon.com, the packages feature bats that glow after being held up to a UV or smartphone light.

Sun-Maid Sour Raisin Snacks are fruit snacks the way nature intended – they taste like sour candy but are whole fruit. Taking the raisin up a level, Sun-Maid uses golden raisins and simply adds a little sour pucker of natural fruit flavoring. No added sugar, and northing artificial – these treats provide an entirely new flavor experience. Sour Raisin Snacks come in four flavors for other tastes – including Watermelon and Mixed Berry in addition to Strawberry and Blue Raspberry.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Sun-Maid

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Kit Kat Flavor Club Gives Fans the Chance to Taste New Flavor Innovations

by Jennifer SwartvagherSeptember 21, 2020

Kit Kat is giving 200 fans the opportunity to be one of the first to taste some of the brand’s newest flavor innovations through membership in an exclusive members-only club. The Kit Kat Flavor Club Sweepstakes invites fans to enter, at no cost, for the chance to be selected to join a limited group of Kit Kat insiders who will receive in-development products and club member swag, delivered straight to their doorsteps.

Sweepstakes entrants who are selected to be club members will receive three kits during the debut year, timed to Fall 2020, Early 2021 and Late Spring 2021. The brand is excited to announce that the first kit will feature the highly anticipated Kit Kat Duos mocha + chocolate before it arrives on shelves nationwide this November.

“We listened to the overwhelmingly positive feedback from our recent Kit Kat flavor launches,” said Amy Minderman, director Kit Kat Brand. “It is important for us to hear feedback from our fans, so that we can continue to create flavors they love, so we are thrilled to introduce the Kit Kat Flavor Club!”

In August, the Kit Kat Brand announced the upcoming launch of Kit Kat Duos Mocha + Chocolate featuring a rich mocha flavored creme on the top and silky sweet chocolate on the bottom combined with classic Kit Kat wafers. The brand is excited to give Kit Kat Flavor Club members the first taste of this dynamic flavor combination in October as part of the first kit, before it hits shelves in November.

Consumers can enter the Sweepstakes for a chance to win a spot in the Kit Kat Flavor Club. Entries will be open for submission Sept. 21 at 9 a.m. ET, and close on Sept. 29 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Members will have the opportunity to share feedback with the brand team over the course of this one-year program, potentially influencing the future of the Kit Kat Brand’s flavor innovation.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Hershey’s

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Panera & Michael Bolton Launch New Broccoli Cheddar Mac & Cheese

by Jennifer SwartvagherSeptember 16, 2020

Fans of Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup and Mac & Cheese won’t have to choose between their two Panera favorites ever again. Today, Panera is pairing these two classic menu items into an entirely new creation – Broccoli Cheddar Mac & Cheese, available now at bakery-cafes nationwide. Since this combination is so irresistible, Panera and two-time Grammy Award Winner Michael Bolton have released a digital short, “When Some Mac Loves Broccoli Cheddar.”

“As the new head Chef at Panera, I am incredibly excited to work with our pantry of fresh, clean ingredients to create delicious new innovations on the Panera menu,” said Claes Petersson, Head Chef and Chief Food & Innovation Officer at Panera. “I’m obsessed with the flavor combination in our new Broccoli Cheddar Mac & Cheese—it’s an insanely craveable and irresistible creation that our customers nationwide are sure to love.”

Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese is a new recipe from Panera and was developed by combining two distinct cheddar cheese sauces into a singular velvety blend, simmered with a burst of seasoned broccoli florets and julienned carrots. Guests can now order Broccoli Cheddar Mac & Cheese in Panera bakery-cafes nationwide, starting at $5.79 or as part of a You Pick 2 order. Panera Broccoli Cheddar Mac & Cheese is also available in the refrigerated deli area at select grocery retailers nationwide as the newest addition to Panera’s line of cafe-inspired grocery products.

“To celebrate the first-ever mash-up of two iconic Panera menu items coming together in perfect harmony, we knew we had to do something big,” said Eduardo Luz, Chief Brand & Concept Officer at Panera. “The combination of our crowd-pleasing Broccoli Cheddar Soup, with our Mac & Cheese is a true embodiment of Panera’s dedication to delicious food. We felt so passionately about the flavor combination that the love song almost wrote itself, and who better to help us announce to the world than love song legend and Panera superfan, Michael Bolton.”

As with all Panera menu items, new Broccoli Cheddar Mac & Cheese is free from artificial preservatives, sweeteners, flavors, or colors from artificial sources as defined by our No No List. Guests can order nationwide in Panera bakery-cafes, on Panera’s website, or via the Panera app. If you’re on-the-go or just not quite ready to dine in, you can order via Panera Curbside or contactless Delivery, as Panera continues to take steps to serve our communities safely.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Panera

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Light Up Your Fall with DQ Fall Blizzard Menu and Candle Collection

by Jennifer SwartvagherAugust 31, 2020

The leaves will start changing colors soon and pumpkins are beginning to pop up on doorsteps. It may be a bit too early to don a sweater but you can get your fall fix at DQ. They are celebrating the change of seasons with the return of the DQ Fall Blizzard Treat Candle Collection, inspired by the new Fall Blizzard Treat Menu.

Packed with a variety of delicious flavors such as the new Caramel Apple Pie Blizzard Treat, as well as returning favorites of Pumpkin Pie and Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough, fans can dive spoon first into autumn. The candle collection is inspired by the flavors of the fall menu. Each set comes with six, 4 oz. candles.

The DQ Fall Blizzard Candle Collection will be available at DQCandleCollection.com on Thurs., Sept. 3 at 3p.m. ET. Each set retails for $25 and all proceeds will be donated to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a longtime DQ charitable partner.

If you can’t wait for a taste of fall head over to DQ locations beginning Aug. 31. The Fall Blizzard Menu offers the satisfaction of cozy seasonal flavors with the world-famous DQ soft-serve fans love and crave: 

Caramel Apple Pie Blizzard: Cozy up with a combination of apple pie pieces, soft caramel pieces and signature DQ soft serve, finished with whipped topping. Available for a limited time only.

Pumpkin Pie Blizzard: A sweet combination of real pumpkin pie pieces and creamy vanilla soft serve, crowned with whipped topping and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Available for a limited time only. 

OREO Mocha Fudge Blizzard: A loaded mocha experience combining OREO cookie pieces, coffee and sweet choco chunks with world-famous DQ soft serve.

Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough Blizzard: Soft Snickerdoodle cookie dough pieces, and cinnamon and sugar and blended with creamy DQ soft serve.

Brownie Dough Blizzard: Brownie dough pieces, choco chunks, and cocoa fudge blended with signature DQ soft serve.

Choco Dipped Strawberry Blizzard: Strawberry and choco chunks blended with world-famous DQ soft serve.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: DQ

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New Colorful Summer Drinks Now Available at Starbucks

by Jennifer SwartvagherAugust 28, 2020

Are are looking for that last sip of summer before everything is pumpkin spice flavored/ Starbucks is now offering two new vibrant green drinks, the Kiwi Starfruit Starbucks Refreshers Beverage and the Star Drink. Both are joining the permanent menu at locations across the U. S. after a successful launch in Canada earlier this year.

New Kiwi Starfruit Starbucks Refreshers Beverage

The Kiwi Starfruit Starbucks Refreshers Beverage is a tropical combination of starfruit flavored juice and real kiwi pieces, hand-shaken with ice. With less than 100 calories in a Grande (16 fl. oz. beverage), the Kiwi Starfruit Starbucks Refreshers joins the Starbucks Refreshers platform, alongside customer-favorites Strawberry Açaí Starbucks Refreshers, Very Berry Hibiscus Starbucks Refreshers and Mango Dragonfruit Starbucks Refreshers.

New Star Drink

The Star Drink adds coconutmilk to our new Kiwi Starfruit Starbucks Refreshers Beverage for a creamy and refreshing sip that’s under 200 calories in a Grande (16 fl. oz. beverage). Now on the permanent menu alongside other creamy customer favorites like the Pink Drink, Violet Drink and Dragon Drink.

Customers can use the Starbucks App to find a store nearby, order ahead and have contactless payment. And for those who want their favorite Starbucks drinks and food without leaving home there is always Starbucks Delivers.

Another way to enjoy the final moments of the summer season is with a new, colorful cold cup or tumbler. Now through August 24, customers can enjoy 30% off their purchase of summer-inspired drinkware and merchandise. To learn more about the new Starbucks food and beverage menu items available in U.S. stores, visit www.starbucks.com/menu/featured.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Starbucks

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Cheetos Launches New Mac ‘n Cheese Flavors Including Flamin’ Hot

by Jennifer SwartvagherAugust 9, 2020

Dangerously cheesy! Cheetos lovers have another way to enjoy their favorite cheesy snack. Get ready to fill your shopping cart with the combination of Cheetos and mac and cheese.

Cheetos Mac ‘n Cheese comes in three varieties: Bold & Cheesy, Flamin’ Hot and Cheesy Jalapeño.

“We’ve seen incredible culinary creativity from our Cheetos fans through the years, taking our product and using as an actual ingredient in recipes — whether at restaurants, or now more than ever, at home,” said Rachel Ferdinando, SVP, CMO Frito-Lay North America. “Cheetos Mac ‘n Cheese borrows that culinary inspiration to provide a mischievous mashup of an ordinary fan favorite. We’re putting our orange-dusted fingerprints on an at-home staple at a time when home mealtime occasions are on the rise.”

Beginning Aug. 8, fans can pick up Cheetos Mac ‘n Cheese in both single box and cup format at Walmart stores nationally or online for a suggested retail price of 98 cents. Keep an eye out for the product to be available at retailers nationwide in 2021.

“This one-of-a-kind innovation leverages the strength of our brands to hack into a household staple and take it to the next level with unique flavor experiences only Cheetos can provide,” said Kristin Kroepfl, VP, CMO Quaker Foods North America. “We look forward to bringing our passionate consumers the same Cheetos taste in a brand new way.”

For more information about Cheetos Mac’n Cheese, visit www.cheetos.com or http://www.walmart.com/cheetos.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Cheetos

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Nerds Gummy Clusters Bring Together Crunchy & Gummy

by Jennifer SwartvagherJuly 23, 2020

You won’t have to choose between gummy or crunchy when picking out candy for your next movie night. Nerds Gummy Clusters feature mini Rainbow Nerds surrounding a fruity gummy center. Enjoy the best of both worlds when you enjoy multiple textures and flavors with this fun poppable treat.

“Nerds has driven significant growth in the past year, and with research showing that consumers are seeking fun and multi-textured candy, our team came together to deliver the fun of our Nerds Candy in an innovative and poppable way,” said Katie Duffy, Vice President of Marketing at Ferrara Candy Company. “Our team of ‘nerdy’ developers, engineers, researchers and marketers set out to create these bite-sized bundles that combine a fruity gummy with a punch of crunch for a delightful combination in every Nerds Gummy Clusters bite.”

Available in the Nerds Rainbow flavor, Nerds Gummy Clusters will start hitting shelves in August and will be widely available in five sizes in Oct ranging in price from $0.99 to $3.99.

To find a retailer near you visit www.nerdscandy.com.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Ferrara

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Cheez-It and House Wine Box Returns with a New Pairing

by Jennifer SwartvagherJuly 23, 2020

Don’t miss out! Just in time to celebrate National Wine and Cheese Day, the Cheez-It and Wine box that had everyone buzzing last year is back This year’s limited-edition box offers a brand-new, summer-ready combination, Cheez-It White Cheddar & House Wine Rosé.

Made with 100% real cheese, Cheez-It White Cheddar crackers pair perfectly with the crisp, refreshing flavor of House Wine rosé all in one convenient package.

With its light crisp flavor rosé is the ideal beverage for summer. Cheesy White Cheddar Cheez-It crackers is the perfect accompaniment for a socially distant happy hour or cozy evening on the couch watching television.

“Following the success of our first edition of Cheez-It and Wine, which sold out in minutes, we knew we had to bring the partnership back this summer with a new flavor pairing,” said Jeff Delonis, Senior Director of Marketing for Cheez-It. “White Cheddar is a long-standing favorite of Cheez-It fans and what better match than light, refreshing rosé? Not only does it perfectly complement the cheesy goodness, it’s also the unofficial wine of summer!”

Limited-Edition Cheez-It White Cheddar & House Wine Rosé will be available online for $29.99 at OriginalHouseWine.com beginning at 2 p.m. ET on Jul. 23, 2020, while supplies last.

“Similar to the many varieties of Cheez-It, our wines run the full spectrum of flavor,” said Hal Landvoigt, winemaker for House Wine. “We’ve seen rosé skyrocket in popularity over the past few years, especially during the warm summer season. For the second year of this partnership, we knew the pairing had to feature rosé as the perfect complement to the real-cheese flavor in Cheez-It White Cheddar.”

Be sure to grab one before they run out.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Original House Wine

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