Leftovers is our look at a few of the product ideas popping up everywhere. Some are intriguing, some sound amazing and some are the kinds of ideas we would never dream of. We can’t write about everything that we get pitched, so here are some leftovers pulled from our inboxes.
Pepperidge Farm gives thanks with new roll offering
Campbell Soup Co.’s Pepperidge Farm is skipping Halloween and gearing up for Thanksgiving with the launch of its Stuffing Seasoned Rolls.
The rolls take inspiration from the classic side dish and are made with notes of sage and onion to create “one elevated light and fluffy bite,” the company said.
“As we head into fall, demand for our Pepperidge Farm rolls start ramping up,” said Ama Auwarter, vice president of bakery marketing at Campbell Snacks. “With that in mind, we thought it was a perfect time to introduce our newest innovation that captures the quintessential flavors of the holidays in every bite.”
The food and beverage industries are not shy about being eager to launch seasonal items.
The pumpkin spice craze took off during the summer months — with Krispy Kreme, Tim Hortons, Starbucks, among others all launching fall themed products in August. And last year, Pepperidge Farm launched a Christmas themed Goldfish as early as October.
The new rolls will be available for a limited time at retailers this fall and join two other recent launches — Brioche and Hearty White.
— Elizabeth Flood
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Courtesy of Hormel Foods
Hormel brings bacon from package to plate
Meat giant Hormel Foods introduced a bacon made for easy cooking.
Black Label Oven Ready Thick Cut Bacon is Hormel’s idea of a more convenient, less messy way to prepare the popular breakfast staple without messing up your stove or having to touch raw meat. The product arrives on a tray with eight slices of bacon, a patent-pending design according to the press release. The bacon cooks in 20 minutes and then the tray can be discarded, according to Hormel.
“As a brand that’s always been at the forefront of bacon innovation, we wanted to bring our consumers a product that makes enjoying our signature HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® Bacon even more convenient,” said Aly Sill, Hormel Black Label’s senior brand manager, in a statement. “Our Oven Safe Tray delivers eight perfectly cooked slices, every single time.”
The bacon is available in select locations, and will be rolled out more broadly in 2025.
Enjoyed on its own and as an added ingredient to dishes, bacon continues to grow in popularity. The market for bacon was projected to be worth over $70 billion in 2023, and it is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 2.7% through 2030, according to Grand View Research.
Hormel is aiming to translate the popularity of its Black Label Bacon into successful new varieties. Last month, the brand announced a partnership with General Mills’ Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal on bacon infused with Cinnadust for a sweet and salty co-branded product.
— Chris Casey
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Courtesy of Fresh Del Monte
Fresh Del Monte dives into dessert
A staple company in the fruit category, Fresh Del Monte is serving up a new line of sweet treats designed for dessert.
Del Monte Dessert Pudding Cups contain chocolate or vanilla pudding, fresh fruit and “whipped topping.” The treats are available in four flavors: Pineapple Streusel, Chocolate Berry Truffle, Apple Crisp and Mango Mix. The products are also garnished with toppings like chocolate chips, graham crackers and granola, according to the company.
Fresh Del Monte said in a statement the dessert cups are designed to be enjoyed after a meal or on-the-go.
The brand referenced Future Market Insights data which found consumers are increasingly purchasing healthier dessert treats, including ones made with fresh fruits, and that North America is the largest market for better-for-you treats.
Fresh Del Monte is expanding its ready-to-eat packaged lineup, aiming to meet consumers in a variety of meal occasions throughout the day. Last month, the brand also debuted its line of overnight oats, capitalizing on the growing popularity of the better-for-you breakfast food, available in three flavor combinations: apples and walnuts; blueberries and almonds; and pineapple, mango and coconut.
— Chris Casey