Sprout lover or a sprout hater?
Walkers is launching a range of Christmas flavors in single and multi-pack formats, in a move designed to “spark debate” about Brussel sprouts.
Single pack flavors include Turkey & Stuffing, Pigs in Blankets and Brussel Sprouts, each retailing at 65p ($.84), while multi-packs include two of each flavor – as well as Glazed Ham and Cheese & Cranberry – retailing at £1.50 ($1.95).
“We know the sprout debate is one that divides the nation, so we wanted to offer product solutions for both sides of the debate, and ask people to decide whether they are a #SproutLover or #SproutHater,” said Andrew Hawkswell, marketing manager of brand owner PepsiCo.
Jingle all the way
Supermarket chain Iceland is also taking potato chip flavors to the next level with its Christmas Tree Flavour Salted variant made with the oil from real pine needles.
According to Iceland’s head chef Neil Nugent, the Christmas Tree Crisps have a slight salted flavor with a hint of pine that creates “a completely new festive combination.”
Other flavors in Iceland's Luxury Crisps range include Lobster Cocktail and Pigs in Blankets.
Available in stores across the UK and online for a RRP of £1 ($1.30) for a 180g bag.
Back by popular demand
General Mills is re-releasing its Sugar Cookie Toast Crunch cereal – the festive sister of cult-favorite Cinnamon Toast Crunch – after a three-year hiatus.
The company said the decision was influenced by the flood of consumers who wrote to it asking for the cereal to be re-released.
However, it is only available for a limited time at a RRP of $2.50 for a standard box and $3.99 for a family-sized box.
Everyone’s favorite bear
UK biscuit maker Biscuiteers has unveiled its collection of Paddington Bear biscuits, available in collectible Paddington Biscuit tins and letterboxes.
The keepsake tin contains eight hand-iced vanilla biscuits, along with the popular bear and his hat, a luggage tag, a jar of marmalade (of course!) and a London bus, while the letterbox collection comprises Paddington Bear, his case, a jar of marmalade and a Union Jack flag.
Available from Biscuiteers at a RRP of £37.50 ($48.86) for the tin and $22.50 ($29.31) for the letterbox.
Be inclusive and accepting
Kellogg’s has partnered with GLAAD (a US organization founded by LGBT people in the media) to create “All Together” cereal, which combines a range of popular Kellogg cereals, like Apple Jacks, Rice Krispies, Froot Loops, Frosted Flakes and Frosted Mini Wheats, in one box.
All Together was created to support #SpiritDay, an anti-bullying campaign in support of LGBTQ youth.
The message of the partnership is made clear on the cereal’s packaging: “Be inclusive, accepting, inviting, nice, kind, loving, happy, together.”
The box also features some of the company’s best known mascots, like Tony the Tiger, Toucan Sam, and Rice Krispies trio Snap, Crackle, and Pop.
The limited edition cereal is only available at Kellogg’s NYC café where diners will also be able to make up their own Kellogg’s cereal mix.
Kellogg’s partnership with GLAAD reaffirms the cereal giant’s commitment to the inclusion, protection and equality of all people.
Rolling out
Bimbo Bakeries’ Thomas brand has expanded distribution of its popular Swirl Bread line across the US.
Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread and Cinnamon Swirl Bread are now available at grocery stores and other major food retailers nationwide at a RRP of $3.99.
The Thomas brand dates back to 1880 when Samuel Bath Thomas first produced the "Nooks and Crannies" English Muffins using a secret process that included griddle baking to create a muffin that was crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
The company still uses this process, along with quality ingredients to make the distinctively coarse-grained, yeast-raised dough.
B-Ranch-ing out
POP! Gourmet has entered into a partnership agreement with The Hidden Valley Food Products Company to launch the Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoned popcorn and wavy potato chips in the US.
Hidden Valley is the latest addition to the snack maker’s portfolio of unexpected flavors, which includes black truffle and sriracha.
According to POP! Gourmet, every bite explodes with the classic ranch taste that Americans love.
The popcorn is offered in multiple package sizes in 1.5oz, 4.5oz and 12oz bags, portioned at 170 calories per serving, while the chips come in 1.5oz, 7.5oz and 20oz bags, portioned at 150 calories per serving.
Available in selected major grocery and warehouse outlets across the US, as well as online.
