Trendspotting in 2022: From skinny pasta to ice cream in winter and the most searched for recipes to tackle Halloween pumpkin waste

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Pic: GettyImages/NWphotoguy

It’s Skinny Pasta is reinventing an Italian favourite; Oppo Brothers contends ice cream not only can be eaten in the colder months, but should be; and Jackandbeyond analysed the most viral ways we can use up pumpkin scraps after Halloween – with an estimated 22.2 million pumpkins going to waste this year.

Halloween pumpkins Pic: GettyImages/NWphotoguy
Halloween pumpkins Pic: GettyImages/NWphotoguy
Regal Food Baklawa Collection
Regal Food Baklawa Collection

Regal Food Products Group has grown its puff pastry range with a sweet treat much loved by consumers in countries surrounding the Mediterranean.

The Baklawa Collection contains a delicate selection of filo pastry sweets, oozing with nuts and sweet syrup in pastry nests, as well as more traditional shapes.

The Regal Baklawa Collection is available in selected Asda stores across the UK for an RRP of £2.25 for 200g.

It's Skinny Pasta
It's Skinny Pasta

It's Skinny Pasta is bucking the system by challenging how people think, cook and eat something that’s been around for hundreds of years. While the universe of pasta is slowly trying to launch better-for-you options, these are mostly tweaks, nudges and derivations of the usual suspects.

However, with only 9 calories and 0 net carbs per bag, It's Skinny allows you to carbo-load without the guilt.

The pastas are created from konjac, a naturally low-calorie vegetable enjoyed around the world for centuries, and available in four varieties.

Now the Texas-based innovator in the low-calorie and gluten-free pasta market is planning to expand its product lines and distribution channels, thanks to a substantial investment package from Decathlon Capital.

“This funding provides important support for It’s Skinny as our company meets the growing demand from consumers for our delicious and convenient low-calorie pasta products,” said Bryan Guadagno, founder and CEO.

“The company-friendly funding package from Decathlon Capital Partners allows us to move forward with expanding our distribution and introducing new products in a range of 'healthy' pasta categories."

Kellogg's Pandora Flakes
Kellogg's Pandora Flakes

Kellogg’s is celebrating the highly anticipated release of 20th Century Studios’ Avatar: The Way of Water (in theatres from 16 December) by bringing Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes and Avatar fans a new way to experience the world of Pandora.

Kellogg’s Pandora Flakes cereal features mini blueberry-flavoured moon spheres, a pop of blue and a fruity aroma that stands out against the sweet crunch of Frosted Flakes.

“Avatar: The Way of Water is one of the most anticipated films of the year,” said Laura Newman, senior marketing director at Kellogg All Family Cereal.

“And now, Kellogg is providing fans and families with a cool and delicious way to celebrate the next chapter of this franchise with the drop of Kellogg’s Pandora Flakes cereal, an Avatar-themed spin on its beloved Frosted Flakes cereal.”

For even more immersion, fans are invited to embark on a wild adventure of their own and find one of three free temporary tattoos featuring the movie's creatures and environments in specially marked Kellogg’s cereal boxes (Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops, Apple Jacks and Frosted Mini Wheats). Exclusively at Walmart, fans have a chance to find a fourth temporary tattoo in specially marked boxes.

That’s not all, when fans purchase specially marked boxes at Kroger, they will receive one of three exclusive reusable glow-in-the-dark spoons. Plus, if fans purchase three participating Kellogg’s products, they are eligible to pick up a $13.00 Fandango movie reward.

Kellogg’s Pandora Flakes hits shelves exclusively at Target this October and at retailers nationwide in November for an RRP of $4.99 for a 10.2oz box and $5.99 for a 16.3oz box.

Avatar: The Way Of Water

Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, “Avatar: The Way of Water” tells the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri and their kids); the trouble that follows them; the lengths they go to keep each other safe; the battles they fight to stay alive; and the tragedies they endure. Directed by James Cameron, the film stars Zoe Saldaña, Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Cliff Curtis, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Edie Falco, Jemaine Clement and Kate Winslet.

Oppo Brothers Ice Cream
Oppo Brothers Ice Cream

Ice cream in winter? Not the first choice, but Oppo Brothers contends its sofa-ready sized snack is perfect for the snuggle season.

In fact, they say ice cream not only can be eaten in the colder months; it should be.

“We just have to rethink our approach - ice cream needs to dress for the weather.”

With up to 60% less calories and sugar than regular ice cream, and no compromise on taste, Oppo Brothers ice cream is hailed as both indulgent and feel-good. Available in Double Salted Caramel Swirl and Caramelised Biscuit Swirl, the new Mini Tubs are only 82-95 calories each.

If you still need an excuse to indulge in some feel-good ice cream when the mercury is below 20°C, Oppo Brothers has a few suggestions:

Affogato – a scoop of ice cream topped with a shot of espresso.

Hot chocolate brownie? Think of your favourite winter puddings – apple pie, sticky toffee pudding, crumble – and add the cool creaminess of ice cream.

Adding a tipple like Irish cream, Amaretto or coffee liqueur gives the humble tub of ice cream a touch of decadence. 

The ‘Ultimate Caramel Collection’ is rolling out in Morrisons and Ocado for an RRP of £4.50 for 4 x 100ml tubs.

Good Foods Grab & Go Packs
Good Foods Grab & Go Packs

Good Foods’ signature Chunky Guacamole and Plant Based Queso dips are now available in convenient, single-serve packaging.

The Grab & Go products are available in single-serve 2.5oz packs and made using high pressure processing technology for ultimate flavour and freshness. Both varieties are Non-GMO Project Verified, vegan, gluten-free and contain 180 calories or less.

The new packs address increased consumer interest in convenient snacks. According to a recent study from Mintel, nearly eight in 10 snackers prefer ready-to-eat snacks versus those requiring preparation.

“Consumers are becoming more active as they get back to their busy routines and as a result are seeking easy snacking options that taste great and are better for them,” said Danyel O’Connor, executive VP of sales and marketing.

“We’re introducing these new Grab & Go snack packs to meet those needs and help them stay fuelled throughout their day.”

The Grab & Go packs are available at selected Sprouts Farmers Market outlets across the US, as well as online through Hungryroot and Good Foods.

Goldfish Tiny Hands
Goldfish Tiny Hands

Goldfish has once again teamed up with NBA duo Boban Marjanović and Tobias Harris for a new creative campaign, called Tiny Hands.

Following last year’s #GoForTheHandful challenge, the BFF duo will introduce a new way of going for the handful in a whole new, humorous way, this time with Goldfish Mega Bites.

Earlier this year, Goldfish introduced Mega Bites, a mega-sized version of the classic Goldfish cracker, available in Sharp Cheddar and Cheddar Jalapeño, designed to satisfy cravings for a bigger and bolder snacking experience.

Goldfish Mega Bites are 50% larger and more boldly flavoured than the original, so they’re best enjoyed one at a time.

So, what do tiny hands have in common with this mega snack?

To show Goldfish fans how to go for the handful of Mega Bites, the brand has created a playful take on the internet’s love for tiny toy hands, which has over 700m+ views on TikTok.

The new ad spot is airing just in time for the beginning of basketball season, but much more is in the works: As the season goes on, stay tuned for more from Goldfish and the NBA duo as the brand will be ‘dropping’ exciting news that fans will want to get their hands on.

McVitie's festive range
McVitie's festive range

McVitie’s has unveiled its range for Christmas 2022, including new flavours and returning favourites.

A new limited-edition Blissfuls Belgian Milk Chocolate and Cream flavour (RRP: £2.59) is launching specifically for festive gatherings, while McVitie’s biscuit assortments include the revamped McVitie’s Victoria (RRP: £4 for 275g box/£6 for 550g box), now with new biscuits and lots more chocolate, and the brand-new Victoria Chocolate Creations (RRP: £6).

The Christmas 2022 collection also includes a Jaffa Cake Jaffa Hamper (£4.50), Flipz Gingerbread Flavour (£1.50), McVitie’s Family Circle (£1.75 for 310g) and Santa Snacks Chocolate Cakes Bars (£1.25).

McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes Orange and Cranberry (£1.20) joins the festive line-up again this year, along with McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes Christmas Pole (£3.50).

“The festive season is a time for treating yourself and your loved ones, and what better way than with a sweet treat from our irresistible range, featuring tasty new additions and returning favourites,” said Cassie French, marketing director – Seasonal & Cake, pladis UK&I.

“Whether for gifting, sharing, or snacking, McVitie’s has you covered.”

McVitie’s festive range will be available in most UK supermarkets including Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Amazon and Ocado, among others.

Pauls x Chupa Chups-inspired Strawberry Cream Custard
Pauls x Chupa Chups-inspired Strawberry Cream Custard

Perfetti Van Melle’s Chupa Chups brand has partnered with Pauls, Australia’s No.1 custard brand, for a strawberry cream custard that’s sure to be this season’s must-have refrigerated snack.

On shelves in Woolworths and Independent grocery stores, the Pauls Chupa Chups-inspired Strawberry Cream Custard is creamy custard merging with Chupa Chups Strawberry & Cream lollipop in a 170g cup.

“Pauls has whipped up the most delicious custard combining their unmistakable signature creamy custard and the taste of our bestselling Strawberry & Cream lollipop flavour.  A sensorial desert experience that will be the delight of our fans”, said Marta Ballesteros, area licensing manager of Perfetti Van Melle.

Added Justin Watson, MD of Asembl, which distributes Chupa Chups down under, “Loved in Australia, Pauls Custard iconic taste works perfectly with Chupa Chups’ Strawberry & Cream, one of the most iconic flavours of all time across the globe.

“We are thrilled to bring these two brands together in custard form. Creamy and delicious, the Pauls Chupa Chups-inspired Strawberry Cream Custard will definitely be this season’s must-have refrigerated snack.”

Fighting pumpkin waste
Fighting pumpkin waste (David Hillerby)

Halloween comes with one of the most popular autumn activities: carving pumpkins. While the carving is such fun, the leftover waste is kind of spooky in itself – with an estimated 22.2 million pumpkins going to waste this year.

Jackandbeyond found the word ‘Pumpkin’ had an audience outreach of 10.3 billion views on TikTok. It took its analysis even further, to discover the most viral ways we can reduce waste by turning pumpkin scraps into heart-warming recipes.

Rich in vitamin A, C and E, as well as potassium, iron and folate, pumpkins are touted to sharpen eye-sight, lower the risk of certain cancers and strengthen immunity. With such a basketful of benefits, it makes sense to use up all the scraps.

The most viewed pumpkin recipes on Tiktok:

Pumpkin-1.jpg

The most popular pumpkin recipe is scones, with a grand total of 5.9 billion views for recipes on TikTok. Tied in second place are pumpkin brownies and pumpkin crumble, each racking up grand total of 5.4 billion views on the platform.

TikTok’s latest craze – butterboards – also feature on the list in seventh place with an impressive 241.6 million views.

The top five most viral recipe videos on TikTok:

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The most-watched pumpkin recipe is pumpkin bread with cream cheese filling, uploaded by @myhealthydish, which has 6 million views on the platform.

Not far behind, with 5.4 million views is a classic PSL syrup recipe made by coffee aficionado @thethriftwitch.