$23.9bn was spent on gifting last year, with 53% of American planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day again in style in 2023 – and nine million of them choosing this event to pop the big question, according to stats gathered by GiftWrapper. That’s big business for bakery and snacks producers.
The European bakery products manufacturer has created a heart-shaped doughnut, which is yet another example of how it supporting its UK customers during the current cost-of-living crisis.
“Our recent cost-of-living research indicated it can no longer be business as usual for bakeries, food service operators and retailers if they want to remain competitive,” said Helen Sinclair, UK marketing manager at Baker & Baker.
“The heart-shaped doughnut will enable our customers to offer tasty treats to consumers which will be in demand on days such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.”
The super-soft-eating doughnut is covered in a pink strawberry flavoured icing and white sugar strand. It contains no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives, and is suitable for vegans. Available frozen, the doughnut has a three-day shelf life.
The Exeter-based vegan cake company has released a limited edition Valentine’s brownie box that features a much-loved UK classic – Jammie Dodgers.
Cake or Death’s signature recipe fudgy brownies are swirled with raspberry jam and studded with miniature Jammie Dodgers, with their tiny cut out hearts. As with all Cake or Death products, the Valentine’s brownies are vegan and packaged in its iconic pink leopard box.
Available for delivery by Royal Mail or DPD the next day, gifters can include a personalised note. Boxes are available in regular size containing six brownies, or large, containing 10 brownies for an RRP from £18.50.
The brazen energy snack bar producer claims that Valentine's Day is full of BS – ‘from the flowers that immediately die to overindulgent chocolates that leave you underwhelmed’ – opting instead for the RXBar-quet.
Targeting the gym obsessed – the Kellogg-owned producer suggests the first-ever DIY bouquet for your #gymcrush (3.7bn+ mentions on TikTok) is made up with Chocolate Sea Salt and the new Strawberry flavour to power the ultimate #gymcouple (3.3bn+ Tik Tok mentions) sweat season. Add a jump rope ‘ribbon’ and a sweat towel wrap for an added wellness perk. Feel the burn yet?
“With more couples turning to the gym for together time, we're bringing fitness to the forefront offering a Valentine's Day alternative that delivers power over flowers,” said Eileen Flaherty, senior brand manager.
“This unique bouquet reimagines the traditional chocolate and strawberry combination with simple ingredients you can actually pronounce.”
Fuel-up with RXBar year round, available online and in selected retail across the US.
The maker of plant-based foods has brought back its popular Dairy-Free Strawberry Cream Cheese.
With real strawberries blended into its award-winning dairy-free cream cheese, sporting a festive pink hue, this spread makes for the perfect schmear for a bagel or baked with love into a plant-based treat to help you spread the love – whether you’re celebrating self-love, with a special valentine or with gal-entines.
Beyond Valentine’s, Kite Hill’s savoury Dairy-Free Cream Cheese flavours – including Plain, Everything, Chive and Garden Veggie – will go down a treat.
Available on shelves in selected retailers across the US.
Chocolate Strawberry Cheerios is back just in time for Valentine’s Day – pairing strawberry and sweet chocolate notes in every heart-healthy bite.
Available now at retailers for an RRP of $2.50 for mid-size and $3.99 for the family pack.
Chocolate Cheerios Valentine’s Day Packs provide a portable, better-for-you Valentine’s treat that’s easy to share, made with real cocoa. Each pouch includes a mix of O- and Heart-shaped Cheerios.
With an RRP of $5.49 for a 15-pouch box.
What better way to indulge in l’amour than with a French style treat? The Oui by Yoplait variant – Caramel & Chocolate (creamy caramel and real chocolate shavings). Another great flavours for Valentine’s are Mocha & Chocolate and Vanilla & Chocolate, all with an RRP of $1.69.
The ready-to-bake sugar cookies from Pillsbury have returned to spread some love with limited edition heart-shaped dough featuring a sweet heart print from the Pillsbury Doughboy.
No mixing, no slicing, no mess. Just put the dough on a cookie sheet and bake.
Available for a limited time at Walmart, Kroger and Target for an RRP of 2/$7.
Take a moment to indulge with Lärabar's truffle bar line-up, made with just seven or less whole food ingredients for a melt-in-your mouth bite. Available in three flavours, including Chocolate Peanut Caramel Truffle, Chocolate Raspberry Truffle and Double Chocolate Truffle.
Available at retailers across the US and on Amazon for an RRP of $8.99 (6ct) and $10.49 (8ct).
Nature Valley Crunchy Dipped Granola Squares will satisfy any sweet craving without the guilt. No artificial flavours, colours or high fructose corn-syrup. Available in Chocolate, Peanut Butter Chocolate and Salted Caramel from retailers across the US for an RRP of $4.79.
The world’s largest producer of conventional and organic blueberries has launched its sixth FeBLUEary campaign – to celebrate the love of the bright, juicy blueberries that come from Naturipe’s Peruvian, Mexican and Chilean growing regions.
“We are so excited to see the fruits of our growers’ labour,” said Jim Roberts, president of sales.
“They’ve well-earned their reputation for growing high-quality and delicious berries year after year.
“Their dedication and commitment means retailers and shoppers are able to enjoy flavourful blueberries all year long. This first peak of the 2023 import season is an exciting time for Naturipe as we supply our exceptional proprietary varieties of the superfruit to grocery stores nationwide.”
Large promotable volumes throughout February give retailers great opportunities to promote blueberries in different pack size options. The pint size packs are great for snacking, while many families prefer the larger 18-ounce clamshells.
Retailers should also take advantage of the opportunity to spotlight the health benefits of the superfruit – packed full of antioxidants, high in manganese and a great source of fibre.
“Between considerable volumes, a new shipping service and delicious varieties, we are excited to re-launch our FeBLUEary campaign this year,” added Roberts.
“This is the start of what’s expected to be a strong year for blueberry growth, delivering retailers and consumers a tasty berry that’s packed with heart-healthy benefits.”
Love is in the air and so are the limited edition Frosted Sweet Swirl Cupcake Pop-Tarts Bites.
Conveniently packaged in adorable V-day themed portable pouches, featuring space for personalising a sweet message.
These snackable love-inspired bites are the perfect treat to share with friends, family or that special one to show them that you think they’re pretty sweet.
Available in the seasonal aisle at grocery stores nationwide for an RRP of $11.49 for a 28-count box.
While 14 February is a day to be celebrated, for many Americans, it’s the 12th that is highly anticipated.
And according to Frito-Lay’s latest Snack Index, Super Bowl and snacks go together like … well, love and marriage.
The snack giant has provides some game day snacks and hacks to serve a crowd.
Wings are messy, so why not opt for a mess-free buffalo chicken option? Totino’s recently launched Buffalo Chicken Pizza Rolls, available in retailers across the US for an RRP of $6.89 for a 50ct. Check out this Pizza Roll Skillet Dip for a creative way to serve the rolls.
Forget the veggie tray, go for dips. Bugles recently launched a Hidden Valley Ranch Bugles flavour, available at convenience stores and Kroger nationwide, for an RRP of $3.99.
Pork rinds are an underrated dipping tool. Swap your tortilla chips with EPIC’s Hot + Spicy Pork Rinds to bring a little extra carb-friendly crunch and heat to dip trays or nacho plates.
You can even use EPIC Pork Rinds – available online and at Whole Foods for an RRP of $3.99 – to give a twist to breaded chicken wings.
Old El Paso recently launched its first-ever chip – Old El Paso Fiesta Twists – in three sweet and savoury varieties: Queso, Zesty Ranch and Cinnamon Churro. Available exclusively at Walmart or Walmart online for an RRP of $3.48.
Chex recently announced the return of the iconic bagel chip, but add a little popcorn, nuts or candy to create an upleveled game-day snack mix that feels homemade. Available at retailers nationwide for an RRP of $3.99.
