Brands are pulling out all the stops with product releases designed to capture the spirit of the season. From Birds Bakery’s buttery mince pies to Beyond Snack’s fiery banana chips inspired by Pushpa – the fictional character from the Indian film Pushpa: The Rise (2021), a Telugu-language action drama that became a massive hit across India and internationally – there’s something for every occasion. Betty Crocker brings a state-by-state flavour tour with top holiday recipes like Snickerdoodle White Chocolate-Caramel Bars and Cranberry Gooey Butter Bars, while Bauli transports New Yorkers to Italy.
For those craving sweet and salty indulgences, Flipz’s limited edition pretzels hit the nostalgic sweet spot, and Eastern Standard Provisions’ soft pretzel collection turns charcuterie into a memorable experience. There’s also something for the health-conscious snackers from ALOHA and Primal Kitchen.
Betty Crocker reveals the top holiday flavours across the US
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and Betty Crocker has unveiled the top holiday flavours across the US*. From candy cane and cranberry to nutmeg and chocolate, these nuances capture the essence of holiday baking, creating treats that fill kitchens with the aromas of the season. But each region of the US adds its own twist to holiday indulgence.
The Northeast: Festive fruity and nutty flavours like cranberry, fig and hazelnut reign supreme. Cranberry Gooey Butter Bars are a regional favourite, combining tart cranberries with a creamy, buttery base for a nostalgic treat.
The South: Warmth and richness shine in states like Florida and Georgia. Sweet Southern Traditions feature white chocolate, caramel, cinnamon and nutmeg, exemplified by Snickerdoodle White Chocolate-Caramel Bars – a decadent mix of cinnamon-sugar and smooth caramel.
The Midwest: Luxury is the theme with caramel, chocolate and pecans taking centrestage. Desserts like Chocolate Turtle Cake offer comfort and indulgence, blending rich chocolate with the crunch of nuts.
The West: Nature-inspired flavours like fig, pear and ginger dominate. Fig-Walnut Gingerbread Bars highlight this fresh, seasonal spin with a rich, spiced gingerbread base and sweet fig notes.
Betty Crocker wants to make this season unforgettable and has shared a raft of recipes on its website tailored to your state’s favourite flavour.
*Top-searched holiday flavours by state between 27 November 2023 to 1 January 2024.
Bauli brings Italian magic to NYC
The iconic Italian bakery brand has made its US debut with a festive kiosk takeover at Eataly Flatiron in Manhattan. Located at the bustling corner of 5th Avenue and Broadway, the kiosk will be open throughout December to offer New Yorkers a taste of traditional Italian Christmas treats.
Bauli’s signature products – including the beloved Pandoro and Panettone – headline the menu. Synonymous with Italian holiday celebrations, these festive cakes come in classic flavours as well as creative variations like Pistachio, Limoncello and Chocolate. Additional offerings include filled croissants, gelato inspired by Bauli’s signature treats and more.
“We are incredibly excited to bring Bauli’s cherished holiday products to the United States for the very first time,” said Stanislao Marrazzo, Bauli Group’s Chief Commercial Officer International.
“The Bauli Kiosk at Eataly Flatiron will allow us the opportunity to share our authentic holiday treats with a new audience,” said Stanisloa Marrazzo, chief commercial officer, International.
“We look forward to delighting American consumers with our high-quality, traditional holiday treats and having the opportunity to create new festive memories for families and friends”, Marrazzo added.
From Verona’s famed Pandoro to decadent pistachio-filled Panettone, the Bauli Kiosk promises a unique holiday shopping and culinary experience. Stop by to discover the magic of Italian holiday traditions in the heart of NYC.
Eastern Standard Provisions debuts the Soft Pretzel Charcuterie collection
ESPCO has launched its first-ever range of Soft Pretzel Charcuterie Boxes just in time for the holidays.
Priced at $159.99 with free shipping, the curated artisanal boxes include an assortment of soft pretzels paired with gourmet cheeses, cured meats, cocktail mixes and sauces. Partnering with small businesses, highlights include East Shore Coarse Dill Mustard, Craftmix Espresso Martini, Cellar Reser Onion & Garlic Cheese Block and Farmer’s Market cheeses and sausages.
Order now for a festive treat centrepiece. Shipping starts on 1 December.
Birds Bakery creates new mince pie flavours
The UK bakery café chain is ramping up holiday traditions with two new mince pie recipes alongside its classic offering. Known for baking over 350,000 mince pies annually, the East Midlands bakery is introducing modern twists to its timeless recipe.
The Crumble Mince Pie, inspired by Birds’ popular crumble tart, features a rich fruit and spice filling topped with a buttery, crumbly lid, offering a nostalgic yet indulgent treat. Meanwhile, the Almond Mince Pie adds a nutty twist to the classic, topped with flaked almonds for added flavour and texture.
“Our classic mince pies, made from the same family recipe since 1919, will always be at the heart of our festive range, but we’re delighted to add these new, modern twists for everyone to enjoy,” said Jamie Bird, director of Strategy.
“Customers can also get an insight into our heritage as our new mince pies will be presented in new Birds boxes, which are emblazoned with our history as a family bakery.”
With 61 stores across the East Midlands and a Birds By Post delivery service, customers can enjoy these seasonal delights at home.
Baked By Steph unveils a magical Cookie Collection
Sweeten the holiday season with Baked By Steph’s Christmas Cookie Collection. Handcrafted with precision and joy, the treats are as stunning as they are delicious. From personalised cookies to themed sets, there’s something for everyone. Plus, you can pre-order now and schedule delivery for the big day.
Highlights from the Collection:
Personalised Letterbox Cookies (From £25): Options like ‘Just To Say Merry Christmas’ and ‘Special Delivery’ feature festive designs like baubles, Santa hats and presents, all customisable with names for a personal touch.
Festive Feast Letterbox Cookies (From £25): A sweet twist on Christmas dinner, complete with a personalised cracker cookie.
Vegan Cosy Christmas Cookies (From £25): Featuring a fireplace, tree and ‘Cup of Cheer’ for a snug winter’s night.
Meowy Christmas Letterbox Cookies (From £25): Hand-iced cats for the feline lovers in your life.
Classic Christmas Cookie Box (£45): Showcasing Nutcrackers, candy canes and stockings.
For a simpler yet elegant gesture, the Merry Christmas Message Cookies (£17) spell out holiday cheer in gold-iced style.
Have a healthy holiday season from ALOHA and Primal Kitchen
Bring the magic of the holidays into your wellness routine with two limited edition products.
ALOHA’s Peppermint White Chocolate Protein Bar is as indulgent as it is nutritious. Dipped in white chocolate and topped with crunchy peppermint bits, this bar combines festive flavour with functional nutrition. Each bar is packed with 14g of plant-based protein and is USDA organic, vegan, gluten-free and Non-GMO Project Verified, making it a delightful treat for any dietary preference. A six-pack is available for $32.99.
Meanwhile, Primal Kitchen’s Chocolate Peppermint Collagen Powder takes the festive hot chocolate up a notch. With 11g of Type 1 & 3 bovine collagen per serving, this sugar-free, stevia-free powder blends easily into coffee, smoothies or baked goods. It’s a perfect choice for those looking to enjoy holiday flavours while supporting healthy skin, hair and joints. Normally priced at $39.99, it’s currently on sale for $19.99.
Both products are available online.
Add Pushpa’s Fire to your snack table
Indian consumers are encouraged to spice up their holiday celebrations with Beyond Snack’s Flower Nahi Fire banana chips, inspired by the fiery spirit of Pushpa from the blockbuster movie series. Launched in collaboration with Mythri Movie Makers to mark the upcoming release of Pushpa 2: The Rule, this limited edition flavour delivers a bold, adventurous crunch that’s perfect for festive snacking.
Named after Pushpa’s iconic dialogue – Flower Nahi Fire – the chips combine locally sourced spices with the natural sweetness of premium bananas for an explosive flavour experience. Each crisp bite reflects the intensity and resilience that define Pushpa, making it a snack as unforgettable as the movie itself.
Presented in collectible packaging featuring visuals from Pushpa 2, Flower Nahi Fire isn’t just a snack; it’s a keepsake for fans.
“Pushpa Raj is all about power and resilience,” said Y.Ravishankar, producer for Mythri Movie Makers.
“Beyond Snack’s Flower Nahi Fire flavour captures that spirit, letting fans experience Pushpa’s energy off-screen.”
Added Manas Madhu, founder of Beyond Snack, “This Pushpa 2 collaboration celebrates the fiery flavours of India and the equally bold characters we love to see on screen.
“We created Flower Nahi Fire to capture Pushpa’s unbreakable spirit. With its intense spices and signature banana chip crunch, this snack is as memorable and impactful as the movie itself.”
Founded in 2020, Beyond Snack has become a household name across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. Supported by NABVentures, the Kerala-based brand has revolutionised the traditional banana chips market with its focus on premium quality, hygiene and trust. Moreover, the chips are cholesterol-free, trans fat-free and GMO free with no artificial colours or flavours. Along with the new flavours, they also come in Peri Peri, Salt & Black Pepper, Sour Cream, Onion & Parsley and Traditional Salted variants.
Flipz unveils limited edition pretzels
The pladis-owned brand has added a festive twist to its popular sweet and salty snack with two new limited edition flavours.
The Snickerdoodle Flavored Covered Pretzels capture the nostalgia of warm, cinnamon-sugar snickerdoodle cookies, delivering the comforting flavours of freshly baked holiday favourites in every bite. Meanwhile, the Peppermint Hot Cocoa Flavored Covered Pretzels blend rich cocoa notes with a refreshing crushed peppermint candy topping, evoking the magic of sipping hot cocoa on a chilly winter evening.
“Flipz innovation is driven by a desire to address consumers' love of sweet, salty and crunchy combinations,” said Shivani Arora, marketing director, pladis Americas.
“There are endless possibilities to enjoy Flipz Snickerdoodle and Peppermint Hot Cocoa Flavored Covered Pretzels as we try to ‘Flipz everything# by bringing an unexpected and fun twist to the brand experience.”
Ideal for stocking stuffers, hot cocoa bars or charcuterie boards, these festive Flipz are available at select US retailers like Stop & Shop, Albertsons, CVS and Dollar Tree (Snickerdoodle only) while supplies last.