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.
Miller High Life finds its sweet tooth with beer-infused chocolates
Miller High Life is bringing the good life to sweets lovers with its new gourmet chocolates.
The Molson Coors-owned brand is partnering with chocolatier and entrepreneur Phillip Ashley to create Miller High Life Bar Snack Truffles. The collection of beer-infused chocolate confections toasts iconic flavors and memories made in bars.
The chocolates come in a six pack of popular bar-flavored snacks that are designed to be paired with a six pack of beer. The flavors are: Grilled Cheese, Lemon Pepper Chicken Wing, Pretzel Praline, Beernut, Buttery Popcorn and Sweet Potato Fry. The truffles went on sale on May 2, National Truffle Day, for $35.
Each truffle flavor comes with a clever description. The Lemon Pepper Chicken Wing, features a fried chicken ganache infused with lemon pepper seasoning that will leave “less grease on your High Life bottle.”
“We’re always searching for new, fun ways to bring our heritage, quality and approachability into culture and to a new generation of drinkers,” Bob Vydra, a spokesperson for the Miller High Life brand, said in an email to Food Dive.
Molson Coors and its brands are no stranger to partnering on products that bring their beers into novel categories in which they can drum-up attention and connect with consumers. Its Coors Light brew has been found in offbeat products such as beer-flavored lollipops and popsicles.
Miller High Life, which describes itself at “The Champagne of beers,” was launched as Miller Brewing Company’s flagship brew in 1903, according to the brand’s website. It has previously been included in ice cream and gingerbread bars.
— Christopher Doering
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Courtesy of Twisted Tea
Twisted Tea is ready for takeoff
As summer approaches, Twisted Tea is bringing the taste of a familiar frozen treat to its signature hard tea.
The Boston Beer-owned brand launched Twisted Tea Rocket Pop, inspired by the red, white and blue popsicles shaped like spacecraft. The limited-edition alcohol contains the flavors of the popsicle, including lemon-lime, cherry and blue raspberry.
“An adult take on the frozen treat, these nostalgic flavors get a big upgrade when combined with the smooth and delicious real iced tea taste of Twisted Tea,” Erica Taylor, the beverage’s senior brand director, said in a statement.
The spiked tea brand has broadened its reach in recent years. Last year, Boston Beer launched Twisted Tea Sweet Tea Whiskey through its partnership with Beam Suntory. And in 2021, it collaborated with New York City barbecue restaurant Mighty Quinn’s to launch a BBQ sauce infused with the flavor of the beverage.
The hard tea segment continues expanding, projected to grow globally at a compound annual growth rate of 24.7% through 2030, Grand View Research said. Coca-Cola and Molson Coors announced Peace Hard Tea, an alcoholic version of the regional tea brand, set to launch this September. And last month, Lipton debuted its own hard tea in four flavors.
A summertime staple, the popsicles with patriotic colors debuted in 1955 as the rocket-shaped Bomb Pop. Other brands, like Popsicle’s Firecracker, followed suit.
Bomb Pop has continued to innovate beyond its original product, including flavor collaborations with Keurig Dr Pepper’s Crush and Hawaiian Punch beverages. The flavor of Popsicle’s Firecracker appeared in Krispy Kreme doughnuts last year.
— Chris Casey
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Courtesy of Partake Foods
Partake gives allergen-conscious consumers s’more treats
As the weather gets warmer, more people gather around the campfire. A new launch can help people with allergies get s’more of the action.
Allergy-friendly cookie and breakfast mix brand Partake is adding Classic Graham Crackers to its lineup in June. The sweet squares are free of the nine major allergens, and they also are vegan and non-GMO. Ingredients include Partake’s gluten-free flour blend — made of sorghum and oat flours — sunflower oil and organic sugar.
The crackers will be available on shelves at Target, and online through Imperfect Foods and World Market.
“Graham Crackers are a summer staple, and we are so excited to offer our customers this new innovation from Partake,” Denise Woodard, Partake’s founder and CEO, said in a release. “As we expand our offerings of delicious, allergy-friendly foods, we are thrilled to continue our mission to make snack time more inclusive for those with and without food restrictions.”
S’mores are synonymous with campfires, making June a prime time for the launch. While they have been an outdoor treat for generations, the recipe was first printed in 1927 as part of a wilderness guidebook published by the Girl Scouts of America. The treat has only become more popular through the years.
According to Hershey, 60% of all consumers — and 80% of households with children — planned to make s’mores in the summer of 2021.
While there are graham crackers on the market for people with food allergies, there are few that are top nine allergen-free and vegan. Partake’s latest launch broadens summer treats to s’more consumers.
— Megan Poinski
