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.
Kraft Singles adds more America to apple pie
Just in time for Independence Day, Kraft Heinz is teaming up with Little Pie Company for a treat that is truly all American: Kraft Singles Apple Pie.
The New York City baker known for its handmade pies has created a single-serve one containing apples and spices with the iconic orange Kraft Singles square melted on top. The five-inch pies are available at the shop, but they can also be ordered and delivered nationwide (with cheese slices and instructions for proper melting) through Goldbelly.
While cheese has been added as an ingredient to apple pies for centuries, not all consumers are likely to link the two. In the release announcing the product, Kraft Heinz said part of the rationale behind the launch is to make consumers aware its signature cheese slices can be a welcome addition to a wide variety of food.
“Kraft Singles is a small ingredient that makes a big difference, and we are on a mission to make [them] simple [and] irresistible and reignite America’s love for Kraft American Cheese,” Kelsey Rice, associate director for Kraft Singles, said in the release.
The tradition of adding cheese to apple pie likely began in England as far back as the 17th century, according to a Southern Living. At the time, cheese served with fruit and nuts was a common post-meal digestive. Pie was often paired with a cream sauce as well. At some point, cheddar cheese was substituted for cream sauce and a tradition was born.
While the combination has been immortalized in countless cookbooks and traditions (but not a Wisconsin state law, as many have claimed on the internet), apple pie and cheese is a polarizing combination. There are some people that love it, but others who refuse to try it.
And this is what truly makes Kraft Singles Apple Pie all American. Yes, it involves two favorite foods in the U.S. — apple pie and Kraft Singles — but it’s also likely to spark a passionate debate.
— Megan Poinski
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Courtesy of Blue Diamond Growers
Blue Diamond goes nuts for chocolate
Blue Diamond Growers is finding a way to bring itself deeper in the ongoing battle between health and indulgence.
The grower-owned cooperative is rolling out Thin Dipped Almonds. The offering, which comes in Double Dark Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel, contains 50% less sugar than the average chocolate-covered almonds, according to Blue Diamond.
Thin Dipped Almonds also hit on other trendy attributes popular with consumers. They are free of cholesterol, high in vitamin E, and contain no artificial colors or flavors. The chocolate-dipped almonds are available at Walmart in four-ounce resealable bags.
“Whether you’re a health nut or not, Thin Dipped Almonds offer a smart choice when it comes to sweet snacking,” Raj Joshi, senior vice president of Blue Diamond Growers’ global consumer division, said in a statement. “The thin layer of chocolate enhances the almond’s natural crunch while allowing snackers to enjoy a delicious, sweet treat – without the guilt!”
As consumers look to sometimes snack healthier, nuts have become a popular way to do it. Statista data showed that per capita almond consumption in the U.S. has been steadily climbing. Almond consumption averaged almost 2.5 pounds per person between 2020 and 2021, the highest per capita consumption seen so far. Two decades earlier, it was 0.8 pounds per person.
Harvard University researchers noted almonds are a not only a calorie-dense food but also nutrient-dense. The majority of the fat in the nut is healthier monounsaturated fat. Almonds have been suggested to reduce heart disease risk by lowering total and LDL cholesterol, researchers said, as well as exerting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
— Christopher Doering
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Courtesy of Hershey
Have a churro with that Kit Kat?
Hershey debuted another limited Kit Kat flavor. Kit Kat Churro is a mix of buttery cream, sugar and cinnamon coating the candy’s signature crispy wafers.
The iconic four-fingered sweet has launched several new flavor combinations in the past few years. The churro flavor is meant to evoke summer, according to a press release.
“The new flavor is a delightful homage to the beloved dessert that brings back memories of summer no matter where you are in the world,” the confectionery and snacking giant said in a release.
The new flavor from Hershey launched on June 6, National Churro Day.
The popularity of the sugar cinnamon and butter flavor of churros is booming. The signature combination has been added to all kinds of products, ranging from ice cream to corn chips to cereal.
The original treat dates back to the Middle Ages and is a popular breakfast in Spain and Mexico. The deep-fried dough sticks dipped in cinnamon and sugar are often accompanied by chocolate or caramel sauces.
“We love seeing fan’s responses to our limited-edition Kit Kat flavors — especially one as universally loved as churros,” Alex Herzog, associate Kit Kat brand manager for Hershey, said in a release. “We hope that every bite of the buttery, churro flavor and familiar crispy crunch of our wafers unlocks memories of the delightful experience of enjoying freshly baked churros from the boardwalk stand, amusement park, or the local fair.”
Churro joins Kit Kat’s lengthy list of flavors, including Birthday Cake, Lemon Crisp and Blueberry Muffin. Nestlé, which produces Kit Kat confections in most other countries, also makes a bevy of interesting flavors exclusive to Japan.
This new Kit Kat flavor will be available in standard, king, and snack sizes.
— Rose Palazzolo
