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.
Gordon Ramsay launches line of frozen foods
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is largely known for his quick wit, fiery insults and highly acclaimed restaurants and cookbooks.
Now, the “MasterChef” star is bringing his colorful charisma to the frozen section — with the launch of his frozen entree line, By Chef Ramsay. The product features eight different dishes, including lasagna, chicken pot pie, four cheese macaroni bake and lemon caper chicken, among others. The meals, which are manufactured in partnership with Golden West Food, are available exclusively at Walmart nationwide.
Though the chef is no stranger to fine dining, as his restaurants hold a total of seven Michelin stars, the frozen entrees come at an affordable price, according to Golden West.
The reasoning behind the frozen dinners is to allow people to get a taste of what Ramsay’s skills have to offer at home, and to “bridge the gap” between his famous dishes seen on television and in his expensive restaurants.
Ramsay is entering the frozen food arena at the perfect time. Compared to pre-pandemic levels, the sale of frozen food products is on the rise. In 2022, sales increased 8.6% to $72.2 billion, according to the American Frozen Food Institute.
“I’m elated to bring my favorite dishes into homes across the country,” Ramsay said in a statement, “It thrills me that these dishes are so widely available for anyone to experience, and I hope they inspire the home chef in everyone.”
— Elizabeth Flood
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Courtesy of Banza
Banza brings chickpeas to breakfast
As consumer interest in protein continues to flourish, food companies are finding more ways to develop products for each occasion.
Banza, known for its chickpea-based pasta and products, is entering the breakfast category with Protein Waffles.
The product contain 10 grams of protein per serving, Banza said. They come in three varieties: Homestyle, Blueberry and Chocolate Chip. Banza Waffles are available at Whole Foods stores, as well as Amazon and on Banza’s website.
Banza — which debuted in 2014 and found success amid the rise of better-for-you food alternatives — said it was inspired to move further in the frozen foods category after successfully launching Banza Pizza in 2020. The brand also sells mac & cheese and rice products.
“Our customers told us they want breakfast to be quick, delicious, and nutritious,” Brian Rudolph, CEO and co-founder of Banza, said in a press release. “By turning chickpeas into waffles, we’re aiming to hit all three while forwarding our mission of inspiring people to eat more chickpeas and other beans.”
Other breakfast brands touting high protein products include Kodiak’s frozen waffle and pancake products, with the former containing 12 grams of protein per serving.
— Chris Casey
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Courtesy of Nestle
Nestlé’s Coffee mate taps into nostalgia with PB&J launch
Few flavor combinations conjure up as much nostalgia for busy adults as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Nestlé is bringing that love from the sandwich to coffee cup with the launch of its news Coffee mate offering.
The Peanut Butter & Jelly Flavored Duo Creamer is the first-of-its-kind PB&J creamer and the brand’s first-ever flavor mash-up.
Nestlé noted while consumers may disagree on which type of jelly is the best for the classic sandwich, Coffee mate said strawberry’s sweetness perfectly complements creamy peanut butter to deliver the nostalgic taste of the classic brown bag lunch. The peanut butter and jelly sandwich is routinely picked by U.S. consumers as one of their favorites.
“Inspired by coffee-lovers who grew up with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in their lunchboxes, this limited-edition Coffee mate Duo drop will fuel fans with a cheerful splash of nostalgia and celebrate the only other pairing that’s as iconic as coffee and creamer.” Leonardo Aizpuru, Nestlé’s vice president of brand marketing for the beverage division and business unit, said in a statement.
Coffee mate, citing IRI Market Advantage data, said a major reason the brand is adding new flavors to its lineup is because 53% of its users switch between flavors, and 56% are always on the hunt for new flavors.
The PB&J creamer is unlikely to be the last flavor matchup. Nestlé said additional Coffee mate Duo Flavors will be available in stores beginning in December.
While Coffee mate is best known for flavors such as French Vanilla and Hazelnut, the brand has not shied away from incorporating other brands into its products in an effort to give existing consumers a new offering to try, or to attract lapsed or new shoppers to the fold.
During the last few years, Coffee mate has introduced limited-edition flavors that include Snickers, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Pop-Tarts and Rice Krispies Treats.
— Christopher Doering
