Dive Brief:
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released an alternative recipe for the classic camping snack, s'mores, in which the chocolate is replaced with strawberries and the marshmallow with low-fat yogurt.
- This recipe change could have an effect on food companies that produce any of these replaced items, such as The Hershey Company, which produces the chocolate bars frequently used to create s'mores, during camping season. Marshmallow producers like Kraft Foods Group could take a hit as well.
- Strawberry farmers and distributors, like Driscoll's, and yogurt brands, like Yoplait or Chobani, can rejoice at such a decision as they could potentially enjoy a little bump in sales when camping picks up.
Dive Insight:
S'mores are a popular treat for a popular pastime, so food companies could realistically see changes in sales in certain markets, particularly camping destinations.
But will the USDA's recommended recipe take off with consumers enough to affect food companies? Even health-conscious consumers could reject the new recipe, noting the nostalgia associated with the original recipe, or they may even embrace a hybrid of the recipe, such as strawberries and marshmallows. Granted, many may opt out on any iteration of the treat altogether.
At least for now, graham cracker companies, such as Mondelez International's Nabisco brand, can breathe a sigh of relief, as they produce the only ingredient that remains unchanged by the USDA's new recipe.