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.
Bush's reimagines beans as summertime classics
Bush's Baked Beans is declaring it the summer of beans with an unusual flavor lineup reimagining seasonal classics from apple pie to ice pops.
The brand is launching three limited-edition flavors inspired by summer classics, including dill pickle, apple pie and Rocket Pop. The apple pie flavor includes a blend of brown sugar and cinnamon spice, while the Rocket Pop offering has notes of cherry, lime and blue raspberry.
"Nothing screams summer more than baked beans, and this year, we're dialing that flavor up a notch," Dena vonWerssowetz, vice president of marketing, said in a statement. "With these new Baked Bean flavors, we want to surprise people and bring a new energy to the barbecue spread, because the best dishes aren't just the ones you love, they're the ones you can't stop talking about."
All three options will be available at Walmart, with the Rocket Pop variety offered on the retailer's website. Bush's is selling all three flavors on its website, as well.
Zany and unexpected flavors have become a way to connect with younger, often adventurous eaters. Bush's summer lineup also leans into "newstalgia," or reinventing a nostalgic treat into something unexpected.
A Tyson Foods survey found 50% of consumers named baked beans their top side dish for Fourth of July celebrations. But Bush's has leaned into innovation to expand its influence beyond grilling season by positioning beans as a more affordable source of protein and fiber.
Bush's launched a baked beans collaboration with children’s show “Bluey” to bring the brand to families. The company is also pitching beans as an option in foodservice operations, noting that beans can offer better value while still delivering on demand for premium offerings with nutrients like fiber and protein.
— Sarah Zimmerman
Slice wants to make a better-for-you dirty soda
Slice wants to shake up dirty sodas with a better-for-you option.
The Suja Life-owned brand is launching ready-to-drink dirty sodas in orange and strawberry flavors at 60 and 50 calories, respectively. Each can has 4 grams of sugar and no artificial ingredients, as well as prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics common in Slice’s other soda offerings.
The dirty soda trend, made popular by reality TV show “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” and TikTok, combines sodas with coffee creamers, fruit purees and other customizable additions to create an indulgent drink. Slice is hoping to differentiate itself from other ready-to-drink dirty sodas on the market by using coconut-derived MCT oil to create the creamy texture ordinarily used with coffee creamers.
The beverages launched in May in Target stores, and expanded distribution is planned for the following months.
“Dirty soda has quickly become one of the most talked-about beverage trends, but until now, consumers had to make it themselves or settle for versions that didn't quite deliver the full experience,” Nicole Portwood, chief marketing officer at Suja Life, said in a statement.
Other soda stalwarts, including Keurig Dr Pepper and PepsiCo, have launched ready-to-drink dirty sodas or other flavors inspired by the trend.
Slice's new launch comes around the same time owner Suja Life debuted on the Nasdaq stock exchange. The company plans to use the funding to boost the marketing strategy of each of its brands, including Slice.
— Laurel Deppen
Fresca soda water goes hard
Fresca soda water is expanding its alcohol lineup with Fresca Hard, a flavored malt beverage aimed at active consumers looking for a post-game drink.
Fresca Hard contains 99 calories and has no sugar per 12-ounce can. It’s sold in a 12-pack and is available in grapefruit, pineapple, peach and watermelon citrus varieties.
The beverage is at 4.6% alcohol-by-volume, and is being marketed as a refreshing post-workout or post-game beverage. Fresca Hard is an extension of Fresca Mixed, a vodka spritz that launched in 2022.
“Fresca Hard's launch reflects our continued commitment to delivering amazing tasting beverages while pushing further into the Alcohol Ready-To-Drink category,” Lou Grill, president of Red Tree Beverages, said in a statement. “Regardless of the score, Fresca Hard is meant for those who love the post-game celebration. This new flavored malt beverage brings a new, exciting option with bold, delicious flavors.”
Several alcohol brands are repositioning their booze for those with more active lifestyles. Anheuser-Busch’s Michelob Ultra has recently seen success being marketed as a healthier alternative, and Surfside Brands’ Superlyte combines traditional sports drinks with vodka.
While Coca-Cola owns the Fresca brand, Fresca Hard will be produced by firewalled Red Tree Beverages. Red Tree also produces alcoholic versions of the beverage giant’s other brands, including Minute Maid Spiked Vodka and Hard Topo Chicos.
— Laurel Deppen
