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.
Cheez-It goes gluten-free
Cheez-It has debuted a gluten-free version of its iconic cheesy cracker, calling it "one of the most highly requested innovations in the brand's history."
The Mars-owned brand is introducing the gluten-free cracker as part of a lineup of innovations to "deliver exciting new flavors, craveable textures and more variety." Cheez-It said it created the option following requests from consumers who moved to gluten-free diets or have never tried the cracker.
"We took the time to get it right, working carefully on the recipe and process to ensure gluten-free snackers can enjoy the same cheesy flavor and satisfying crunch without compromise," Cara Tragseiler, senior brand director for Cheez-It, said in a statement. "Now, even more fans can finally enjoy the Cheez-It experience they've been waiting for."
The gluten-free version will be available at retailers across the U.S. in February. Cheez-It is also releasing more flavors across its portfolio and a new Cheez-It Crunch, which delivers "multisensorial flavors" with a 3D shape. In addition to the Crunch snack, the brand is releasing a Honey BBQ flavor for its Snap'd line and a Loaded Nacho flavor for Cheez-It Grooves.
Snacks have leaned on innovation, such as new textures or reformulations, to expand their offerings and cater to a wider variety of consumers. Some companies have also tried to bring their brands to a new set of consumers who are health-conscious or have specific dietary needs. In December, Mondelēz International introduced its first sugar-free Oreo in the U.S. “to reach entirely new audiences,” according to the brand's vice president of marketing.
The gluten-free Cheez-It also comes as the Trump administration makes ingredient transparency a priority as part of its "Make America Healthy Again" strategy. This week, the FDA took a step toward requiring companies to disclose when products contain gluten by asking for more information from stakeholders.
— Sarah Zimmerman
Sanpellegrino says 'ciao' to limoncello
Just in time for Dry January, Sanpellegrino is saying hello to consumers with its newest seltzer.
Sanpellegrino CIAO! Limoncello contains real fruit juice, natural flavors and a pinch of Sicilian salt. Each can has five calories and zero percent alcohol volume that's “perfect for starting the New Year off right,” a company spokesperson said.
“Sanpellegrino CIAO! Limoncello wasn’t made intentionally for Dry January, but we are happy we can roll the product out in time for those who might be looking for new, non-alcoholic options,” a brand spokesperson said in an email to Food Dive. “With Sanpellegrino CIAO!, you can enjoy an authentically Italian drinking experience, no matter the time of year.”
The beverage is debuting on Amazon this month before rolling out to retailers nationwide in February.
Sanpellegrino Ciao launched last year in four flavors. The Nestlé-owned Italian sparkling water brand is introducing Limoncello as it recognizes strong consumer interest in new flavors, the spokesperson said.
Ciao joins the rest of Sanpellegrino’s portfolio, which includes its standard sparkling water, as well as flavored Italian Sparkling Drinks and zero-sugar varieties.
Sparkling water has proven to be a fast-growing area as consumers look to cut back on sugar and other artificial ingredients without giving up the flavors and bubbles from soda. Sales of flavored seltzer, sparking and mineral water have surged from $3.8 billion in 2020 to $5.5 billion in 2025, according to Circana data.
— Christopher Doering
Twisted Tea packs a punch with new high-alcohol flavors
Twisted Tea is building on consumer interest in high-alcohol beverages with an expansion of its Extreme line.
The Boston Beer-owned brand is introducing two new flavors: Extreme Long Island Iced Tea and Extreme Fruit Punch. A can of Extreme has an 8% alcohol by volume, nearly double the standard Twisted Tea.
The new flavors will be launched as part of a 12-can variety pack, which will also include existing offerings Extreme Lemon and Extreme Blue Razz. Previously, Extreme was only sold in single-serve cans.
Boston Beer launched Twisted Tea in 2001 and created the Extreme line in 2023. The success of Extreme in convenience stores helped the brewer attract new customers to the Twisted Tea brand, and the company expects the variety pack to do the same while creating more drinking occasions.
While alcohol consumption fell to a new low in 2025, high-alcohol RTDs have been a standout. In the U.S., new launches with an ABV above 5% grew from 48% in 2021 to 55% three years later, according to IWSR.
Alcohol industry stalwarts, including Anheuser-Busch and Sazerac, have tapped into the trend through M&A. Anheuser-Busch bought a majority stake in high-alcohol brand BeatBox and Sazerac purchased BuzzBallz, which has a 15% ABV.
— Laurel Deppen
