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.
General Mills dunks into Dunkin’ inspired cereal
Cereal giant General Mills partnered with Dunkin’ to release new versions of Reese’s Puffs, Golden Grahams and Cinnamon Toast Crunch inspired by the donut and coffee chain’s beverages.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnamon Caramel Latte combines the classic cereal’s cinnamon flavors with caramel and creamy latte notes. Reese Puff’s Peanut Butter Mocha mimics a mocha latte, and the Golden Grahams option is inspired by a vanilla latte.
Though the cereals are inspired by coffee drinks, they don’t contain coffee or caffeine, General Mills said in a statement.
The cereals, which will be available at Walmart stores nationwide beginning in December, bring together two breakfast staples and mark the first collaboration between General Mills and Dunkin’.
“We know our fans can’t get enough of their go-to Dunkin’ order, which is why we’re always looking for new ways to bring those flavors into unexpected moments,” Brian Gilbert, vice president of retail business development at Dunkin’ owner Inspire Brands said in a statement. “Partnering with General Mills allows us to bring the flavors of some fan-favorite Dunkin’ beverages beyond the cup and into the cereal bowl, for a fun new way to enjoy a little Dunkin’ at home.”
General Mills recently made innovation and collaborations a cornerstone of its growth strategy, teaming with Ziploc on Cheerios boxes with resealable bags. In September, incoming CEO Dana McNabb said the company was looking to meet consumer demand for “fun and indulgence” in its portfolio. The partnership with Dunkin’ could be well suited for this goal, since indulgent, sweet coffees are a prime example of Generation Z’s “little treat” culture.
In addition to innovation, General Mills has also targeted growth through price cuts across its portfolio. In its most recent earnings report, the company netted $4.4 billion in sales, down 3% from last year.
— Laurel Deppen
Knorr takes classic rice and pasta dishes on the go
Knorr is bringing its iconic rice and pasta flavors from the dinner table to the cup.
The Unilever-owned brand is launching eight Knorr Cups versions of its signature sides for busy consumers looking in need of a quick and convenient option.
The cups can be cooked in two and a half minutes. Pasta versions include cheddar broccoli, chicken, creamy alfredo and creamy garlic, while rice options come in cheddar broccoli, chicken, Spanish style and chicken broccoli.
The cups come as consumers increasingly move away from three big meals in the favor of smaller portions throughout the day. A TasteTech report found 71% of Gen Z and millennials opting for several smaller meals.
“Consumers are finding themselves busier than ever, but that doesn’t mean they have to compromise on flavor,” Melanie Cappella, Knorr’s chief growth officer, said in a statement. “Knorr Cups were created to fit into those real-life moments, delivering comforting taste in a format that works with their day.”
Knorr Cups are available at retailers including Walmart and Amazon for a suggested retail price of $1.47 for single cups and $11.76 for an eight-pack.
Unilever has been expanding its Knorr line in recent years to appease consumers who may be too busy to prepare a meal at home. The 188-year-old Knorr brand entered the mini-meals market in the U.S. in 2023 with rice cups, including fajita and chicken fried rice. A year later, it moved into pasta with teriyaki and pad Thai cups.
— Christopher Doering
Vita Coco thinks big with child-sized innovations
As coconut water giant Vita Coco looks toward a bigger future, its latest innovation focuses on a smaller consumer.
The company launched a kids version of its signature coconut water in a juice box type packaging that is situated for school, activities and on-the-go occasions. Vita Coco Kids is available in two options: original coconut water packed with electrolytes or a strawberry coconutmilk beverage. Both come with a paper straw.
"Vita Coco Kids is about meeting the next generation of coconut water drinkers where they are," Jane Prior, Vita Coco’s chief marketing officer, said in a statement. "Families are already bringing Vita Coco into their kids’ routines, so we saw an opportunity to create something specifically for them.”
The 200 milliliter packs are available at select Walmart stores.
Vita Coco sales have soared in recent years as consumers turn to coconut water for its hydration-boosting properties and low calorie count. Sales last year at the New York-based company totaled $610 million, up sharply from $380 million in 2021, the year it went public.
Increasingly, the company has targeted bars, coffee shops and smoothies in an effort to boost household penetration and promote the versatility of its coconut products to consumers. Vita Coco also has launched Vita Coco Treats, a line of creamy, coconut milk-based beverages for shoppers seeking a permissible indulgence.
— Christopher Doering
