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.
Frank’s RedHot turns up the heat on condiments
With the Super Bowl just around the corner, Frank's RedHot is looking to score in spicy.
The popular McCormick-owned brand is turning up the heat with four new sauces “designed to help fans mix things up.” New flavors will launch at retailers nationwide and include: Garlic Parmesan Wing Sauce & Dip; Pineapple Hawaiian Wing Sauce & Dip; Spicy Maple Wing Sauce & Dip; and Ghost Pepper Ranch Squeeze Sauce.
“The Big Game is one of the biggest food moments of the year,” Valda Coryat, vice president of marketing at McCormick, said in a statement. “Fans are sticking with their favorites but looking for new ways to turn up the flavor — and Frank's RedHot is the go-to for making every bite bold and delicious.”
More than half of Generation Z identifies as hot sauce connoisseurs, according to a 2024 survey published by NC Solutions. The survey also found that 62% of all consumers indicated they are more likely to buy a food or beverage item if it is advertised as spicy.
McCormick noted that just over 40% of consumers like to try new recipes, with many seeing a gathering like the Super Bowl as the perfect chance to experiment. With few areas as hot as spicy foods, the new flavor offerings from Frank’s provide new options for consumers to heat up a recipe.
Recent data released by Instacart noted that Frank’s is the most purchased hot sauce on the delivery platform in 31 states, including large portions of the Midwest, Northeast, and Mountain West.
Since McCormick purchased Frank’s in 2017, the Maryland-based flavor giant has launched new innovations, including frozen chicken wings and entered into partnerships with other brands such as SpaghettiOs, Goldfish, Hormel bacon and David sunflower seeds.
— Christopher Doering
Peeps to unleash flavor-packed Easter lineup
Easter is about to become a little "swicy" with Peeps' 2026 lineup of marshmallow chicks.
Peeps owner Just Born Quality Confections released a chili lime mango flavor that has a "sweet-meets-tangy kick," according to a statement. The new offering is part of the brand's upcoming Easter collection, which includes collaborations with Pop-Tarts and Sunny D.
"Blending flavor innovation and playful partnerships, along with the iconic Chicks and Bunnies fans look forward to each year, the 2026 Easter collection is designed to inspire connection and transform ordinary moments into a celebration," Caitlin Servian, brand manager for Peeps, said in a statement.
Brands are leaning into unusual flavor combinations and partnerships to catch consumers' attention as they become more discerning with their spending. Spicy flavors such as chili lime mango also appeal to younger consumers who are more likely to be adventurous eaters and want a little kick out of their food.
Peeps Pop-Tarts Frosted Strawberry will be available nationwide, while the two other flavors will be sold in select retailers. Chili lime mango will be offered at Kroger stores and Sunny D Peeps will be available at Target.
Known as an iconic Easter treat, Peeps has expanded to meet more seasonal occasions including Halloween and Christmas. Around 2 billion Peeps are made a year, according to the company, or 5.5 million a day.
— Sarah Zimmerman
Absolut and Tabasco team on new spicy vodka
Hot sauce brand Tabasco is collaborating with Absolut Vodka on a spicy new alcohol.
The new vodka, Absolut Tabasco, is available across the U.S. and there are plans to expand it globally. It’s made by infusing Absolut Vodka with the fermented, aged red pepper mash used in Tabasco sauce.
The collaboration comes as both brands look to capitalize on the growing interest in spicy food and drinks. Sales of spicy vodka are expected to increase 27% by 2029, according to Datassentials data cited by the companies. Younger consumers in particular are flocking to spicy food and drinks, including in alcohol.
“With more than 150 years of pepper expertise, it only made sense for us at TABASCO Brand to partner with ABSOLUT Vodka, another brand with a storied history that understands and cares about the craft that goes into its product,” Christian Brown, head of agriculture for Tabasco maker the McIlhenny Company, said in a statement.
Absolut and Tabasco are advertising the beverage as a complement to Bloody Marys and spicy lemonades. The launch of Absolut Tabasco follows vodka competitor Stoli launching a similarly spicy vodka, Halapeño Pepper Vodka.
Absolut is owned by Pernod Ricard, whose spirit and wine portfolio also includes Avión Tequila, Malibu and Jameson Irish Whiskey.
— Laurel Deppen
