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.
Lay’s scores for the World Cup
With the World Cup right around the corner, Lay’s is hoping to score first with consumers by launching dozens of new flavors tied to the global sporting event.
The PepsiCo-owned potato chip brand is introducing a 40-flavor collection rolling out across North America, South America, Europe, Africa and Asia. Each flavor is inspired by the iconic cuisines of nations competing in the FIFA World Cup.
In the U.S., three new limited-edition flavors inspired by other countries will be available at retailers nationwide and on TikTok Shop starting in early May. They are: Lay’s Argentinian‑Style Steak with Chimichurri, Lay’s Brazilian‑Style Garlic Sauce and Lay’s Wavy French Onion Soup.
The launch provides Lay’s with an easy way to bring regional flavors to consumers partaking in the global event. According to a recent survey conducted by Lay’s, 70% of Americans say they bring the brand when gathering to watch a big game or sporting event.
Chips have proven to be an easy vehicle for brands such as Lay’s and Pringles, now owned by Mars, to incorporate different shapes, textures and flavors to appeal to local preferences. They also fit into the broader narrative as consumers, especially younger shoppers, look for new and often globally-inspired flavors in many of the foods they eat.
— Christopher Doering
Tea conjures up memories of home
With millions of expats living in the U.S., a new tea line is hoping to ease their homesickness.
The limited-edition teas from digital financial services provider Remitly are inspired by iconic comfort foods from around the world. They include Mexican tacos, British fish and chips, Indian milk sweets (mithai) and German flavored rye sourdough (bauernbrot).
The impetus for the new beverage offerings came after Remitly wanted to understand more about homesickness and what people miss the most. It found food and drink were some of the biggest emotional triggers, with 54% of people saying they miss the flavors from their old country.
The firm decided that with tea being the most consumed beverage in the world after water, it was an ideal way to tap into the flavors of a person’s home country, Remitly noted.
“While nothing replaces being there in person, our research shows that food and drink play a unique role in helping people feel reconnected to home by bringing comfort, familiarity and a sense of belonging,” Ryan Riley, a vice president of marketing at Remitly, said in a statement. “That’s what inspired us to create something a little unexpected.”
The teas are not available at stores. Tea lovers can claim the unique flavors through weekly drops taking placed through May 15.
— Christopher Doering
Captain Morgan cracks open a piña colada
Captain Morgan rum wants to take consumers on a tropical vacation with a line of canned piña coladas.
The Diageo-owned rum brand is launching Captain Morgan Sliced Colada as part of a variety pack that includes the classic piña colada in addition to strawberry, mango and passionfruit flavors.
“Consumers are looking for simple ways to break from the everyday without overcomplicating the moment,” Victoria David, brand director of RTD at Diageo, said in a statement. “Captain Morgan Sliced Colada brings that idea of embracing micro getaway moments to life through a range of refreshing-tasting, ready-to-enjoy flavors.”
The line is available in select retailers nationwide. Each can has 5% alcohol-by-volume and a 12-count variety pack retails for $18.99.
Captain Morgan entered ready-to-drink cans in 2024 with Sliced, focusing on tropical flavors as a way to stand out in the crowded RTD market. The brand also makes a premixed, multiserve Long Island Ice Tea.
Ready-to-drink and ready-to-serve offerings are lucrative for alcohol companies battling a decline in consumption. Diageo’s Casamigos recently released a premixed margarita, a fast-growing category within the RTD space.
— Laurel Deppen
