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 the leftovers pulled from our inboxes.
The best cookies ever
How can a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies get even better?
A new product from Clabber Girl and Diageo presents a new answer: Mix in some Baileys Original Irish Cream baking chips. The taste of the indulgent alcoholic blend of Irish whiskey, cream and chocolate has been blended into what looks like an ordinary chocolate chip. The baking chips contain no alcohol, but a press release promises that they deliver on the flavor and smell of Baileys.
The iconic Irish cream whiskey is one of the six global giant brands that anchor Diageo. It also happens to be one of the alcohol giant's perpetual successes. According to Diageo's 2018 annual report, during the fiscal year, sales of Baileys grew 6% globally and 11% in North America. In order to keep sales growing, the report says, Diageo's marketing arm positioned it as a "premium adult treat" — not as a liqueur — and has worked to promote recipes and restaurant treats featuring it.
The baking chips fit neatly into this strategy, bringing the indulgent flavor into consumers' homes and giving a taste to those who are too young to try the real thing. An online cookbook with recipes for the chips is available.
The launch is also well timed. While the chips are only available at some stores now, they are likely to be snapped up quickly. Many consumers equate holiday cheer with Baileys, buying more than 100 million bottles last year, the head of the Irish Spirits Association told Irish Central.
Baileys Original Irish Cream Baking Chips will be rolling out nationwide, and should be in all stores in time for another holiday that is often celebrated with more chocolate than alcohol: Easter.
— Megan Poinski
A new way to stop the munchies
With cannabis making its way into more food and beverages and growing consumer demand for high-protein meat snacks, it was only a matter of time before the two combined.
Body and Mind, a Canadian company investing in medical and recreational cannabis, is selling beef jerky products to dispensaries in Nevada — one of only 10 states and the District of Columbia that have legalized the controversial substance. The meat snack is available in the trendy flavors of pepper, teriyaki and Sriracha.
"Las Vegas has roughly 44 million annual visitors and cannabis-infused beef jerky is a product that allows adults to consume cannabis without smoking," Robert Hasman, a director at Body and Mind, said in a statement. "As more states move to legal adult medical and recreational cannabis there is increased interest in innovative, flavourful edible products."
As shoppers look to find sources of protein they can consume on the go, a growing number of them have turned to jerky. Sales of jerky topped $1 billion in 2017, and the market is expected to grow 4.2% on an annualized basis through 2022, according to Project NOSH. Now it appears that cannabis-infused jerky will be a part, albeit a small one, of that high-growth category.
— Christopher Doering
Don't drop the ball
This new 22-ounce hollow milk chocolate football could easily be mistaken for the real deal.
The R.M. Palmer Company launched the chocolate mold — called "FOOTBALL FANtasy" — this week. The product is now available at major retailers across the country with a suggested retail price of $11.99. Walmart is selling the product for $9.98.
For football fans and chocolate lovers, this could be the ideal gift for the holiday season. But the price might be steep for some, given that the gift will only last so long before it gets eaten.
"This delicious chocolate gift is perfect for any occasion including coaches' gifts for youth or school football teams, the centerpiece for family holiday dinners, decorations for football-themed parties, bowl games, playoffs and even 'the Big Game,'" the release said.
The campaign for the product could prove successful given that they are marketing it as a gift. A recent study showed that half of all food gifts are purchased during winter holidays. What could be even more sweet for the company is that seasonal chocolate in particular is popular among shoppers. If this lifelike looking football made of chocolate can capture the holiday audience, then it could be a touchdown for the company.
— Lillianna Byington