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.
Hidden Valley Ranch dips into dips
Hidden Valley Ranch is bringing its signature flavor to the refrigerated aisle for the first time with dips.
Hidden Valley Ranch Dippers, developed through a licensing partnership with Carl Buddig and Company, are designed to meet the needs of consumers who crave ranch and are hungry for protein.
The ready-to-eat snacks, which contain 15 grams of protein, contain chicken strips and ranch dressing. The Dippers are available in two flavors, Original Ranch and Buffalo-Style Ranch, and they are available at select retailers nationwide.
“At Hidden Valley Ranch, we’re always listening to our loyal ranch fans for ideas on where to bring our iconic flavor next,” Nick Higgins, general manager of Hidden Valley Ranch, said in a statement. “Now we’re making it more convenient and even more delicious for consumers to pack in more protein.”
Protein is seemingly everywhere as food manufacturers incorporate it into their products to meet growing consumer demand for the nutrient. Hidden Valley Ranch cited a 2025 International Food Information Council survey that found seven in 10 Americans are actively trying to consume more protein.
While Hidden Valley Ranch is best known for its signature dressing, the Clorox-owned brand has been aggressively appearing in new places. During the last few years, Hidden Valley teamed with Cheez-It on a ranch-flavored cracker, ice cream with Van Leeuwen and pizza with DiGiorno.
The push comes as America’s obsession with the creamy dressing continues to soar. In 2024, ranch sales totaled $1.3 billion, outselling ketchup and barbecue sauce, according to The Wall Street Journal.
— Christopher Doering
Hot Pockets grabs a snack
Hot Pockets is embracing the surge in snacking by taking a break.
The Nestlé-owned brand is grabbing inspiration from the snacking aisle with the launch of Hot Pockets Snack Breaks, a line of bite-sized, stuffed squares. They are available in five flavors: Gooey Apple Pie, Ultimate Cheddar, Spicy Jalapeño Popper, Melty Nacho Beef and Cheesy Stuffed Pretzel with Bacon.
“We know people want more from their snacks, so we reimagined sweet and salty favorites … into warm, flavor-packed bites ready in minutes,” Amy Goldsmith, brand manager for Hot Pockets, said in a statement. “New Hot Pockets Snack Breaks deliver a knockout punch of flavor and texture, perfect for anytime snacking, morning, noon, or night.”
The new Hot Pockets have perforated lines so they can be torn apart for flexibility and convenience. Hot Pockets Snack Breaks, which hit store freezers in July, can be prepared in the microwave or air fryer. Unlike the traditional Hot Pockets, the bites are designed for individual snacking or to be shared.
Best known for products in flavor varieties such as four-cheese pizza as well as meatballs and mozzarella, Nestlé has been bringing its venerable Hot Pockets franchise into new categories to attract new consumers and usage occasions.
Hot Pockets has branched out into areas such as dessert, breakfast and high-protein options. It has also partnered with Hidden Valley Ranch on a pair of products using the popular dressing.
— Christopher Doering
Liquid IV launches margarita flavor
Hydration powder mix Liquid IV is stepping into the mocktail category with the addition of a nonalcoholic lime margarita flavor.
The Energy Multiplier Sugar-Free Lime Margarita powder gives consumers an energy boost with 100 milligrams of caffeine and 200 milligrams of L-Theanine.
The Unilever-owned Liquid IV is positioning the mix-in, as an early Happy Hour pick-me-up. It is designed to boost drinkers’ social stamina or to help them power through the workday.
A 14-count of the mix-in powder sells for $24.99 on the hydration company’s website. It hits on many of today’s popular trends that are resonating with consumers. It does not contain sugar and has vitamins, nutrients and added electrolytes for hydration.
Liquid IV appears poised to capitalize on consumer preference toward mocktails and Generation Z’s interest in beverages that have functional capabilities. Hydration is a top benefit consumers seek out in functional beverages.
The electrolyte mix-in market is estimated at $635 million, and is projected to reach $730 million by 2031, according to Mordor Intelligence.
— Laurel Deppen
