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.
A vegan, gluten-free kid friendly 'pasta'? Shell yes!
Cece's Veggie Co. shows once again that yes, there are new ways to use vegetables.
The Austin, Texas-based company that first became well known for its veggie noodles has replicated another pasta favorite with its Shells & Cheez. The combo is organic butternut squash cut into "shells" and comes in both vegan and dairy-based varieties. It's ready for eating with just a little time in the microwave — melding convenience, the better-for-you trend and free-from cuisine.
In the last couple of years, vegetables have transformed into different sorts of dishes, and now are sneaking onto consumers' plates as noodles, tots, "rice" and pizza crusts. It was only a matter of time before someone created an essentially ready-to-eat veggie meal — and this dish makes a favorite available to consumers who are avoiding both gluten and dairy.
As a macaroni and cheese substitute, this product is trying to turn kids into vegan veggie fans. And a bonus: The familiar bright orange hue here is unquestionably 100% natural.
—Megan Poinski
'Tis the season for holiday-flavored high energy gummies
The holidays can be hectic, but a new chew could both help alleviate the stress and provide some traditional holiday flavor.
The Seattle Gummy Company is offering limited-edition seasonal flavors of Mocca Shots High Energy Gummies to keep consumers focused and alert during the holiday season. These chews allow consumers to feel the effects of caffeine within three minutes of eating the product.
The product sells for $33 for a pack of 12 pouches online and comes in three flavors: pumpkin spice, gingerbread and peppermint chocolate. The price might be steep for consumers who are hesitant about how much energy can come in the small chews.
"Advancements in our pharma-grade gummy technology have allowed us to create a more balanced chocolate profile on which we can introduce exciting new flavors," CEO Connie Wan said in a release.
The company is marketing the product on the need for energy during one of the busiest times of year. That could help the company gain holiday-crazed customers since people often look to buy seasonal flavors around this time of year.
—Lillianna Byington
Better together? Brew combines beer and wine into one drink
As beer sales have tumbled at the expense of other types of alcohol like wine, at least one Oregon brewer might have found a solution: embrace the competition.
Pelican Brewing Company has debuted its first-ever beer made with fresh harvested Gewürztraminer grapes — a variety typically used in white whites — and extract from malt, a common ingredient in beer. The Grapes of Mash Beer-jolais Nouveau, as it is called, has fruity notes, spicy aromatics, subtle malt aroma and a bright tart finish, the company said.
"The Grapes of Mash is our vision of a completely new place to take beer," Pelican’s founding brewmaster, Darron Welch, said in a statement. "This brew embodies elements of both beer and wine in a very harmonious way. … It's truly a beverage made for a wine glass!"
Similar to its namesake Beaujolais Nouveau — a young red wine released annually on the third Thursday in November — Grapes of Mash was released on the same day this month, Nov. 15. The beer will be available this month at Pelican brewpubs and select retail stores.
—Christopher Doering