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.
Smucker makes Uncrustables fridge friendly
J.M. Smucker is making it even easier for consumers to enjoy an Uncrustables sandwich by making its entire portfolio fridge friendly — meaning no thaw time required.
Starting this summer, all Uncrustable flavors will be available to be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Consumers will still be able to keep the sandwiches in the freezer for longer-term storage.
Smucker said the move reflects a commitment to "enhancing convenience and accessibility." The fridge-friendly sandwiches maintain the brand's soft baked bread, which is baked daily in the U.S. with no artificial preservatives and then frozen on site. The sandwiches will continue to be available in the freezer aisle, though consumers have more options for storage.
"Because shoppers have made us a leader in the freezer aisle, we're evolving to meet them where they are," Jessica Fair, Smucker vice president of marketing, said in a statement. "No more creative 'speed-thaw' hacks required."
Smucker's new breakfast Uncrustables, which were introduced late last year and contain 12 grams of protein, are already available for fridge storage. The company expects to expand flavors and offer the sandwiches in convenience stores, a move that has already seen promising early results, CEO and President Mark Smucker told investors this week
Executives are hoping that Uncrustables can cross the $1 billion annual net sales threshold this year, with its CEO saying the brand is the company's "largest growth opportunity."
"We are creating a truly iconic brand with widespread multigenerational appeal, which will soon be a top 3 brand in the total frozen department," Smucker said.
–Sarah Zimmerman
Dr Pepper’s Creamy Coconut returns amid dirty soda craze
Keurig Dr Pepper is bringing back Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut in a bid to tap into the growing dirty soda craze.
The flavor will again roll out for a limited time beginning in April and also be made available in a zero-sugar option.
The dirty soda trend includes adding things like coffee creamers and fruit puree to soda. The new Dr Pepper flavor makes for a “creamy indulgence” in a ready-to-drink format, the company said.
Last year, soda competitor PepsiCo also debuted a ready-to-drink dirty soda inspired Mountain Dew. The trend comes as more consumers look for alcohol alternatives that still offer unique, customizable experiences.
Keurig Dr Pepper's launch is part of a wider portfolio of innovation including more than 35 varieties across owned and partnered brands. The company is prepping a 7Up Shirley Temple flavor in a nod to the nostalgic mocktail, and is launching a strawberry-flavored Canada Dry.
–Laurel Deppen
Surfside vodka tea debuts new offerings for warmer weather
Ready-to-drink vodka tea brand Surfside is launching two new flavors ahead of the spring season to capitalize on its recent growth.
The brand is launching blueberry lemonade vodka and a “Half & Half” variety pack, which features half-lemonade and half-iced tea variations, including original, raspberry, mango and blackberry.
“Our new flavor innovations are a direct reflection of our fans’ evolving taste preferences – a growing desire for delicious, flavor-forward, sessionable beverages,” Surfside parent company Stateside Brands CEO and Co-Founder Clement Pappas said in a statement.
The RTD brand launched in 2022 and quickly found success among young consumers looking for spirit-forward drinks without carbonation. Last year, the company sold 11.1 million cases, up more than 6 million cases from the prior year.
Vodka teas and other ready-to-drink cocktails have remained a bright spot in an otherwise troubled alcohol sector. Other big alcohol companies have tapped into the vodka tea craze, including Boston Beer and Anheuser-Busch.
Brands have also leaned into berry and tropical flavors. Dr Pepper introduced its highly successful blackberry flavor after noting that blackberry-flavored carbonated soft drinks grew more than two times faster than the category.
Surfside’s new blueberry lemonade variety is available at retailers nationwide in a four-can pack, and the variety pack will include eight cans.
–Laurel Deppen
