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.
Black currant is McCormick's 2026 flavor of the year
Herbal flavors are shaping up to be the next big trend in food, with McCormick naming black currant as its flavor of the year for 2026.
The spice giant, which has been predicting ingredient trends since 2000, has forecast the rise of everything from pumpkin pie spice to ube. In its 2026 Flavor Forecast, McCormick says black currant's tart and sweet taste speaks to fast-developing consumer trends including the demand for ingredients that are opulent and exotic, yet still simple and affordable.
Black currant berries, which are native to central and northern Europe and northern Asia, are also commonly used in jams and syrups, fitting in with consumer appetite for sauces and dressings. Packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants, the berries also lend themselves to the growing demand for functional ingredients.
"Black Currant is gaining attention in kitchens, prized for its vibrant intensity, infusing everything from savory reductions and sweet pastries to modern mixology with bold, sophisticated flavor," Hadar Cohen Aviram, executive chef at McCormick, said in a statement. "Rooted in history and bursting with benefits, Black Currant shines in kitchens, cocktails, and beyond."
McCormick described black currant as "earthy, slightly floral and herbal," which were qualities also identified by Torani as up-and-coming flavors likely to shape consumer trends in the upcoming year. The specialty syrup maker named forest pine as its flavor of 2026, saying it reflects growing demand for botanical ingredients and nature-inspired, sensory-rich experiences.
— Sarah Zimmerman
‘Call Her Daddy’ host enters the energy drink market
Unwell Hydration, the functional beverage line co-founded by podcaster Alex Cooper, is aiming to give a boost to the energy category.
Unwell’s new energy beverage is meant to combine both energy drink components and functional properties such as added B vitamins, including biotin. The line, which is being marketed as free of artificial sweeteners, instead uses real fruit juice, 3 grams of sugar and Stevia.
Unwell Energy will launch in Target stores nationwide and online on Dec. 28. The initial release includes four flavors: cherry lime, passion fruit orange guava, watermelon and pineapple coconut. Each can has 150 milligrams of caffeine from green coffee extract.
“Wellness culture constantly tells us to be perfect, but Unwell Beverages was created to meet women exactly where they are,” Cooper said in a statement. “Whether they’re thirsty, hungry, or exhausted, Unwell Beverages allows us to support our community with great tasting, better-for-you versions of their favorite drinks.”
Cooper, whose podcast “Call Her Daddy” ranks in the top 20 on Spotify, launched Unwell as a beverage brand catering to young women in January.
The brand is among the ever-growing category of celebrity-backed beverages. In the energy space, podcaster and Youtuber Logan Paul is connected to Prime, and actor Dwayne Johnson backs Zoa.
Unwell Energy will enter the market as a competitor to energy drink giant Alani Nu, which focuses its marketing efforts mainly on women. Energy drink giant Monster is attempting to tap into this demographic by teasing the launch of Flrt, an energy drink that also features added B vitamins.
— Laurel Deppen
RXBar takes a smaller bite
Kellanova’s RXBar is mustering up the energy to enter the bite space.
The popular bar brand is launching RXBar Protein Energy Bites, taking the offering beyond the bar and into a new format for the first time.
The bites, which come in dark chocolate peanut butter and strawberry peanut butter flavors, have a chocolatey shell with roasted peanuts and a peanut butter center.
“RXBAR Protein Energy Bites are a natural next step for the brand," Eileen Flaherty-Yao, senior director of brand marketing at Kellanova, said in a statement. "By pairing protein with a good source of fiber in a novel format, we're offering an easy way to stay energized no matter what the day looks like, and a whole new way to enjoy RXBAR.”
RXBar noted that while bites account for just 1% of the protein and wellness snack category, consumers are increasingly looking for smaller snacks made with better-for-you ingredients. The Protein Energy Bites were launched to fill that void, with each serving containing 8 to10 grams of protein per serving and positioned as a good source of fiber.
RXBar Protein Energy Bites are available nationwide at retailers and online.
Since Kellanova’s predecessor acquired the maker of RXBar for $600 million in 2017, the product has stayed true to its clean-label protein bar roots. It has debuted bars aimed at breakfast, as well as granola clusters focused on broadening occasions when people could turn to the snack.
— Christopher Doering
