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.
Salty and sweet put on the Ritz
Ritz is getting in on the fast-growing salty and sweet trend with the launch of Drizzled Mini crackers.
The Mondelēz-owned brand is taking Ritz’s iconic buttery-flavor and salty profile and adding a drizzle on the top and layer on the bottom of either fudge or caramel. The offering fits squarely into the sweet and salty trend, with nearly two-thirds of people saying they prefer snacks that combine the two flavor profiles, according to data from Global Growth Insights.
“With innovations like Drizzled Minis, we’re building on that signature taste while tapping into fast-growing sweet-and-salty trends, something many consumers – and fans of our crackers – have already shown a preference towards,” Madeline Vincent, a Mondelēz spokesperson, said in an email.
The Drizzled Minis are also designed to appeal to snackers looking for an indulgent, portable option they can munch on throughout the day. As consumers look to snack more, there is rising demand for convenient formats that “feel a little more treat-forward,” Vincent said.
While Ritz's original cracker remains the brand's bread and butter, it has been experimenting with “bolder, more playful flavors” to stay fresh and relevant, Vincent noted. Other recent innovations include Ritz Hot Honey, Ritz Bits Spicy Queso and Ritz Toasted Chips Sweet Habanero.
In 2026, Ritz plans to continue to “push the boundaries of what a cracker can be - while staying true to everything fans already love,"Vincent said. The cracker has a “solid strategy in place to achieve its ambition” to become a top five savory brand through efforts such as innovation and increasing its presence across key snacking occasions, she noted.
— Christopher Doering
Stoli spices up vodka
Stoli is launching a flavored vodka to spice up Bloody Marys.
Halapeño Pepper Vodka is rolling out across the U.S. in January before eying global distribution.
Stoli, based in Luxembourg, is producing the flavor in Louisiana, the company’s first vodka to be produced in the state. The alcohol maker said the flavor is inspired by the region’s food culture, which is “known for its bold flavours, generous hospitality, and signature hint of spice.”
Stoli, which was founded in the 1930s, credits itself with helping to popularize flavored vodka in the 1960s. The brand is launching the new flavor as consumers have a growing interest in spicy food and drinks, including alcohol.
“With demand for spicy cocktails rising, and brunch culture, STOLI Halapeño Pepper was developed specifically to be the definitive spicy vodka for a next-level Bloody Mary,” Marina Troyanovskaya, Stoli’s chief marketing officer, said in a statement. “This is about giving people permission to get playful with flavour, the balanced heat profile makes it highly mixable for both bartenders and at-home cocktail enthusiasts.”
The flavor is also the brand's first innovation since its U.S. producer filed for bankruptcy in 2024. Spirit makers have struggled as consumers abandon the category, with major producers looking beyond alcohol to drive growth.
— Laurel Deppen
Laird Superfood reformulates creamers, expands hydration mixes
Functional beverage maker Laird Superfood is rolling out a slate of new innovations and reformulating its creamer line to be made from organic ingredients.
The plant-based brand's liquid creamer featuring Lion's Mane mushroom will now use USDA Certified Organic ingredients, such as organic coconut milk and organic vanilla extract. Lion's Mane is known for benefits that support gut health and cognitive function.
Laird is also releasing two new flavors of its hydration powders, which feature the red marine algae Aquamin for calcium and magnesium.
The latest offerings include Wild Berry, a blend of antioxidant-rich maqui, calafate and murta berries; and Tropical Punch, a mix of fruits and real orange oil.
Laird is best known for its mushroom-based functional coffee creamers, which claim to boost mood and strengthen the immune system. Founded in 2015 by surfer Laird Hamilton, the brand has since expanded to include instant lattes, coffees, bars and prebiotic daily greens.
Niche brands touting functional ingredients have found a cult following among health-conscious consumers looking to add nutritional value to their active lifestyles. Laird's sales increased 10% in the third quarter compared to the prior year, with sales of company-branded products rising 14%.
— Sarah Zimmerman
