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.
Skittles get ‘swicy’
Mars is heating up the gummy category with a sweet and spicy take on Skittles.
The food company is launching Skittles Gummy Fuego, which are gummy versions of five flavors coated in a tangy chili layer. Each pack has mango, watermelon, strawberry, raspberry and lemon flavors.
"We're always paying attention to emerging trends and looking for exciting new ways for our fans to experience Skittles," Ro Cheng, vice president of marketing with Mars Wrigley North America, said in a statement. "We're adding some spice to a sweet, original fan favorite, bringing a bold flavor experience that we know 'swicy' fans will enjoy."
The sweet and spicy craze popularized by hot honey has extended into several food launches, from Noosa yogurt to Ritz crackers. Around 53% of Gen Z shoppers said they enjoyed swicy heat in 2024, according to a Daymon survey.
Skittles Fuego will be available while supplies last through TikTok Shop, before launching at retailers this fall for a limited rollout. The product will be available nationwide in January.
— Sarah Zimmerman
PepsiCo’s Siete Foods spices up the meal space
Siete Foods is partnering with children’s food maker Little Spoon on a pair of Latino-inspired kids' dishes, marking the first time the PepsiCo brand has ventured into the meals category.
The Chicken Taco Bites Biteable contains antibiotic-free chicken tossed in a garlic sauce, kid-friendly spices, and a hint of lime paired with zucchini and pinto bean hash. The Beef Taco Smash Plate has grass-fed beef, riced cauliflower and Mexican red rice. Each meal also has Siete’s mild taco seasoning.
The limited-time offerings for kids are designed to expose them to diverse foods and deepen appreciation for Latino culture. Siete Foods and Little Spoon noted that children who develop a wider palate early on tend to be less picky eaters.
“This collection invites families to share cherished cultural dishes—not only as a way to honor where we come from, but to celebrate how those traditions continue to evolve at the family table,” Andrés Figueroa, chef with Siete Foods, said in a statement.
Siete Foods, founded in 2014, produces tortillas, salsas, seasonings, sauces, cookies and snacks.
PepsiCo purchased the Mexican-American food maker for $1.2 billion in January to improve the healthiness of its snacking portfolio as consumers more closely watch what they eat. It also gave the Fritos and Doritos manufacturer a deeper presence in food geared toward Hispanic consumers.
Mexican cuisine is the third most popular in the U.S., according to Datassentials, and growing in popularity, particularly among younger adults.
— Christopher Doering
Malibu and Dole link on tropical RTD cocktails
Fruit giant Dole is getting in on a juicy collaboration with spirits maker Malibu.
The brands are launching ready-to-drink cocktails early next year featuring Dole pineapple juice and Malibu's coconut-flavored rum. The partnership is inspired by the popular pairing of Malibu and Dole pineapple juice, which the spirits maker says is the top way consumers enjoy the liquor.
"Malibu & Dole have had a long-standing relationship and have been enjoyed together by our consumers in bars and homes across the country for many years," said Natalie Accari, division vice president and general manager for ready to drink and convenience with Pernod Ricard USA. "This innovation … makes it even more accessible in a convenient format."
The lineup includes a variety pack with Pineapple, Pineapple Mango, Pineapple Strawberry and Pineapple Dragon Fruit. Large format single cans will also be available in Pineapple and Pineapple Mango.
Canned cocktails have remained somewhat resilient despite a downturn in overall alcohol consumption. But as the hard seltzer craze fizzles out, more companies are leaning into juice-based drinks that contain premium spirits rather than the traditional malt base.
Pineapple in particular has been all the buzz in the U.S., overtaking lime as the most popular product flavor in 2024 with 6% of launches, according to ISWR data.
— Sarah Zimmerman
