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.
Sour Patch Kids stretches into strips
Mondelēz International is stretching the limits with its latest innovation for Sour Patch Kids.
The food giant introduced Sour Patch Kids Strips, which features five flavors of the sour-then-sweet candy in shareable strip form. The candy will be available for purchase nationwide at Target in September before rolling out to other retailers through early 2026.
"We are excited to deliver a refreshing take on the popular belt candy format by bringing the mischievous spirit, bold taste, and beloved sour that only the #1 sour brand in candy … can deliver," Carly Stern, brand manager at Mondelēz, said in a statement. "This format gives our fans a fresh, playful way to enjoy the flavors they crave."
Sour belt strips have experienced a resurgence in popularity lately thanks to TikTok, where creators have used them to create burritos or experiment with texture through refrigeration. Their popularity also speaks to the rise of edible entertainment as consumers look for playful or surprising experiences when eating their food.
Hershey last fall bought the Sour Strips brand, founded by social media personality Maxx Chewning, for $75 million. The size of the sour candy market is estimated to reach $2.7 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 7.3%, according to a report from IndustryARC.
— Sarah Zimmerman
Slim Jim launches chicken sticks with Buffalo Wild Wings
Conagra-owned Slim Jim and Buffalo Wild Wings are heating up the meat stick aisle with new wing-inspired options.
Slim Jim is introducing its first-ever chicken sticks in partnership with the sports bar brand. The offerings, which come in Buffalo Style and Hot flavors, occur as demand explodes for convenient and protein-packed snacks.
Conagra said chicken sticks have grown 84% during the past three years, setting the stage for Slim Jim to enter the burgeoning category. Dried meat snacks are the fastest-growing sub-category in the better-for-you snacking space compared to three years ago, according to a Conagra snacking report.
"We're thrilled to launch our collaboration with Slim Jim on these two new chicken sticks," said Tristan Meline, chief marketing officer with Buffalo Wild Wings. "The distinct, saucy taste that our fans love presented in a chicken stick format is a winning combination."
Each chicken stick features 6 grams of protein. The products will be available at convenience stores nationwide.
— Sarah Zimmerman
Home Run Pizza goes deep with Garrett's Popcorn collaboration
Popcorn has a new topping from the unlikeliest of places: pizza.
Garrett Popcorn Shops is partnering with Home Run Inn Pizza to create a popcorn flavor that’s reportedly as craveable as the popular slice.
The ready-to-eat offering combines Garrett's signature butterfly and mushroom kernel varieties with Home Run Inn’s “Everything But the Pizza’”seasoning of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, oregano and parmesan cheese. The result is a cheesy, tangy burst of flavor that replicates the experience of enjoying a Home Run Inn cheese pizza, the Chicago-based companies said.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Garrett Popcorn to bring the bold, craveable flavor of our Home Run Inn pizza to a fun, new snack,” Gina Bolger, Home Run Inn’s chief marketing officer, said in a statement. “It’s a fresh way to enjoy two classics in one bite.”
Garrett Popcorn’s Chicago Pizza variety, launching nationwide, is available in select retail stores.
The 76-year-old snack brand is no stranger to unique partnerships. It partnered with Revolution Brewing in the Windy City a few years ago on a limited-release CaramelCrisp Ale using 450 pounds of its CaramelCrisp Popcorn.
Popcorn seasonings have rapidly grown in popularity as consumers customize the fluffy snack. Annual sales are $67 million and growing at a double-digit clip, according to Circana data cited by Conagra Brands.
— Christopher Doering
