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.
Welch’s takes on Uncrustables
Uncrustables is facing another hungry competitor looking to eat its lunch in the fast-growing crustless sandwich space.
Fruit spread brand Welch's is releasing Real PB&Js, a frozen sandwich available in Concord grape jelly, strawberry jam and mixed fruit flavors. The handheld sandwiches are available at select Walmart stores nationwide.
The PB&Js have 12 grams of protein and are reportedly 50% bigger than the leading national brand's 2-ounce sandwich.
"When we asked what consumers would want from a PB&J if we were creating it today, the answer was surprisingly simple," Andrew Hartshorn, chief brand and innovation officer at Welch's, said in a statement. "They wanted a bigger sandwich for bigger appetites, one that actually fills them up. Real PB&Js were created to deliver exactly that, a familiar favorite with the size, protein and real ingredients consumers told us they were looking for."
Welch’s is just the latest competitor taking aim at the fast-growing Uncrustables owned by J.M. Smucker. Last year, Kraft Heinz entered the ring with its own version. Trader Joe’s also released a private label alternative, prompting litigation from Smucker.
Despite the mounting competition, Uncrustables has maintained its ranking as the market leader due to its early entrance into the space, which has seen higher demand as consumers look for portable and convenient snacks or meals. Smucker said in June that Uncrustables topped $1 billion in sales, with mid-single-digit growth forecast for the company’s 2027 fiscal year.
—Christopher Doering
Campbell's packs the protein in bone broth soups
The Campbell's Company is launching a line of protein soups featuring bone broth and other ingredients that are naturally rich in protein and fiber.
Campbell's Protein Soups include 20 grams of the popular nutrient and are made with bone broth, a heritage ingredient that's found new life as a superfood among celebrities and online wellness communities. The line features five soups, including Homestyle Chicken & Rotini, Italian-Style Wedding, Lemon Pepper Chicken, Southwest Black Bean and Mediterranean Lentil.
"As consumers increasingly seek foods that offer both great taste and meaningful nutrition, this innovative product line will bring excitement and drive consumers to the soup category," Benjamin Crook, Campbell's senior vice president of soup and broth, said in a statement.
Protein has remained one of the most resilient trends in food during the past few years due to consumer interest in health and wellness, in addition to growing use of GLP-1s. Consumers, however, overwhelmingly favor naturally protein-rich foods over processed options, according to survey data from the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association.
Campbell's is working to innovate its namesake ready-to-serve soups, which have underperformed compared to premium options even as consumers eat more meals at home due to inflation. CEO Mick Beekhuizen said on the company’s earnings call in June that it’s working on better-for-you innovation and other steps to increase the relevance of its soups.
Earlier this year, Campbell's brought its soups into sauces to create a new usage occasion. These were inspired by shoppers increasingly using the company's products as ingredients in home recipes.
—Sarah Zimmerman
Cann drops the THC in new launch
Cann, a big name in the fast-growing THC beverage space, is launching a non-THC offering that focuses on mood-boosting properties.
The new beverage, dubbed 0MG – a play on “OMG” and the drink's lack of THC – includes magnesium, electrolytes, L-theanine and passion flower. It’s available in blood orange cardamom and lemon lavender, which Cann called its signature flavors.
The launch comes ahead of a ban on hemp-derived THC products set to take effect in November. The expansion could indicate that Cann intends to play more heavily in functional, mood-boosting beverages, which consumers are increasingly seeking out.
Passion flower and magnesium offer mood-boosting effects, while electrolytes provide hydrating qualities and L-theanine supply caffeine. 0MG is meant to broaden opportunities for consumers to interact with the brand and is in line with its “low-dose ethos,” the company said in a statement.
“Debuting a zero-THC beverage, and taking a successful play out of alcohol’s book, gives us the opportunity to reach more consumers where they’re already shopping, expands our retail distribution, and grows our awareness to new heights”, Jake Bullock, CEO and co-founder of Cann, said in a statement. “This extension allows us to create something that remains true to the way people want to drink now - with or without THC.”
The hemp-derived THC beverage market has found mass market appeal with younger drinkers who are avoiding alcohol, but still want a low-dose libation that could be used in social activities. Cann is one of the biggest beneficiaries of the trend and has seen sales grow ahead of upcoming federal restrictions.
—Laurel Deppen
