Fun Flavors

This summer brought two co-branded new product introductions from Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc., Frisco, Texas.

In August, it launched Original Donut Shop Cinnamon Toast Crunch One Step Latte K-Cup pod, in conjunction with cereal maker General Mills. The cinnamon coffee latte beverage is made with coffee, sweetener, and real dairy and available exclusively at Walmart through March 2024 (followed by a wider national release). In mid-September, Keurig Dr Pepper came back with Original Donut Shop TWIX K-Cup pods, in conjunction with Mars Incorporated. Officials say the light roast coffee comes with the flavor of TWIX cookie bars’ milky chocolate, gooey caramel and touches of the toasted shortbread sweetness.

“Gen Z coffee drinkers drive consumption of flavored coffee, more so than all other age cohorts, so continuing to identify inventive ways for our target consumers to indulge in new varieties that push the boundaries of everyday coffee is a top priority for our brand,” said Becky Opdyke, senior vice president, coffee marketing at Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.

Boozy Brews

This August saw Dunkin’, Canton, Mass., introduce ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages in four distinct flavors—both for iced teas and iced coffees.

Dunkin’ Spiked Iced Coffee has an ABV of 6% and draws inspiration from the brand’s iconic coffee flavors. Four Dunkin’ Spiked Iced Coffees varieties include Original, Caramel, Mocha, and Vanilla. They’re sold at grocery retailers in 12 states (but not restaurants) and can be purchased as 12-can mix pack, a four-pack of 12oz Original Spiked Iced Coffee cans, or single 19.2oz Original Spiked Iced Coffee cans.

“We knew we had the opportunity to create something special when we saw the positive response to our previous seasonal collaborations for Dunkin’-inspired beers. The growing appetite for adult beverages inspired us to put a twist on our customers’ favorite Dunkin’ Iced Coffee, Iced Tea and Refresher flavors,” said Brian Gilbert, vice president of Retail Business Development at Dunkin’.

Time Of The Day

Reality television personality Jenelle Evans (MTV’s Teen Mom 2, 2009-2019) introduced Time Of The Day, a new line of Fair Trade-sourced functional mushroom coffees. Publicly dealing with fibromyalgia, body aches, migraines, and recently diagnosed with thymic hyperplasia, Evans said she knew she had to make health and lifestyle changes to improve her well-being.

"My entire body and immune system felt like it was under attack," Evans said. "I had to question everything I ate and drank, even coffee. I was worried. I knew I was on to something with mushroom coffee when I didn't feel so tired by midday."

Three varieties include Reishi and Turkey Tail for energy and recovery; a 7 Superfood Blend for immunity and overall wellness; and Lion's Mane and Cordyceps for memory support and stamina. The instant coffees come in 2.55oz containers are available for pre-order at www.timeoftheday.shop.

At-Home Café

Kraft Heinz, Chicago and Pittsburgh, Pa., said its Maxwell House brand introduced its first innovation in nearly a decade: new Iced Latte with Foam. The café-style iced latte comes in three flavors – Vanilla, Hazelnut and Caramel – and consumers simply add the contents of an individual pouch to a glass, pour in iced water and stir to enjoy.

“As iced beverages continue to rise in coffee shops, this opens a huge opportunity to continue the growth of cold in the coffee aisle at grocery stores,” said Sweta Kannan, director of marketing and coffee innovation at Kraft Heinz. "Our never-before-seen cold-stirred foam technology will allow coffee lovers to save the time and money of going to a coffee shop, and instead inspire them to unleash their inner barista by providing an easy-to-make café style experience with every sip in three simple steps."

Maxwell House Iced Latte with Foam is available at online retailers and in grocery stores nationwide for $6.99, which includes six 1oz sachets.

Coffee with a Kick

Known for its coffee-flavored whiskey, Kentucky Coffee, Lexington, Ky., expanded into the ready-to-drink category with Hard Cold Brews, a mixed cocktail made with premium whiskey and cold brew.

Hitting retail shelves this fall were 12oz cans of Hard Cold Brews (5.9% ABV) in three flavors: Black, Vanilla and Mocha.  

"Coffee and whiskey are beloved in their own rights and come together naturally when blended," said Don Deubler, CEO of Kentucky Coffee's parent company, Atomic Brands. "It's a timeless pair that's been largely overlooked within the RTD space - we're excited to fill that gap for consumers," said Deubler.

Canadian Cold Front

Canada’s Tim Hortons Inc., Oakville, Ont., said it introduced its first product available across the United States: new Tim Hortons® Cold Brew Concentrate. It comes in four flavors including Medium Blend Black, Birthday Cake, Cinnamon Swirl and Mocha Cereal.

"Consumers will love every delicious sip of our Tim Hortons Cold Brew Concentrate," said Markus Sturm, Tim Hortons head of consumer packaged goods. "The smooth taste is crafted with 100% Arabica Beans for a flavor experience inspired by the cold brew we have in Tim Hortons restaurants."

The concentrates come in 32oz, multi-serve bottles with eight individual servings when prepared as directed. Consumers simply mix with water and ice.

Coffee With Attitude

Monster Energy Co., Corona, Calif., extended its Java Monster line with a new Café Latte variety, described as “coffee forward with the right amount of cream and sugar, supercharged with the Monster Energy blend.” Sold in a 15oz can, Java Monster Café Latte delivers 200mg of caffeine. There are eight additional Java Monster varieties including Mean Bean, Loca Moca, and Salted Caramel.

"Let's celebrate National Coffee Day with America's favorite ready-to-drink Energy-Coffee Brand, Java Monster," said Dan McHugh, CMO of Monster Energy. "With its delicious coffee taste and energizing kick, all the Java Monster flavors are the perfect way to toast to our favorite beverage and the people who bring it to us."