Fun with Flavor

Campbell Snacks, Camden, N.J., ended 2024 and greeted 2025 with a host of new Goldfish offerings. After introducing a three-item Goldfish Crisps line in December 2023, Campbell’s came back in 2025 with two new flavors: Barbecue and Spicy Dill Pickle (previously in a LTO test). Separately, the brand extended its grahams portfolio with three new dessert-inspired flavors: Strawberry Shortcake, Vanilla Cupcake and Cinnamon Roll.

“Our permanent additions to the Goldfish Grahams line come after a surge in popularity, thanks in part of successful, limited-edition collaborations with iconic brands like Hello Kitty and Elf,” said Mike Fanelli, senior director, Goldfish snacks marketing. “This expansion provides an opportunity for us to tap into the growing bite-sized sweet cracker category and engage Gen Z and Millennial snackers with trending flavors that satisfy their need for a little treat.”

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Say Olé

For the first time in nearly a decade, Mondelēz International, Inc., Chicago, extended its RITZ Bits Cracker Sandwiches line with a new Spicy Queso flavor. It debuted in December in 3oz snack-sized bags at convenience store locations. Larger, 8.8oz boxes arrive this month at major food retailers, the company said.

"With Spicy Queso, we're answering consumers' demands for exciting, bold flavors and turning up the heat on the RITZ Bits you know and love," said Steven Saenen, RITZ vice president of marketing. "It's a bold twist on your childhood favorite—with a kick in each mini bite."

Mondelēz extended its RITZ Toasted Chips line with a Sweet Habanero flavor earlier in 2024.

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Artisanal Flavor, Texture

La Panzanella Artisanal Foods Co., Tukwila, Wash., extended its cracker line with three new namesake Bruschetta offerings: Tomato & Basil, Olive Oil & Sea Salt, and Garlic & Parmesan. Officials said the “bite-sized toasts are baked in the traditional Italian bruschetta style, beginning as freshly baked bread that’s then sliced, seasoned and crisped in an oven for just the right added crunch.” They debuted at Whole Foods Markets nationwide for a suggested retail of $4.49.

“With the foundation of each of our cracker recipes deeply rooted in Italian baking, adding Bruschetta to our lineup just made sense,” said Kat Palange, La Panzanella’s US marketing director.

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New Snack

King's Hawaiian, Torrance, Calif., took to the streets across Manhattan in New York City last fall to give away and promote the company’s first snack: King's Hawaiian Soft Pretzel Bites. Hundreds of street cart vendors switched their iconic New York pretzels for King's Hawaiian Soft Pretzel Bites and handed them out free to consumers. New York football legend Eli Manning also gave out samples as well.

"Growing up in New York City, I appreciate the joy that comes along with the city's iconic street cart pretzels," said Raouf Moussa, King's Hawaiian chief marketing officer. "It only made sense to celebrate the nationwide launch of King's Hawaiian's irresistible Soft Pretzel Bites with Eli and the hardworking street vendors of New York City, bringing everyone together and spreading aloha."

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Artisan Breads

Last fall saw Aspire Bakeries LLC, Los Angeles, begin distributing three of its La Brea Bakery Take & Bake breads in more than 1,000 Target stores nationwide. French Dinner Rolls, a French Twin Pack Baguette, and French Sandwich Rolls each feature a signature sourdough starter and just four simple ingredients. The breads are free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, and all items are certified Non-GMO Verified, kosher, and vegan.

“Our Take & Bake line is about delivering the same exceptional quality and taste that our customers have come to expect from La Brea Bakery, but with the added convenience and enjoyment of baking it fresh in their own kitchen," said Jonathan Davis, La Brea Bakery's culinary innovation leader.

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Seasonal Rolls

In October, Campbell’s, Camden, N.J., extended its Pepperidge Farm line with new Farmhouse Stuffing Seasoned Rolls, complete with sage and onion flavor notes. Officials said the launch overlapped prime stuffing season, “as nearly 80% of Pepperidge Farm stuffing unit sales come in November and December alone.” The seasoned rolls hit shelves for a limited time last fall at $4.99 per 12-pack.

“As we head into fall, demand for our Pepperidge Farm rolls start ramping up. With that in mind, we thought it was a perfect time to introduce our newest innovation that captures the quintessential flavors of the holidays in every bite,” said Ama Auwarter, Campbell Snacks vice president of bakery marketing.

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“Mom-Made” Mixes

Last fall saw My Better Batch, Greensboro, N.C., introduce four premium, “mom-made” boxed cookie mixes that deliver a “great-tasting, no-compromise shortcut that truly tastes homemade.” Varieties include Double Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chunk, Celebration, and Classic Sugar Cookie and mixes require just better and an egg. My Better Batch is available online through the company's website for an SRP of $7.99 per 16oz box or $29.99 for a variety pack.

“I wanted to create a product that empowers moms to leave the mom guilt behind—even when they're short on time,” said Founder and CEO Lindsay Hancock. These mixes are not just easy; they're designed to make anyone feel like a pro in the kitchen, balancing a homemade touch with total convenience."

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Reasons to Celebrate

Last fall saw grocery retailer Albertsons Companies, Boise, Idaho, extend its Own Brand private label line with new Overjoyed, a “curated selection of colorful and tasty products including cupcakes, candles and liners; cookies; chocolatey trail mixes; cheesecakes and sprinkles.” The line includes French macarons, s’mores trail mix and chocolate fudge brownie ice cream cake.

“At Albertsons Cos., we are dedicated to bringing people together around the joys of food, and our newest Own Brand, Overjoyed, underscores this commitment by helping shoppers celebrate the joys of every day and connect with loved ones,” said Brandon Brown, Albertson’s senior vice president, Own Brands.

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Small Size, Big Flavor

Last fall saw McKee Foods Corp., Collegedale, Tenn., extend its Drake’s brand with Drake’s Mini Cake Bites, bite-sized cakes in flavors inspired by classic Drake’s varieties: Pound Cake, Coffee Cake and Devils Food with chocolate chips. An 8.44oz box contains contains 20 mini cake bites. Drake's Mini Cake Bites are sold in eastern U.S. supermarkets, supercenters, value retailers and convenience stores.

"These portable, portion-controlled treats meet the snacking needs of busy families," said Chip Stenberg, Drake's associate brand manager. "With four mini cakes in each pouch, Drake's Mini Cake Bites are perfect for on-the-go snacking."

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Upcycled Naan

Atoria’s Family Bakery, Gilroy, Calif., partnered last year with Upcycled Foods, Inc., (UP Inc.) Berkeley, Calif., to develop and launch Atoria’s Family Bakery Mini Upcycled Naan. It features flour made from barley, wheat and rye rescued from the end of the beer-making process. After debuting with Misfits Market, the product is available at Albertson’s and Safeway stores in the Southwest, co-ops nationwide and independent food stores nationwide.

“We are proud to partner with the team at Atoria’s Family Bakery to collaborate on new upcycled products that honor family tradition, a commitment to simple ingredients and modern consumer expectations for food that delivers on flavor, nutrition and sustainability,” said Dan Kurzrock, UP Inc. founder and CEO.

Credit: WASIO Photography/Courtesy Atoria’s Family Bakery

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Artisanal Japanese

New York City’s Tom Cat Bakery introduced a line of artisanal Japanese Milk Bread products for both retail and foodservice customers. Developed in collaboration with Japan's Yamazaki Baking, officials say these “breads seamlessly merge authentic Japanese baking traditions with Tom Cat's impeccable American artisan standards.” Varieties include a Shokupan sandwich loaf, a seeded pull-a-part roll and a burger bun.

Working with the experts at Yamazaki Baking of Japan, Tom Cat said it acquired special equipment to follow “yudane” processes in which flour and water are pre-cooked and added to the dough, creating the signature springy and fluffy texture expected in a true Shokupan. Officials say Tom Cat’s Japanese milk bread also gets its flavor from generous amounts of heavy cream and honey.

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Pour & Bake Batters

Parents have a lot on their plates, so hacks in the kitchen are essential. A survey conducted by Opinium Research* found that while 74% of parents admit to taking shortcuts—like using prepared mixes when baking—more than half feel guilty at least sometimes for not baking from scratch. Providing a new kitchen hack is The Krusteaz Company, Tukwila, Wash., which introduced three refrigerated Pour & Bake Batters. Varieties include Chocolate Brownie, Vanilla Cupcake and Chocolate Cupcake. They’re available at Kroger-owned stores and Walmart in the refrigerated dough section with a MSRP of $6.99.

"Krusteaz celebrates the everyday wins and any baking occasion no matter how big or small. Parents today are busier than ever, and we could all use a secret weapon from time to time," said Caroline Platt, Krusteaz director of brand marketing.

*Survey conducted by Opinium Research among a sample of 1,000 U.S. parents of children aged 0-17. Survey completed September 23-30, 2024