Prepared Foods Editorial Staff

Drake’s introduces Mochaccino Devil Dogs, blending cocoa and coffee notes in a café-inspired creme filling. The launch marks the first in a yearlong rotation of new flavors designed to drive limited-time excitement in the snack aisle.

New research from Kroger Precision Marketing finds that while shoppers say they’re open to innovation, most stick to familiar habits. Flavor updates, strong in-store visibility and meaningful discounts play an outsized role in convincing consumers to try something new.

Garden Veggie Snacks expands its lineup with Dill Pickle Ranch Puffs and Salt & Vinegar Straws. The launches combine assertive flavors, avocado oil and no artificial dyes to meet evolving expectations in children’s snacking.

Josie Beverages has launched its zero-sugar, zero-calorie energy drink line in the US, positioning the brand around clean, crash-free energy. Formulated with lion’s mane, cordyceps and vitamin B¹², the lineup reflects growing interest in functional ingredients beyond traditional caffeine.

CJ Foods appointed Adam Ricciardone as global chief technology officer, tapping more than 30 years of FMCG and consumer health R&D leadership.

V8 Energy Zero Sugar launches in three fruit-forward flavors with about the same caffeine as a cup of coffee. The line responds to sustained consumer interest in no-sugar energy drinks while broadening everyday usage occasions.

Arden’s Garden introduces Sea Moss Energy, a 2oz shot blending St Lucia sea moss gel with pineapple, passion fruit, lemon and green tea. The 106mg caffeine boost is launching in more than 1,450 Publix stores as the brand builds on demand for functional wellness beverages.

Laird Superfood expands beyond plant-based with a dairy-powered Protein Coffee featuring whey, milk protein and lion’s mane mushroom. The powdered blend delivers 10g of protein per serving and targets muscle recovery, satiety and cognitive support.

The Marzetti Company has agreed to acquire Bachan’s, a Japanese barbecue sauce brand, in a $400 million transaction. The move underscores growing demand for authentic global flavors and clean-label formulations across retail and foodservice.

Each can combines real fruit flavors, prebiotics and 6g of fiber with minimal sugar. The four-SKU lineup begins national distribution by early April.