Here is a look at the latest “10 things you should know” that are impacting food and flavor. Translate these trends into bold new ideas for your brand. Increase market share and get to your “what’s next.”
1. Hershey's Hot Chocolate Bombs
This year, Hershey launched two hot chocolate bombs as part of their holiday lineup. The sweet treats are made of a Hershey milk chocolate shell, filled with mini marshmallows or cinnamon chips. The two varieties, milk chocolate, and cinnamon are available across the U.S for a limited time.
-FoodBev
2. KFC Funnel Cake Fries
What is “crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and sprinkled with powdered sugar”? The new Funnel Cake Fries at KFC. This tasty snack is available at participating locations in the Midwest starting at $1.99.
-Chewboom
3. McRib Farwell Tour
Last month, McDonald’s held the McRib Sandwich Farewell Tour. The fan-favorite sandwich was known for its boneless pork covered in barbeque, served with onions and pickles, on a hoagie-style bun. McDonald’s stated it’s hoping this isn’t a “goodbye” but a “see you later”.
-People
4. Panera Milkshakes
For the first time ever, Panera is offering milkshakes that are inspired by its most popular bakery items. The indulgent milkshake menu includes Kitchen Sink, Fudge Brownie Swirl, and Strawberry Cheesecake Swirl. Now available in select stores as part of a test run.
-Delish
5. Heinz Baked Beanz Pizza
The Heinz Baked Beanz Pizza is made up of tomato sauce, mozzarella, cheddar, and Heinz baked beans. It has been almost 20 years since the pizza was last available. Online many have mixed emotions about this returning topping.
-Food & Wine
6. Peanut-butter Eggnog Whiskey
Skrewball, the popular Whiskey brand, has launched a limited-edition eggnog flavor to its nutty peanut butter whiskey. The drink is a mix of salty, sweet, and savory with a spiced eggnog flavor that adds notes of cinnamon and vanilla.
- FoodBev
7. Holiday Blizzards
The holidays are here and so are Dairy Queen’s festive flavors. This year the fan-favorite peppermint Candy Cane Chill Blizzard is back and the new Frosted Sugar Cookie Blizzard is launching alongside it. Both flavors will be available nationwide for a limited time.
-Chewboom
8. Ranch on a Branch’
Ranch on a Branch is an illustrated storybook that tells the tale of a character named Ranchie, who dreams of becoming a real bottle of Hidden Valley Ranch. This Christmas season you can get a Ranch on a Branch box set that includes the book and a plushie version of Ranchie for $30.
- Food & Wine
9. New Popeyes’ Chicken Sandwich
Popeyes recently announced its new Spicy Blackened Chicken Sandwich. It has the toasted buns and pickles that fans love from the Classic Chicken Sandwich, but the fillet is marinated in a mix of black pepper, red pepper, cumin, garlic, onion, paprika, white pepper, and fried without the breading.
-Delish
10. Doritos Dip
You can now have your favorite chips as a dip that pairs perfectly with all kinds of foods. The Dorito dips come in two flavors: Spicy Nacho and Cool Ranch Jalapeno. The Spicy Nacho Dip is a twist on the classic Dorito Nacho Cheese Flavor snacks and the Doritos Dip Cool Ranch Jalapeno is smooth, creamy, and spicy.
-Food & Wine
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