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The Leftovers is a look at some of the product ideas that are popping up everywhere. Some are interesting, some sound amazing, and some are the kinds of ideas we would never dream of. We can’t write everything we suggest, so here are some leftover items from our inbox:
Cheez-It is Gluten Free
Cheez-It has introduced a gluten-free version of its iconic cheese crackers, calling it “one of the most requested innovations in the brand’s history.”
The Mars-owned brand is introducing gluten-free crackers as part of its lineup of innovations to “deliver exciting new flavors, crave-worthy textures and more variety.” Cheez-It said it created this option in response to requests from consumers who have transitioned to a gluten-free diet or have never tried crackers.
“We invested time carefully researching our recipes and processes to ensure that gluten-free snackers can enjoy the same cheesy flavor and satisfying crunch without compromise,” Cara Tragseiler, Cheez-It’s senior brand director, said in a statement. “Now, more fans can finally enjoy the Cheez-It experience they’ve been waiting for.”
The gluten-free version will be available at retailers across the U.S. starting in February. Cheez-It is also launching more flavors across its portfolio and launching a new Cheez-It Crunch that offers a “multi-sensory taste” with a 3D shape. In addition to Crunchy Snacks, the brand is launching a Honey BBQ flavor in its Snap’d line and a Loaded Nacho flavor in Cheez-It Grooves.
Snacks have relied on innovations such as new textures or reformulations to expand their products and meet the needs of a wider range of consumers. Some companies have sought to offer their brands to new groups of consumers who are health conscious or have specific dietary needs. Last December, Mondelēz International launched its first sugar-free Oreo in the U.S. “to reach a whole new audience,” according to the brand’s vice president of marketing.
The gluten-free Cheez-Its also come as the Trump administration makes ingredient transparency a top priority as part of its “Make America Healthy Again” strategy. This week, the FDA took action to require companies to disclose when their products contain gluten by requesting more information from stakeholders.
— Sarah Zimmerman
Sanpellegrino says ‘ciao’ to Limoncello.
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Provided by Nestle
Just in time for Dry January, Sanpellegrino is greeting consumers with its latest sparkling water.
San Pellegrino CIAO! Limoncello contains real fruit juice, natural flavors and a pinch of Sicilian salt. A company spokesperson said each can has five calories and 0% alcohol content, making them “perfect for starting the new year.”
“Sanpellegrino CIAO! Limoncello wasn’t intentionally created for Dry January, but we’re excited to be able to launch the product in time for those looking for a new non-alcoholic option,” a brand spokesperson said in an email to Food Dive. “With Sanpellegrino CIAO! you can enjoy an authentic Italian drinking experience any time of the year.”
The drink will debut on Amazon this month and then hit retail stores nationwide in February.
Sanpellegrino Ciao was launched last year in four flavors. Limoncello, the Italian sparkling water brand owned by Nestlé, is launching Limoncello in recognition of strong consumer interest in the new flavour, a spokesperson said.
Ciao joins the rest of Sanpellegrino’s portfolio, which includes standard sparkling water, flavored Italian sparkling drinks and sugar-free varieties.
Sparkling water is proving to be a fast-growing segment as consumers look to cut back on sugar and other artificial ingredients without giving up the taste and fizz of soda. Sales of flavored seltzer, sparkling and mineral water surged from $3.8 billion in 2020 to $5.5 billion in 2025, according to Circana data.
— Christopher Doering
Twisted Tea packs a punch with a new high-alcohol flavor.
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Provided by Boston Beer Company
Twisted Tea is building on consumer interest in high-alcohol beverages with the expansion of its Extreme line.
The Boston Beer-owned brand is introducing two new flavors: Extreme Long Island Iced Tea and Extreme Fruit Punch. The Extreme can has 8% alcohol content, almost twice that of standard Twisted Tea.
The new flavor will be released as part of a 12-can variety pack, which also includes existing products Extreme Lemon and Extreme Blue Razz. Previously, Extreme was only sold in disposable cans.
Boston Beer launched Twisted Tea in 2001 and created the Extreme line in 2023. Extreme’s success in convenience stores has helped the brewer attract new customers to its Twisted Tea brand, and the company expects the variety pack to do the same while creating more drinking opportunities.
Although alcohol consumption fell to its lowest point in 2025, high-alcohol RTDs stood out. According to IWSR, new product launches in the U.S. with an ABV of 5% or higher increased from 48% in 2021 to 55% three years later.
Alcohol industry stalwarts, including Anheuser-Busch and Sazerac, have capitalized on this trend through M&A. Anheuser-Busch acquired a majority stake in high-alcohol brand BeatBox, and Sazerac acquired 15% ABV BuzzBallz.
—Laurel Deppen
