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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:
Blackcurrant is McCormick’s 2026 Flavor of the Year
Herbal flavors, named after McCormick, are emerging as the next food trend. black currant It was selected as the flavor of the year for 2026.
The spice giant, which has been predicting ingredient trends since 2000, predicted a rise in everything from pumpkin pie spice to ube. In its 2026 flavor forecast, McCormick says the tart and sweet flavor of blackcurrants speaks to rapidly evolving consumer trends, including the demand for rich, exotic yet still simple and affordable ingredients.
Native to central and northern Europe and northern Asia, blackcurrant fruits are also commonly used in jams and syrups and are well-suited to consumer tastes in sauces and dressings. Berries, packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, also help increase demand for functional ingredients.
“Black currants are making a splash in the kitchen with their vibrant intensity that infuses everything from savory reductions and sweet pastries to modern mixology with bold, sophisticated flavors,” McCormick’s executive chef Hadar Cohen Aviram said in a statement. “Rooted in history and full of benefits, black currants shine in a variety of fields, including the kitchen and cocktails.”
McCormick described black currant as “earthy, slightly floral and herbal,” characteristics that Torani also identified as a promising flavor that will likely shape consumer trends in the coming year. professional syrup maker Forest Pine selected as the flavor of 2026It said this reflects the growing demand for sensory-rich experiences inspired by botanicals and nature.
— Sarah Zimmerman
‘Call Her Dad’ host enters energy drink market
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Provided by Unwell Beverages
Unwell Hydration, a functional beverage line co-founded by podcaster Alex Cooper, aims to reinvigorate the energy category.
Unwell’s new energy drink is intended to combine both energy drink ingredients and functional properties, such as additional B vitamins including biotin. Marketed as free from artificial sweeteners, this line instead uses real fruit juice, 3 grams of sugar, and stevia.
Unwell Energy is scheduled to launch in Target stores nationwide and online on December 28th. The initial launch includes four flavors: Cherry Lime, Passionfruit Orange Guava, Watermelon, and Pineapple Coconut. Each can contains 150mg of caffeine derived from green coffee bean extract.
“Wellness culture constantly tells us to be perfect, but Unwell beverages were created to meet women exactly where they are,” Cooper said in a statement. “Whether they’re thirsty, hungry or tired, Unwell Beverages allows us to support our community with better-tasting, better versions of their favorite beverages.”
Cooper, who runs the Top 20 podcast “Call Her Daddy” on Spotify, launched Unwell as a beverage brand for young women. january.
The brand is part of the ever-growing category of celebrity-endorsed beverages. On the energy front, podcaster and YouTuber Logan Paul is linked to Prime, and actor Dwayne Johnson is endorsing Zoa.
Unwell Energy is set to enter the market as a competitor to energy drink giant Alani Nu, which focuses its marketing efforts primarily on women. Monster, the energy drink giant, is Energy Drink Flrt Additionally, vitamin B has been added.
—Laurel Deppen
RXBar bites smaller.
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Courtesy of Kellanova
Kellanova’s RXBar gathers energy to enter the byte space.
The popular bar brand launches RXBar Protein Energy Bites, offering the product beyond bars and in a new format for the first time.
Available in Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter and Strawberry Peanut Butter flavors, the bites feature roasted peanuts in a chocolate shell and a peanut butter center.
“RXBAR Protein Energy Bites are a natural next step for the brand,” Eileen Flaherty-Yao, Kellanova’s senior director of brand marketing, said in a statement. “By combining good fiber and protein in a new format, we’re giving you an easy way to stay energized no matter what your day looks like and a whole new way to enjoy RXBAR.”
RXBar noted that although bites only account for 1% of the protein and wellness snack category, consumers are increasingly looking for small snacks made with healthy ingredients. Protein Energy Bites were launched to fill that gap, with each serving containing 8 to 10 grams of protein and a good source of fiber.
RXBar Protein Energy Bites are available at retailers nationwide and online.
After Kellanova’s predecessor Acquires RXBar manufacturer for $600 million In 2017, the product stayed true to its clean label protein bar roots. It launched a bar aimed at breakfast and a granola cluster focused on expanding opportunities for people to snack.
— Christopher Doering
