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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:
Salty and sweet tastes added to Ritz
Ritz is joining the fast-growing salty-sweet trend with the launch of Drizzled Mini Crackers.
The Mondelēz-owned brand takes the Ritz’s iconic buttery and salty flavors and adds a drizzle of fudge or caramel on top and a layer of fudge or caramel on top. The product fits right into the sweet-and-salty trend, with nearly two-thirds of people saying they prefer snacks that combine the two flavor profiles, according to data from Global Growth Insights.
“With innovations like Drizzled Minis, we’re capitalizing on the fast-growing sweet and savory trend while building on that signature flavor while showcasing what many consumers and cracker fans already love,” Madeline Vincent, a Mondelēz spokeswoman, said in an email.
Drizzled Minis are designed to appeal to snack lovers looking for a portable snack they can eat throughout the day. As consumers seek out more snacks, there’s growing demand for convenient formats that “give them a little more flavor,” Vincent said.
Ritz’s original crackers remain the brand’s bread and butter, but it has been experimenting with “bolder, more fun flavors” to stay fresh and relevant, Vincent said. Other recent innovations include Ritz Hot Honey, Ritz Bits Spicy Queso, and Ritz Toasted Chips Sweet Habanero.
In 2026, the Ritz will “continue to push the boundaries of what crackers can be while staying true to everything our fans already love,” Vincent said. Cracker has a “solid strategy to achieve its ambitions” to become a top five delicious brand and strengthen its presence at major snacking events through efforts such as innovation, she said.
— Christopher Doering
Stoli adds spice to vodka
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Provided by Stoli
Stoli is releasing a flavored vodka to add flavor to Bloody Marys.
Jalapeno Pepper Vodka will launch across the U.S. in January before targeting global distribution.
Luxembourg-based Stoli produces flavors in Louisiana, the company’s first vodka produced in Louisiana. The liquor maker said the flavor was inspired by the region’s food culture, which is “known for its bold flavours, generous hospitality and hints of signature spices”.
Founded in the 1930s, Stoli is credited with helping popularize flavored vodka in the 1960s. As consumer interest in spicy foods and drinks, including alcohol, increases, brands are launching new flavors.
“With the growing demand for spicy cocktails and the rise of brunch culture, STOLI Halapeño Pepper was developed specifically to be the ultimate spicy vodka for the next generation of Bloody Marys,” Marina Troyanovskaya, Stoli’s chief marketing officer, said in a statement. “It’s about empowering people to enjoy flavor. The balanced heat profile makes it highly mixable for bartenders and at-home cocktail enthusiasts alike.”
The flavor is also the brand’s first innovation since the U.S. producer filed for bankruptcy in 2024. Alcohol manufacturers have struggled as consumers abandon the category, and major producers are looking beyond alcohol to fuel growth.
— Laurel Deffen
Laird Superfood reconstitutes creamers and expands moisture mixtures.
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Provided by Laird Superfood
Functional beverage manufacturer Laird Superfood is introducing new innovations and reformulating its creamer line to be made with organic ingredients.
The plant-based brand’s liquid creamer featuring lion’s mane mushrooms will now feature USDA-certified organic ingredients such as organic coconut milk and organic vanilla extract. Lion’s Mane is known for its benefits in supporting gut health and cognitive function.
Laird is also launching two new flavors of hydration powder featuring red seaweed Aquamin for calcium and magnesium.
The latest products include Wild Berry, a blend of antioxidant-rich maqui berries, calapate berries, and murta berries; And a tropical punch mixed with fruit and real orange oil.
Laird is best known for its mushroom-based functional coffee creamer that claims to improve mood and boost the immune system. Founded by surfer Laird Hamilton in 2015, the brand has since expanded into instant lattes, coffee, bars, prebiotic daily greens and more.
Niche brands promoting functional ingredients are gaining traction among health-conscious consumers looking to add nutritional value to their active lifestyles. Laird’s third-quarter sales increased 10% compared to the previous year, with sales of company-branded products up 14%.
— Sarah Zimmerman
