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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:
Nutrigrain’s image has become stronger.
Nutri-Grain, known for its soft bars, is adding a crunchy product to its lineup.
The new Nutri-Grain Crunch is made with healthier ingredients that consumers are looking for, including oats, barley, buckwheat, rye and quinoa. The Mars-owned brand is also avoiding properties that shoppers are turning away from. Nutri-Grain Crunchy is non-GMO, peanut-free, and contains no high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors or colors.
Coming to select retailers this month, Nutri-Grain Crunchy is available in Chocolate Chip Chia and Honey Oat Flax. A box of 10 costs $4.49.
“Our goal with Nutri-Grain Crunchy was to bring something new to the aisle without losing what people already love about the brand,” Eileen Flaherty-Yao, senior director of brand marketing at Mars, said in a statement.
The company noted that consumer demand for nutritional products continues to grow, particularly for fiber. At the same time, Mars cited a 2024 USDA report that found the average American consumes about half of the recommended daily fiber intake. This gap created an opportunity for Nutri-Grain Crunchy.
Each bar contains at least 23 grams of whole grains and provides a “good source” of fiber, Mars said.
— Christopher Doering
Premier Protein Builds Muscle in Muffins
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Hometown Food Powered by BellRing Brands
Premier Protein is giving consumers another way to add this popular nutrient to their diets.
The BellRing-owned brand has partnered with Hometown Food Company to launch Premier Protein Muffin Mix and Microwavable Muffin Cups. This product is available in blueberry and chocolate chip, each providing 13 to 15 grams of protein.
“We’re excited to bring protein-based convenience to a new category,” Dan Anglemyer, Chief Operating Officer of Hometown Food Company, said in a statement. “Our muffin mixes and muffin cups make it easier than ever for people to enjoy high-protein options that fit their daily routine at home or on the go.”
With products ranging from Pillsbury and Hungry Jack to Birch Benders and Martha White, Hometown Food is a logical choice for Premier to partner with Muffin. The Chicago-based company provides insight and expertise in the baking space as well as consumer tastes and habits to support new products.
Premier Protein is best known for its shakes and powders, but the brand is no stranger to the food space, with cereal and pancake mix among the items already on the market.
But as consumers look for new and convenient ways to consume protein, the company is looking for ways to expand its reach. Premier said the new muffins are aimed at consumers looking for a protein-rich option for breakfast or afternoon meals.
— Christopher Doering
Stone Brewing and Hopwtr collaborate on IPA flavored sparkling water
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offered by Hopwtr
As more consumers choose moderation in Dry January, two companies are brewing IPA-inspired sparkling waters.
Stone Brewing is partnering with Hopwtr to create a non-alcoholic, sugar-free, calorie-free beverage made with a hop blend similar to the beer maker’s signature IPA. Called Centennial Citrus, the drink is infused with tonics and nootropics that are a key part of the Hopwtr recipe.
The new drink is available in six-packs at retailers including Sprouts Farmers Market grocery stores and through the Hopwtr website.
number of hops It’s at the intersection of non-alcoholic beer and healthier sparkling water. Hopwtr was founded in 2020 to sell beverages to traditional craft beer consumers and wellness-focused shoppers. The added functional benefits such as adaptogens and nootropics make them a better niche fit.
The Centennial Citrus flavor is aimed at “hop enthusiasts,” Hopwtr CEO and co-founder Jordan Bass said in a release.
For Stone Brewing, the Hopwtr collaboration allows them to take their hop expertise into “new territory.”
“(W)e is bringing the same bold hop character seen in Stone beers to a new case,” Jeremy Moynier, senior manager of brewing and innovation at Stone Brewing, said in a press release.
Although the non-alcoholic segment has grown in popularity in recent years, hops have been slower to grow. However, experts still see potential in this sector as it focuses on marketing better health and wellness.
— Laurel Deffen
