Leftovers is a showcase of some of the product ideas we’ve seen popping up around the place. Some are interesting, some are great, and some are things we’d never dreamed of. We can’t write about everything that’s been suggested, so here are some leftovers culled from our inbox.
Campbell adds heat to the soup
Campbell’s Soup is spicing up its iconic soup.
The New Jersey-based packaged food company will be releasing four varieties: Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup, Spicy Tomato Soup, Spicy Buffalo Style Cream of Chicken Soup and Spicy Nacho Cheese Soup.
The product line expands Campbell’s portfolio and better aligns with changing consumer tastes, particularly among the younger generation who grew up in Campbell’s and are looking for more spice in their daily lives: spicy flavors accounted for about a quarter of the soup category’s growth, according to Circana data provided to Campbell’s.
“Consumers are looking for more flavorful experiences, which is resulting in increased demand for spicier flavors in their meals and cooking,” Mick Beekhausen, president of Campbell’s food and beverage division, said in an email to Food Dive.
The new soup’s label has undergone some changes to distinguish it from the company’s traditional soups. The bronze medallion has been replaced with an orange and white spice icon. Campbell’s also changed the classic red and white color block division on the label, instead placing small white flames radiating upwards into the red section.
Campbell said the company’s chefs use different types of chili peppers to add heat to the soups, with each type’s heat level chosen based on the food or dish a consumer might pair it with.
Soups aren’t the only products Campbell’s adding spiciness to its portfolio: the company is also introducing spicy beef and spicy chicken soups in its Swanson line.
Consumer interest in cooking has increased during the pandemic, and people are now interested in more complex recipes and flavors — and few things are more in demand than spicy food.
In a 2022 survey of more than 6,000 consumers conducted by Calsec, nearly three-quarters of consumers said Food becomes more delicious when it is heated to a certain degree..
“As culinary habits and behaviors evolve, our brand needs to evolve with them, but at the same time stay true to our roots,” Campbell said.
— Christopher Dowling
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Courtesy of Pilgerms
The Pilgrims have removed all chicken
Pilgrims is venturing into uncharted poultry territory.
The Colorado-based chicken product manufacturer is “breaking away from traditional chicken advertising” with the launch of a new chicken snack with a redesigned packaging that consumers can expect to see on grocery store shelves starting this summer.
Pilgrim’s Loaded Nuggets come in Chicken Pot Pie and Cheesy Jalapeño, Ultimate Nuggets are made to be “intensely flavorful, dangerously crispy and perfectly seasoned,” and Pilgrim’s Mini Nuggets are a pop that can be enjoyed as a dinner or snack. The Mini Nuggets come in three flavors – Zesty Ranch, Butter and Original – and were created based on data that shows 90% of Americans snack at least once a day.
Since launching during the pandemic, Pilgrim’s has been on a mission to inspire mealtimes, and now, along with a new brand identity, an original song and music video are being created to accomplish just that.
“Today’s consumers don’t want to eat boring chicken, but a lack of variety in the frozen chicken aisle leaves them with dry, bland and forgettable options. At Pilgrim’s, we’re combating chicken monotony by reimagining what a chicken nugget can be,” Sergio Nafuz, president and CMO of Pilgrim’s U.S. prepared foods, said in a statement. “Our new brand is bold and original with nuggets that put flavor first, because we’re not shying away from chicken.”
The company’s new song, “Put It In a Nugget,” was created in collaboration with creative agency Terry & Sandy, and the music video showcases the brand’s new products, with new packaging designed by Jones Knowles Ritchie.
— Elizabeth Flood
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Courtesy of Premier Nutrition Company
Premier Protein Expands into Pancake and Waffle Mixes
A leader in the fitness products industry is targeting the pancake-and-waffle breakfast crowd with its latest offering.
Premier Protein, a leading brand in the sports nutrition mix category, has partnered with frozen pancake manufacturer De Wafelbakkers to develop a new line of pancake and waffle mixes for consumers looking for a protein-packed breakfast.
