A Season of Sweetness

If you've read my blog, you know I have a major sweet tooth! I love to read about new candies and write about the new treats hitting store shelves. Every Christmas, I'm excited to see which new sweets will be available for the holidays, and this year was no exception. Now that Christmas is just weeks away, I've been paying close attention to the new flavors I've seen in stores. Here are just a few:

This year, JELL-O introduced pudding in Gingerbread and Peppermint flavors. End any holiday meal on a high note with these tasty seasonal pudding varieties.

Have you seen this year's Jones Soda Holiday Pack? The 2011 four-pack mix includes Gingerbread, Sugar Plum, Candy Cane, and Pear Tree flavors. The company is known for creating and offering offbeat drinks on a limited basis annually for the holidays.

Candy canes are a Christmas staple, and every year, there are more kinds. New this year are candy canes from WarHeads and Sour Patch, as well as an assortment of branded candy canes from Spangler, in Jelly Belly, Sour Punch, Smarties, and Dum Dum flavors.

Finally, Nabisco has introduced Sweet Cinnamon Wheat Thins this holiday season. A perfect snack this time of year, the cracker has just the right amount of sweet cinnamon goodness to bring Christmas cheer.

Tell me, what holiday flavors do you like? Also, drop me a line and share the new products you've seen this season!

Leave a Peppermint Stick for Old St. Nick

Halloween is behind us and the holidays are just around the corner. Head into any grocery store, and you'll see the flavors of the season in full force. From peppermint to gingerbread, the quintessential tastes of Thanksgiving and Christmas are here. Check out these new products, around just for the holiday season.

Little Debbie Peppermint Swiss Rolls are the perfect Christmas treat. A twist on the snack cake's traditional chocolate cake roll, this pastry's crème filling adds a cool hint of peppermint.

Kellogg's doesn't let a holiday, season, or celebration go by without introducing a new Pop-Tart variety. This Christmas, the toaster pastry maker rolled out a limited edition Frosted Sugar Cookie selection, in addition to last year's popular Gingerbread treat.

Want to add a taste of the holidays to your hot cocoa or Rice Krispies treat? Try Kraft Jet-Puffed Gingerbread Mallows for a spiced up kick to your traditional holiday favorites.

Add new Country Crock Spreads to your Thanksgiving table. Available in Pumpkin Spice and Honey, the spreads are the perfect pairing for holiday breads, potatoes, baked goods, and more!

Running out of time to bake cookies for Santa? Look no further than Nestlé Toll House pre-made gingerbread cookie dough. Now available in tubes and tubs, you can make a family of gingerbread men, women, and kids in a fraction of the time.

Enjoy all your holiday cookies with a piping hot cup of coffee, and add the essence of the season with Coffee-mate's limited edition products, including Eggnog Latte, Gingerbread Latte, and Peppermint Mocha.

What are your favorite items to savor during the holiday season? Drop me a line and share your preferred Thanksgiving and/or Christmas indulgences!

The Great Pumpkin

Fall officially gets underway on Friday, September 23, but according to grocery stores, autumn is already here! While some farmers are warning of a pumpkin shortage this year, food manufacturers are gearing up with new, limited edition pumpkin items to ring in this cool and colorful season.

Nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger – pumpkin pie spices that scream fall and can be found in your favorite seasonal products this time of year. Just ask Kellogg's! The company recently introduced Frosted Pumpkin Pie Pop-Tarts, the perfect single serving of one of fall's most popular pastries.

Little Debbie couldn't let the season arrive without its version of a quintessential autumn treat. The snack maker's Pumpkin Muffins are a welcome addition to the company's standard muffin lineup.

Looking for a chilly choice on warm Indian summer nights? Try Edy's Slow Churned pumpkin-flavored ice cream. The taste of fall come alive in this creamy concoction, worthy of a break from raking.

Thanks to both Nestlé's Coffee-mate and International Delight, watch the leaves fall every morning as you enjoy a splash of pumpkin pie creamer in your coffee.

Of course, if you're out and about, stop at one of the many eateries offering the flavor of the season. Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte is always a crowd favorite, with customers waiting all year for the beverage of the season.

Just a few more weeks until we know if Dairy Queen will offer its annual Pumpkin Pie Blizzard.

Jamba Juice, on the other hand, has already announced the comeback of its Pumpkin Smash Smoothie.

What pumpkin-flavored foods do you look forward to this time of year? Drop me a line and tell me all about your favorite seasonal treats!

I Scream, You Scream

We're halfway through July, which means we still have two weeks to celebrate National Ice Cream Month! Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month in 1984, and for the past 27 years, we've had a full 31 days to formally recognize the frozen treat that keeps us cool all summer.

Since my ice cream post last year, food manufacturers have created new concoctions for consumers to enjoy. Whether you're in the mood for a decadently sweet dessert, a low-fat creamy delight, or something in between, ice cream companies have you covered! Take a look at these new ice cream lines that have hit store shelves so far this year.

In March, Ben and Jerry's launched Late Night Snack, a flavor inspired by a "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" skit. The vanilla ice cream combines a sweet and salty combination with a caramel swirl and crunchy fudge-covered potato chip clusters.

Ben and Jerry's welcomed two more flavors in May, available only at Target. Volun-Tiramisu and Peanut Butter World are intended to promote volunteerism, joining last year's philanthropic ice cream debut of Berry Voluntary and Brownie Chew Gooder.

This company isn't the only one, however, adding a new twist to their tried and true lineup. Klondike is mixing it up with new taste sensations like Mint Chocolate Chip and Caramel Pretzel. Blue Bunny, Hershey's Ice Cream, and Breyers also keep us guessing with new items unveiled constantly.

For kids and kids at heart, Popsicle brand frozen treats introduced Jolly Rancher ice pops. With long-lasting flavors straight from the hard candy, each pop combines cherry, blue raspberry, green apple, and grape flavors.

Looking for a healthier way to celebrate National Ice Cream Month? Reach for one of new Weight Watchers' new ice cream treats. For those on the diet program, the frozen treats range from one to four points to keep your eating plan on track. Try a Strawberry Smoothie Bar, a GIANT Latte Bar, a Dark Chocolate Raspberry Ice Cream Bar, or many of the other low-fat varieties the manufacturer offers.

Skinny Cow from Nestlé also provides a lower fat ice cream option. From sandwiches and truffle bars to individual cones and cups in mouth-watering flavors including Strawberry Cheesecake and Caramel Cone, Skinny Cow is another tasty alternative to help ice cream lovers snack smartly.

Of course, you can always visit your nearest Maggie Moo's or Baskin-Robbins or head to your grocer's freezer to enjoy your favorite ice cream flavor this month – and all year! – long.

So tell me, what's your favorite ice cream flavor? Drop me a note and tell me how you're planning to celebrate National Ice Cream Month!

Lazy Days of Summer

Summer has officially arrived, and with it comes new drinks, snacks, and foods to keep you cool all season long! Here are just some of the new products you'll find on store shelves in the coming months.

Ever have difficulty stacking your chocolate and marshmallow on a graham cracker to create the perfect s'more? Not anymore! Kraft has the perfect solution with Jet-Puffed StackerMallows. These flat marshmallows make it easier than ever to construct a delicious s'more to prepare in the microwave or over a campfire in just seconds. More time to enjoy summer!

Summer is also the right time to enjoy long days by the pool with ice cream in hand. To cool down, try Unilever's Magnum Bars. The popular treat debuted in the U.S. earlier this year, but has been a staple in the U.K. since 1987. Wrapped in a thick chocolate shell, the premium ice cream on a stick is the world's top individual frozen dairy snack. In flavors like Double Caramel, Double Chocolate, Classic, Almond, White, and Dark, you can try a different variety practically every day of the week!

Stay hydrated in the hot weather by adding zing to your ordinary H2O. MiO Liquid Water Enhancer from Kraft is one way to do just that. The sugar-free, caffeine-free, calorie-free flavor booster is available in Berry Pomegranate, Fruit Punch, Mango Peach, Peach Tea, Sweet Tea, and Strawberry Watermelon. Add as much or as little MiO as you want to create a personal beverage with as much or as little taste as you wish.

Nothing epitomizes childhood more than Oreo cookies, and this summer, Nabisco is introducing its Triple Double Oreo. The triple-decker chocolate cookie contains three wafers with two layers of filling, one each of chocolate and vanilla.

What fun indulgences are you looking forward to this summer? Leave me a note and tell me what you think of these fun, new summer items!

Something To Drink?

Just in time for summer, beverage companies are introducing new products to keep you cool and refreshed all season long. Here's just a sampling of the new items you'll be able to find on store shelves in the coming months.

Honest CocoaNova – Honest Tea welcomes a new line of low-calorie beverages made with brewed cacao beans. Available in Mint Cacao, Cherry Cacao, and Mocha Cacao varieties, the beverages are made with U.S. Department of Agriculture and Fair Trade Certified cacao beans, the main ingredient in chocolate, and include the antioxidants and theobromine found in dark chocolate. Consumers can purchase this new drink now at select natural foods stores around the country.

Ocean Spray Sparkling Juices – Ocean Spray describes its new line of drinks as "a refreshingly bubbly beverage made with real fruit juice and a splash of sparkling water." Available in both regular and diet in Cranberry and Pomegranate Blueberry flavors, the carbonated juices are a good source of Vitamin C, made from real fruit juices, and contain no added sugar.

The company also added expanded its line of juices with the addition of two new berry and superfruit combinations: 100% Juice Cranberry Pomegranate Cherry, and 100% Juice Cranberry Blueberry Blackberry.

Crystal Light Pure – Kraft Foods recently launched Crystal Light Pure, naturally sweetened drink mixes. The powders have no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or preservatives. Sweetened with Truvia, the mixes contain only 15 calories per serving. Available flavors include Grape, Strawberry Kiwi, Tropical Blend, Mixed Berry, and Lemonade.

100% natural Lipton Iced Tea Lipton Iced Tea – Lipton Iced Tea is now boasting an all-natural ingredient list. Flavors include Green Tea with Citrus, Iced Tea with Lemon, Iced Tea with Blueberry Pomegranate, and Green Tea with Passionfruit Mango. The company is also expanding its diet flavors with new Diet Green Tea with Watermelon.

This summer, you can also expect to see a lighter version of Pepsi, called Pepsi Next. The slimmed down soda will have 40 calories per 8-ounce serving, or 60 calories per 12-ounce can.

Find new beverage industry products anytime with daily updates from Beverage Industry Magazine.

Have you tried these new drinks? Which ones do you love and on which ones should consumers take a pass? Leave a message and share your thoughts!

And the Winner Is...

Every year, consumers come across innovative products that we didn't even know we needed! Yet, they are such a fantastic addition to the marketplace that they not only thrive, but are also recognized for their contribution to society.

Just weeks ago, the 2011 Product of the Year Awards were announced in New York City, where the Product of the Year committee honored the year's best consumer packaged goods products in a variety of categories.

How are the winners chosen? The Product of the Year committee accepts entries every year from consumer packaged goods that were launched within the previous 12 months and demonstrate extreme originality. Entered products are placed into specific categories such as food, beverages, personal care, household care, and so on, with an item then chosen as a winner in its category through a nationally representative online study of 60,000 consumers conducted by global market research company TNS. Products are judged on elements of innovation such as ingredients, form, function and design.

Without further ado, say hello to the 2011 Product of the Year Award winners in the food and beverage categories!

Candy & Snacks: M&M'S Pretzel Chocolate Candies, Mars Chocolate North America

Frozen Food: Lean Cuisine Market Creations, Nestlé USA

Specialty Foods: Buitoni Riserva Frozen Complete Meals for Two, Nestlé USA

Cooking Spices: Recipe Inspirations, McCormick & Co. Inc.

Beverage: Lipton Brisk, Pepsi-Lipton Partnership

Breakfast: Jimmy Dean Hearty Sausage Crumbles, Sara Lee

Cooking: Olivari Mediterranean Olive Oil, Sovena USA

Established 25 years ago in France and now present in 28 countries, Product of the Year is the world's largest consumer-voted award for product innovation in consumer packaged goods. 2011 marks the third annual round of the program in the United States.

The Product of the Year seal serves as a shortcut for shoppers, helping them find the best of the best in the supermarket. Winning products are announced in February of each year and receive the right to use the Product of the Year seal in marketing communications for one year.

Tell me, have you tried any of these winning products? Leave a message with your thoughts, or share what products you’ve already seen that you hope thrive at next year's awards!

New Year, New Food

If you've stepped foot in a grocery store so far this year, you'll notice that 2011 has started out with bang! Many new products are lining store shelves. Will they manage to stick around as the year continues or will they be a bust? Only time will tell which of these new items will be a success.

Edy's Slow Churned Shakes and Smoothies are your newest ice cream options. The ads claim that these cold, creamy creations require no blender, no scooping, no cleanup, and no mess! Just add milk and in just 30 seconds, enjoy a cookies n' cream, strawberry, chocolate, or vanilla milkshake, or a strawberry banana, mixed berry, sunrise blend, or tropical fruit smoothie.

In the candy aisle, shoppers will notice all kinds of new sweets. Last week at the Consumer Electronics Show, Reese's debuted Reese's Minis. These tiny, unwrapped peanut butter cups are the perfect treat for the snacker looking for a just a bite of chocolate to satisfy their sweet tooth.

Be on the lookout for the Hershey's Drops as well. Available in both milk chocolate and cookies 'n' crème flavors, the hard-shelled candy pieces pack Hershey's happiness into a little drop.

Mars has also introduced a new candy bar – Snickers Peanut Butter Squared. The squared, smaller sized confection is composed of peanut butter, nougat, peanuts, and caramel coated in milk chocolate.

If you're not in the mood for chocolate, check out Mentos Rainbow. Each roll contains a mix of grape, strawberry, orange, watermelon, pineapple, raspberry, and apple flavored chewy candies made with real fruit juice.

Breakfast and lunch are covered, too. General Mills started the year with a new Cheerios selection: Cinnamon Burst. The low fat, low calorie cereal is packed with cinnamon zest and contains 20 percent of the daily value of fiber per serving.

For dinner, try Tyson Any'tizers, which now come in two quesadilla varieties – Fajita Chicken with Cilantro Lime Salsa and Taco Seasoned Chicken with Zesty Garden Salsa QuesaDippers. Find both in your grocer's freezer.

Please, leave a message and tell me which of these products you're most excited to taste! Or, let me know what other new items you have seen in your local supermarket.

Holiday Flavors Abound

With Christmas only days away, food and beverage consumer packaged goods companies are getting into the holiday spirit. With special seasonal flavors, Santa-clad packaging, and brightly colored red and green foods, one only has to look at the products lining store shelves to know that the Christmas season is upon us. Here are some of the new items you can expect to see (if you haven't already) at a supermarket near you.

Several weeks ago, Dunkin' Donuts unveiled a line of seasonal coffee flavors. If you're excited about waking up to a bold cup of Pumpkin Spice, Vanilla Nut, or Mocha Mint coffee every morning leading up Christmas, you're in luck! The at-home coffee brand is available in grocery stores for a limited time.

To make your morning even more merry and bright, try Kellogg's Rice Krispies with festive red and green crisped pieces of rice mixed in among the usual cream-colored cereal bits.

PopTarts is also celebrating the holiday season with a familiar flavor. Find limited edition Kellogg's Printed Fun Pop-Tarts Gingerbread toaster pastries at a store near you.

If all you want for Christmas is a sweet treat, look to red and green M&M's in all varieties – plain, peanut, peanut butter, dark chocolate, and almond, in addition to seasonal mint and cherry cordial flavors. Taking full advantage of this winter wonderland, Hershey's offers a range of seasonal taste sensations in flavors like Dark Chocolate Mint Truffle, Milk Chocolate with Cherry Cordial Crème, and Candy Cane. New this year, Peeps has also added Chocolate Covered Mint Flavored Marshmallow Trees to its line-up.

Oreo is celebrating this holly jolly season with Candy Cane Oreos. As a twist to this classic favorite, the chocolate sandwich cookie has added a peppermint crème with crunchy sprinkles to its icing middle. A perfect snack to leave for Santa!

'Tis the season for companies to dress up the packaging on year-round staples. Take the Nestlé Crunch bar, for example. This year, the candy company collaborated with Paul Frank to create holiday-themed designs featuring the characters Julius the Money and Worry Bear. The oversized bars, available exclusively at Target, come in gift envelopes that double as holiday cards.

Those in the mood for a healthy bite to eat this season can get a boost of calcium from Target's line of holiday yogurt. With flavors like sugar cookie, bread pudding, and eggnog, consumers can savor the most recognizable tastes of the season in yogurt form.

For me, I know the season has begun when Starbucks breaks out its red cups. Is there anything better than the Christmas Coffee Blend or a Peppermint Mocha in a red cup to say happy holidays?!

What about you? What new products have you seen this year? If you have a favorite holiday product that you can only find this time of year, please share! Leave a comment and tell me all about the seasonal flavors you love.