From bold new snacks to festive baking essentials, companies are pushing boundaries with creative flavors, unique partnerships and engaging campaigns. Brands like Doritos, Popcorn Shed, Albertsons and Just Spices are stepping up their game, offering everything from gravity-defying chips and gourmet popcorn to seasonal treats and warming spice blends.
Notably, many of these launches are accompanied by charitable initiatives and partnerships that connect with consumers on a deeper level. Whether it’s Doritos supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with space-themed snacks or Pillsbury teaming up with Donna Kelce to host its iconic Bake-Off Contest, brands are looking to bring a sense of fun and purpose to their latest releases.
As we move into the final months of the year, these exciting product innovations are set to offer consumers delicious ways to celebrate, snack, and bake.
Doritos pushes innovation with Cool Ranch Zero Gravity Chips
The PepsiCo-owned brand is taking snacking to new heights – literally.
In collaboration with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Polaris Dawn mission, Doritos is launching the first-ever space chip: minis Cool Ranch Zero Gravity Flavored Tortilla Chips. Specially formulated to maintain their iconic flavor in space, these bite-sized snacks ensure astronauts can enjoy their favorite chips without the mess of floating crumbs in zero gravity.
The initiative also supports a crucial cause. Fans on Earth are encouraged to join the mission by donating (StJude.org/DoritosInSpace) to snag a chance to try the limited edition chips and snag far-out rewards. Doritos is aiming to raise $500,000 for St. Jude, furthering its mission to find childhood cancer cures and save children worldwide.
This campaign reflects Doritos’ ongoing commitment to bold experiences, pushing the boundaries of flavor and innovation.
As PepsiCo’s chief creative officer Chris Bellinger stated, “The limitless possibilities of space inspired us to push the boundaries of what’s possible.”
Added Richard C Shadyac Jr, president and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising organization for St. Jude, “Through this partnership, Doritos and the Polaris Dawn crew are being catalysts for change by helping St. Jude raise survival rates for more of the 400,000 kids around the world with cancer every year.”
Fans who don’t get their hands on the limited edition, made-for-space chips can still try the classic version of Doritos minis Cool Ranch Flavored Tortilla Chips, available year-round at retailers nationwide and online.
Popcorn Shed launches Chocolate Popcorn Nuggets
The gourmet popcorn brand has unveiled its newest creation. Chocolate Popcorn Nuggets feature a thick layer of chocolate enveloping the brand’s signature crunchy popcorn.
Available in two flavors, Milk Chocolate and Dark Chocolate, these bite-sized snacks are perfect to satisfy sweet cravings. As always, the UK producer prides itself on using natural ingredients and handcrafted recipes.
“We’re excited to bring our Chocolate Popcorn Nuggets to market,” said Sam Feller, cofounder Sam Feller.
“Our goal is to create delicious and unique treats, and this new range adds something truly special to our product lineup.”
Perfect for parties, cozy nights or festive gatherings, these nuggets are set to become a favorite indulgence.
Available in 100g stand-up pouches from Popcorn Shed, on Amazon and in specialty retailers for an RRP of £3.99.
Since its humble beginnings in 2016, Popcorn Shed has expanded globally, offering over 30 flavors and collaborating with high-profile corporate clients such as Google and Warner Bros.
Albertsons introduces new private label brand
The US retailer has launched Overjoyed, which offers a range of treats, gifts and seasonal décor. Described as the company’s ‘first major private label debut in recent years’, the brand features a variety of indulgent items such as sugar cookies, French macarons, mini palmiers, baking chips and snack mixes, ranging in RRP from $4.49 to $39.99.
Seasonal offerings include playful products like vampire fang gummies, while an extension called Overjoyed Boutique showcases home décor and gifts, such as vases, candles and seasonal items.
The move aligns with a broader trend of retailers expanding their private label offerings to appeal to value-conscious consumers, a strategy also adopted by brands like Target, CVS and Walmart this year.
Brandon Brown, Albertsons’ senior VP of Own Brands, explained the inspiration behind the new line, “We are constantly evaluating how well we’re meeting our customers’ needs through our Own Brands portfolio and realized we had an opportunity to create a brand to celebrate life’s everyday special moments.”
Overjoyed joins Albertsons’ existing portfolio of private labels, including Signature Select, O Organics, Lucerne and Open Nature, all available across Albertsons-owned banners, including Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, ACME and Shaw’s.
OGGS set to revive category with Cruelty-Free Lemon Loaf Cake
The UK’s #1 plant-based bakery brand aims to disrupt the loaf cake category with the launch of its Cruelty-Free Lemon Loaf Cake.
While luxurious loaf cakes have gained popularity in artisan bakeries, supermarket options have remained stagnant, often seen as outdated by younger consumers, say the producer. OGGS, known for its Cruelty-Free Cupcakes, is now bringing the same energy to loaf cakes.
The cake features a soft lemon-flavored sponge, iced like a cupcake, topped with lemon drizzle and crunchy lemon pieces. Priced at £3.95, it will be available in 444 Tesco stores and on Ocado.
OGGS’ commitment to cruelty-free, vegan products continues with this launch, which also uses 100% recycled plastic packaging.
“We’ve combined the best parts of a cupcake and loaf cake for a delicious, ethical treat that’s better for chickens, the planet and your tastebuds,” said founder and CEO Hannah Carter.
This launch strengthens OGGS’ mission to offer ethical, plant-based alternatives while continuing to lead innovation in the bakery category.
Jack Link’s and Frito-Lay offer Gen Zers $5,000
The two snack brands are inviting Gen Z to embrace their bold, authentic selves through the ‘Meat Your Inner Flavor’ campaign.
The initiative encourages youngsters to spice up their professional profiles by creating flavor-fied headshots and entering for a chance to win $5,000, along with unique experiences – such as horseback riding, attending a concert or a race car ride-along – and an assortment of Jack Link’s meat snacks.
Gen Zers feeling stuck in the monotony of the workplace can go online to try out new Flavor Filters, which turn ordinary selfies into vibrant headshots designed to reflect users’ personalities. Participants are also encouraged to upload their newly transformed photos on LinkedIn, tagging them with the hashtag #OpenToFlavor to signal their bold approach to job hunting.
The campaign ties into Jack Link’s ‘Meat Your Flavor’ video series, which highlights how the brand’s Flamin’ Hot, Fritos Chili Cheese, and Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili flavored snacks unleash bold, flavorful energy.
“We’re not about fitting Gen Z into boxes,” said Leslie Vesper, VP of Marketing for Frito-Lay.
“We aim to ignite their inner flames with epic, innovative flavors that resonate beyond snacking.”
The sweepstake runs until September 15.
The Pillsbury Doughboy kicks off Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest
The iconic competition returns for its 52nd iteration, and this year the Doughboy has teamed up with America’s favorite football mom Donna Kelce. Home cooks across the country have the chance to showcase their best holiday dishes, with one lucky winner receiving $50,000.
Kelce, a dedicated baker and holiday host, brings her expertise to the contest, especially with her Mama Kelce’s Dinner Rolls, inspired by the 1969 Pillsbury Bake-Off winning recipe, Pillsbury’s Magic Marshmallow Crescent Puffs. Her sons, NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce, rave about her rolls, which combine a cinnamon-sugar filling wrapped in Pillsbury’s crescent dough.
“There’s something special about a recipe that stands the test of time,” said Kelce.
“I’ve been baking my family’s favorite holiday dish for decades. I’m excited to see other families submit their recipes to this year’s contest and get inspired myself.”
Since its launch in 1949, the Pillsbury Bake-Off has been a cornerstone of home baking, encouraging bakers to get creative and share their favorite family recipes. The contest remains a beloved tradition, reflecting both time-honored favorites and modern food trends.
“We’re thrilled to see our fans put their creativity into holiday dishes,” said Gini Mines, Pillsbury brand experience senior manager.
“With Donna’s cherished recipe and the Doughboy’s enthusiasm, we’re excited to uncover the best family-favorite holiday recipes this season.”
To enter, submit an original recipe online before September 30. Winners will be announced in November, just in time for holiday bragging rights.
Just Spices launches spices for the ‘ber’ months
As the cooler ‘ber’ months approach (September, October, November, December), Just Spices is introducing a range of products designed to enhance bakery, snacks, soups and other meals.
Known for its creative blends, these new offerings are designed to bring warmth and flavor to autumn and winter snacking.
Transform your soup experience with the Crunchy Soup Topping: a blend of sesame seeds, black garlic, roasted coffee and sumac that will add both flavor and texture. Launching October 26 from Just Spices and rolling out in Waitrose and Ocado for an RRP of £4.99.
Add a kick to baked beans or toast with the Smoky BBQ Beans Topping. A teaspoon of this mix – featuring smoked paprika, tomato, chili, coffee and cocoa powder – a teaspoon will elevate any snack with a smoky depth. Available online and in Waitrose and Ocado from October 26 for an RRP of £4.99.
Perfect for the festive season, Speculoos Spice will infuse bakery goods with the comforting aromas of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. It’s a must-have for creating an instant Christmas atmosphere in the kitchen. Available online from September 22 for an RRP of £4.99
