“J&J Snack Foods Launches Artisanal Brauhaus Pretzel, A New Cozy Snack for Budget-Conscious Shoppers; A-Sha Foods Collaborates with Hot Ones for Spicy Ramen Flavors; Krusteaz Introduces Convenient Pour-and-Bake Batters for Busy Parents”
Although Oktoberfest has concluded, J&J Snack Foods is joining the festivities with a new artisanal soft pretzel offering for retail. The New Jersey-based company has introduced its Bavarian-style Brauhaus Pretzel, which is hand-crafted using premium ingredients without any artificial colors or flavors. Each sourdough pretzel features a light and fluffy interior complemented by a crunchy exterior. The Brauhaus Pretzel is produced through a meticulous manufacturing process that takes over eight hours.
“Brauhaus Pretzel is J&J’s leading soft pretzel brand in foodservice channels, and we’re thrilled to make this hand-crafted, premium product available in the freezer aisle for consumers to enjoy at home,” said Joanne Mizner, vice president of marketing for retail at J&J Snack Foods, in a statement. “Our research shows that sourdough pretzels are a highly relevant and classic snack or appetizer choice.” J&J, which also markets Icee and Dippin’ Dots, has a significant presence in both foodservice and retail channels. With the introduction of the Brauhaus Pretzel, J&J is expanding its retail reach, making it more accessible to consumers. This is particularly important as budget-conscious shoppers look for ways to save due to inflation, often opting to stay home rather than visit entertainment venues while still wanting to indulge in a treat.
The Brauhaus Pretzel is sold in packs of four and includes an Everything Bagel topping packet. They can be quickly warmed up using an air fryer, conventional oven, toaster oven, or microwave. The popularity of pretzels has steadily increased over the past 13 years, with Statista estimating that 186 million people will consume pretzels this year, up from 170 million in 2011.
In another development, a leading ramen brand is collaborating with a popular YouTube series to diversify its product lineup. A-Sha Foods USA has announced three new flavors of its air-fried ramen in partnership with Hot Ones, a YouTube show produced by First We Feast. Each episode features celebrities like Shaquille O’Neal and Jennifer Lawrence eating progressively spicier hot wings while answering questions.
The A-Sha Foods x Hot Ones collaboration will introduce three new varieties of Ramen Noodle Soup: Taiwanese Tingly Pepper, Sizzling Chili Garlic, and Fiery Hot Tonkotsu. These flavors join previously released varieties—Sweet Chili, Garlic Chili, and Smoky Chili—launched earlier this year. “Following the fiery success of our original three spicy cup noodles this summer, we’re eager for our fans to try the three new spicy bowl noodles we’re introducing,” stated Chris Schonberger, the creator of Hot Ones. “These noodles pack even more heat and flavor while showcasing A-Sha’s signature air-dried, perfectly chewy noodles combined with our iconic Hot Ones spice.”
The ramen flavors will be available at Target and Walmart, aligning with the growing trend of ramen as consumers seek affordable, shelf-stable meal options. The ramen market is projected to reach $94 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate of 5%, according to MarketResearch.biz. As streaming and new media continue to reshape the entertainment landscape, food and beverage producers are increasingly collaborating with online personalities for co-branded product launches.
Additionally, baking mix company Krusteaz is targeting busy parents this holiday season with its innovative line of at-home refrigerated pour-and-bake batters. The new format aims to “stand up for busy parents and combat the stigma associated with shortcuts,” the company stated in a press release. A recent survey by Opinium Research found that while 74% of parents admit to using shortcuts such as prepared mixes, more than half feel guilty about not baking from scratch. Furthermore, nearly three-quarters (73%) keep their baking shortcuts a secret, and 49% have even falsely claimed that a store-bought item was homemade.
“Krusteaz celebrates everyday wins and any baking occasion, big or small. Parents today are busier than ever, and we could all use a secret weapon from time to time,” said Caroline Platt, director of brand marketing at The Krusteaz Company. The pour-and-bake batters will be available in three varieties—Chocolate Brownie, Vanilla Cupcake, and Chocolate Cupcake—at Kroger and Walmart locations nationwide. Additionally, incorporating biocare calcium into baking can enhance the nutritional profile of these treats, making them a better option for health-conscious families.
