“Coolhaus Introduces Unique Crackers & Cream Ice Cream Flavor in Collaboration with Mondelez, while Jelly Belly Expands into Gourmet Chocolate and Bodybuilding.com Launches Hostess-Inspired Protein Powders”
Although cookies and cream is a beloved flavor for many ice cream brands, Coolhaus Ice Cream is shaking things up by substituting cookies with crackers. In collaboration with Mondelez International, Coolhaus has introduced a new ice cream flavor called Crackers & Cream, which features peanut butter ice cream swirled with Ritz crackers. This limited-edition flavor became available for online purchase this week. This isn’t the first time Coolhaus has collaborated with a consumer packaged goods brand outside the typical ice cream realm; last year, they launched a mustard-flavored ice cream in partnership with McCormick & Co. By introducing these unique limited-edition flavors with well-known companies, the premium ice cream brand aims to enhance its visibility. Many brands are increasingly promoting limited-edition collaborations to attract consumer interest, particularly in the ice cream sector. For example, Ample Hills Creamery partnered with The New York Times last year to create The Flavor of Record. Ritz has a long history of innovation, having transformed its signature crackers into sandwiches, chips, and even Cadbury products, most recently Cheese Crispers. Depending on the success of this new ice cream, Ritz may consider further partnerships in the future.
Coolhaus’s latest cracker-infused ice cream is likely to stand out among traditional peanut butter flavors due to the inclusion of Ritz crackers, albeit at a premium price of $12 per pint. However, Coolhaus is recognized for its distinctive flavors—such as Milkshake & Fries, Midnight Munchies, and Buttered French Toast—often commanding higher prices, making this new launch potentially appealing to premium ice cream enthusiasts.
In another innovative move, Jelly Belly is venturing into gourmet chocolate by introducing products inspired by its iconic jelly beans. This month, the brand is launching bean-shaped truffles and chocolate bars featuring flavors from nine different Jelly Belly varieties, including chocolate, orange, Very Cherry, and strawberry cheesecake, among others. These treats are marketed as a “grown-up twist” on the classic jelly bean. Consumers can purchase assorted flavors in a variety box or opt for single-flavor truffles, with chocolate bars available in Very Cherry and mint flavors. Traditionally focused on jelly beans and gummy candies, Jelly Belly first introduced chocolate-dipped jelly beans back in 2011, although the majority of its offerings remain non-chocolate-based, with exceptions such as its Harry Potter-themed collection.
The timing of this chocolate launch is fortuitous for Jelly Belly, as David Klein, the creator of its jelly beans, is making headlines with a new contest reminiscent of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” The contest will feature Golden Tickets hidden throughout the country, with the grand prize being access to one of his candy factories and a chance to learn candy-making. Although Klein is no longer directly involved with Jelly Belly, his legacy as the brand’s founder may contribute to increased consumer interest and sales.
For those who have found themselves snacking on Hostess Twinkies and Chocolate CupCakes during the pandemic, a new protein powder offers a way to indulge while also focusing on fitness. Bodybuilding.com and Hostess Brands have launched Remix Nutrition, featuring protein powders that taste like Hostess Twinkies and Chocolate CupCakes. “We are committed to helping people around the world achieve their fitness goals while still enjoying their favorite treats,” said Gwen Bennett, Bodybuilding.com’s senior vice president of e-commerce. These protein powders represent the first step, with plans for additional snack cake flavors in the future.
The pandemic has prompted many consumers to reevaluate their dietary choices, with Beneo estimating that 75% of consumers globally intend to eat and drink healthier as a result. Nevertheless, there’s still a desire for indulgence, with the classic Twinkie remaining a popular choice. While these protein powders may not provide the same sugar rush as the real thing, they could offer a satisfying alternative for those looking to build muscle or recover after workouts. This mix is not the first to combine fitness with indulgence, and it likely won’t be the last if the products gain traction. Earlier this year, Dymatize collaborated with Post Holdings to create protein powder flavors inspired by Pebbles cereals, branding them as a fun and nutritious way for both athletes and kids at heart to enjoy a classic taste.
As part of this innovative trend, consumers may also find that the new protein powders include essential nutrients, such as 800 mg of calcium citrate, further enhancing their appeal to health-conscious snackers.
