NEW PRODUCT BUZZ

MTN DEW Summer Freeze

Get ready to chill this summer with MTN DEW's newest limited-edition flavor, Summer Freeze. This refreshing soda is a delicious blend of citrus with cherry, lemon, and raspberry ice pop notes that will tantalize your taste buds and quench your thirst. Summer Freeze is available nationwide but only for a limited time, so don't wait to try it. You can find it in three different packaging options: 20-ounce bottles, 12-ounce 12-pack cans, and 16 9-ounce six-pack bottles (regular only)

Vizzy, the popular hard seltzer brand known for its unique flavor combinations, has announced the launch of its latest limited-edition flavor: orange cream pop This new hard seltzer is bursting with the sweet and tangy taste of orange, perfectly balanced with a creamy finish. With 5% alcohol by volume, it's the ideal summer drink for those looking for a refreshing and delicious way to cool down. The Orange Cream Pop Hard Seltzer will be available for a limited time only

High Noon has recently launched the "Sun's Up" campaign, which highlights the company ' s latest product, the Tequila Seltzer. Made with real tequila and fruit juice, the seltzer comes in an eight-pack with a suggested retail price of $21.99. The variety pack includes four flavors: strawberry, lime, grapefruit, and passionfruit To promote the new product, High Noon collaborated with creative agency Preacher to create three TV spots as part of the "Sun's Up" campaign.

High Noon

Rockstar Strawberry Lemonade

Pepsico

Rockstar has introduced its latest energy drink, Rockstar Recovery Strawberry Lemonade. This new drink is a refreshing blend of sweet citrus flavors, enriched with collagen, vitamin C, and coconut water The drink is non-carbonated and contains 160 milligrams of caffeine, electrolytes for taste, and a 100% daily value of vitamin B. The can features a bright pink color with the brand's iconic star on the front, making it easily recognizable on store shelves.

Sprite Lymonade Strawberry

Coca-Cola Co

This year, The Coca-Cola Co. is introducing several new beverage innovations, among them the limited-edition Sprite Lymonade Strawberry. Set to launch during the summer, this unique drink offers a refreshing twist on the classic lemon-lime soda, featuring a splash of lemonade and infused with strawberry for a burst of fruity flavor. The beverage will be packaged in Sprite's clear bottle, adorned with red and gold wrapping.

Alkaline Smartwater

Coca-Cola Co.

The Coca-Cola Co. has revealed its latest beverage innovations, which include the introduction of smartwater alkaline with antioxidants. This new water contains an antioxidant boost of +9 5 PH per bottle, making it a healthy choice for consumers seeking beverages with added antioxidants. Despite the addition of this new feature, the smartwater bottle retains its signature design, with only a minor change in the blue-highlighted water droplet being replaced with black

Celsius Green Apple Cherry

Celsius

Celsius is broadening its range of flavors with its latest addition, Celsius Green Apple Cherry. This flavor was created to evoke memories of candy apples, combining the taste of green apple with sweet cherry flavors This sparkling beverage is a better-for-you option, as it is made with a formula of energy-boosting ingredients, seven essential vitamins, and zero sugar.

Forever You And With Love

Vitaminwater

Vitaminwater has expanded its zero-sugar lineup by introducing two new flavors, With Love and Forever You. Additionally, all six zero-sugar flavors have been reformulated to include monk fruit and stevia, as well as added vitamins and nutrients With Love is infused with raspberry and dark chocolate, providing a boost of magnesium and 100% antioxidant vitamin C, along with vitamin A and vitamin E. Forever You features tropical coconut lime flavors with white curcumin and also contains 100% antioxidant vitamins C, A, and E

Dunkin' Iced Coffee Bakery Series

Coca-Cola Co.

Dunkin' is introducing the Dunkin' Iced Coffee Bakery Series, a new line of ready-to-drink canned iced coffees that take inspiration from the brand's popular bakery items. These beverages feature three Dunkin' flavors: brownie batter donut, cake batter donut, and coffee cake muffin iced coffees, all of which capture the signature taste of Dunkin' coffee. The Coca-Cola Co. will produce and distribute these drinks.

Warheads Mega Sour Booms

Hilco

Hilco has partnered with Warheads sour candy to launch Warheads Mega Sour Booms, a new line of panned candy chews These sour-dusted treats are available in four flavors: cherry, blue raspberry, green apple, and orange. Customers can purchase each 2.5-ounce peg bag for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $1.49.

SpongeBob Candy Fans

CandyRific

CandyRific has recently launched its latest product, the SpongeBob SquarePants Candy Fans. These fans dispense a burst of fanned air when the button is pushed and include 0.53 ounces of assorted fruit-flavored dextrose candies made with natural flavors and colors Customers can order these candy fans now, and they are shipped in six 12-count displays per case (assorted cases) for a suggested retail price of $5.99.

Hershey's Kisses Milklicious

The Hershey Co

Hershey's is launching Hershey's Kisses Milklicious chocolates in 9-ounce share packs, expanding the permanent Kisses chocolate portfolio These chocolates come wrapped in light-blue foil and feature small glasses of milk, offering a distinctive treat. Customers can enjoy Kisses Milklicious chocolates year-round.

Extra Pink Lemonade Gum

Mars Wrigley Confectionary

Extra Gum is adding a new flavor to its lineup with the limited-edition release of Extra Pink Lemonade This new gum promises to provide consumers with an early taste of summer days with its bright and vibrant flavor, according to the supplier.

Warheads Chewing Gum

Hilco & Impact Confections

Hilco has partnered with Warheads sour candy to introduce its latest product, Warheads Chewing Gum This gum is available in four packages, each containing five sticks and packaged in a hanging peg bag or mini shelf efficient PDQ units. The new Warheads Chewing Gum is set to be released in spring 2023 and follows Hilco's successful launch of Kool-Aid Chewing Gum in tropical punch, cherry, and grape flavors in 2020 Warheads Chewing Gum is made with real sugar and features three sour flavors: sour watermelon, sour blue raspberry, and sour green apples.

Skittles Pride Packs

Mars Inc.

SKITTLES is introducing its 2023 Pride packs, providing a sneak peek at its upcoming Pride initiative These Pride packs feature five designs created by five LGBTQ artists who use their artwork to raise awareness and advocate for others. Each pack depicts a Pride story and includes a QR code to direct fans to the artists' work and their personal stories about why LGBTQ stories and Pride matter Customers can purchase five limited-edition Pride packs, available in four-ounce share-size packs and 15.6-ounce stand-up pouches, at select retailers nationwide until mid-July.

Snickers Rockin' Nut Road

Mars

Snickers Rockin' Nut Road is a chocolate bar that features roasted almonds and marshmallowflavored nougat, topped with silky caramel, and covered in rich dark chocolate. This product is il bl i th i : i l (1 41 ) h

Snickers Rockin' Nut Road

Mars

BRACH'S recently launched its first-ever globally inspired jelly beans called Desserts of the World. This new collection features five limited-edition flavors, including chocolate macaron, strawberry mochi, churro, apple pie, and lemon sorbet, which are inspired by popular sweet treats from around the world. The chocolate macaron flavor is inspired by France, while Japan sparked the idea for the strawberry mochi flavor. The churro flavor is inspired by Spain, and apple pie is based on the classic dessert from the United States Finally, Italy gave BRACH'S the idea for lemon sorbet These jelly beans are available for purchase at a suggested retail price of $3.49.

M&M's Album Art Packs

Mars Wrigley Confectionary

Mars Inc. has released a new collection of M&M's packaging called M&M's Album Art packs, which draws inspiration from iconic album covers and features M&M's characters The packaging showcases four artists from different music genres: Kacey Musgraves, H.E.R., Rosalía, and David Bowie. Customers can choose from four varieties of M&M's: milk chocolate, peanut, peanut butter, and minis These products are available in various sizes, including single (1 69-ounce), share size (2 83ounce), sharing size (10.8-ounce), and party size (38-ounce).

Sour Punch has introduced a new limited-time Pickle Roulette straw pack that combines green apple, lemon lime, and watermelon flavors. This product is available for a limited time only and while supplies last. Customers can purchase the Sour Punch Pickle Roulette for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $1 89 per tray

Pringles Minecraft Suspicious Stew

Kellogg's Co.

Kellogg's has announced the release of Pringles

Minecraft Suspicious Stew flavor, which boasts a rich, hearty, and savory taste. This flavor is inspired by the virtual in-game food item, Minecraft Suspicious Stew, which provides players with a status effect

Brownie Brittle M&M's Minis

Second Nature Brands

Mars Inc and Second Nature Brands have teamed up to produce three new varieties of Brownie Brittle. These include Brownie Brittle x M&M's Minis, Brownie Brittle Blondie M&M's, and Brownie Brittle M&M's Minis Gluten-Free. Each 4-ounce bag has a suggested retail price of $3 99 and contains 120 to 130 calories per 1-ounce serving

Kazbars

Hostess

Introducing Hostess Kazbars, a unique candy-barinspired innovation within the snack cake category. These delicious snack cakes feature layers of chocolate cake, cream, and candy crunch, with two varieties that come in either caramel or smooth chocolate fudge. Hostess Kazbars are covered in a chocolate-flavored coating and topped with a drizzle. They are available in two flavors: chocolate caramel and triple chocolate. You can buy them in 10-ounce boxes of eight individually wrapped 1.25-ounce mini bars or single individually wrapped in a 2.75-ounce size. Try Hostess Kazbars today and indulge in a sweet treat like no other!

Sea Salt & Pepper No Shells

Wonderful Pistachios

Wonderful Pistachios has expanded its No Shells lineup with the addition of Wonderful Pistachios Sea Salt & Pepper No Shells This new flavor joins the current lineup of flavors, which includes sea salt & vinegar, smoky barbecue, chili roasted, and honey roasted. Customers can purchase this variety in three different sizes, including 5.5-ounce, 11ounce, and 22-ounce bags, as well as a smaller 2 25-ounce bag

Blackout Cake OREO

Mondelez International

This month, a new OREO snack called OREO Blackout Cake has been released nationwide. This limited-edition chocolate cookie features a double-layered, rich texture. The OREO Blackout Cake has a classic chocolate base with a layer of chocolate cake flavor creme on top of a layer of dark chocolate cake flavor creme.

Omega-3 Rice Cakes

Riceworks

Riceworks, a gourmet rice snack brand, is introducing a new rice-based Omega-3 snack bar in three different flavors. This snack variety is aimed at health-conscious consumers and is made with whole-grain rice without any artificial flavors or preservatives The Riceworks multigrain Omega-3 fruit bars are baked with real fruit filling inside a whole grain crust. These bars are available in three flavors: apple cinnamon, blackberry, and strawberry.

Simply Smart Food

Frito-Lay

Frito-Lay has recently added Smartfood to its Simply brand, providing customers with a snack that does not contain any artificial flavors or colors. Simply Smartfood is available in two flavors, sea salt and white cheddar, and is made with wholegrain popcorn that is non-GMO Project Verified. The white cheddar flavor contains 50 calories per cup, while the sea salt flavor contains 45 calories per cup. Moreover, Simply Smartfood Sea Salt is certified gluten-free and comprises only three basic ingredients: popcorn, sunflower oil, and sea salt.

Dunkaroos Triple Chocolate

Dunkaroos, a product by General Mills Convenience, has introduced a new flavor called Dunkaroos Triple Chocolate. It includes chocolate cookies, chocolate frosting, and chocolate chips. The brand also offers a variety with vanilla cookies, vanilla frosting, and rainbow sprinkles. They come in single-serve trays, making them convenient for on-the-go consumption, and are priced at a suggested retail price of $1.99.

Special Sauce Kettle Brand

Kettle Brand

The new limited-edition chip flavor is called Kettle Brand Special Sauce. These crunchy kettle-cooked chips offer a unique blend of sweet tanginess and mild heat, with hints of barbecue, honey mustard, and ketchup Customers can find the Kettle Brand Special Sauce chips in a seven-ounce bag at stores nationwide for $4.29, while supplies last.

Omega-3 Rice Cakes

Mondelez International

Ritz Everything Toasted Chips are the latest addition to the Ritz Toasted Chips range, priced at $3.95. These chips are toasted, not fried, and offer the same buttery flavor as regular Ritz crackers but with a unique twist The chips are baked with poppy seeds and seasoned with onion, garlic, and sea salt. Ritz Everything Toasted Chips join the existing lineup of Ritz Toasted Chips flavors, including cheddar, sour cream & onion, ranch, and others.

Chipoys Rolled Tortilla Chips

Chipoys

Chipoys is a brand that provides authentic rolled tortilla chips made with high-quality ingredients Their product line includes four full-flavored chip options: original, fire red hot, chile limon, and spicy ranch. Each serving of Chipoys chips contains 160 calories, 2 grams of protein, and 1 gram of sugar, with no trans-fat or cholesterol These chips are coated with tangy seasonings and added heat, paying homage to traditional Mexican flavors. Enjoy the delicious taste of Chipoys rolled tortilla chips today!

Taki's Intense Nacho

Barcel USA

Takis has launched its first-ever non-spicy, salty snack called Takis Intense Nacho. This new flavor is available in various forms, including Takis Pop!, Takis Rolled Chips, and Takis Waves. Customers can find each variety in sizes ranging from 2 5 to 9 9 ounces, with a suggested retail price range of $2.19 to $4.49.

Seeds and nuts are an essential component of the better-for-you snack trend in convenience stores for several reasons, and it’s showing in their sales

According to CStore Decisions, dollar sales for the nuts and seeds category in the convenience store channel reached $787 million, a gain of 4.2% for the 52 weeks ending Dec. 31, 2022. The importance lies in their nutritional value, versatility, and appeal to consumers who are looking for healthier snack options By offering seeds and nuts in their stores, convenience stores can meet the growing demand for healthier snack options and attract a wider range of customers.

The Healthier Alternative Choices

Consumers are becoming more health-conscious and are looking for snack options that are not only tasty but also good for them.

Seeds and nuts are a great alternative to traditional snack options, such as chips and candy, which tend to be high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats The popularity of better-for-you snacking in convenience stores is a trend particularly evident among younger consumers, who are more likely to prioritize health and wellness in their purchasing decisions.

Seeds and nuts are a natural source of protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals that help boost energy levels, promote heart health, and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Studies have shown that including nuts and seeds in the diet can have numerous health benefits. A 2019 study found that increasing nut consumption after a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes led to an 11% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 15% lower risk of coronary heart disease, a 25% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, and a 27% lower risk of death from any cause compared to those who did not increase their nut consumption. Research has also found that frequently eating nuts can lower levels of inflammation related to heart disease and diabetes, improve artery health, reduce inflammation related to heart disease, and decrease the risk of blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Versatile Snacking

Seeds and nuts are versatile and can be used in a variety of snack applications They can be eaten raw, roasted, or flavored, and can be combined with other ingredients such as dried fruit, chocolate, or yogurt for a tasty and nutritious snack option. Here are some examples of how seeds and nuts can be used:

Toppings: Seeds and nuts can be added on top of yogurt, oatmeal, smoothie bowls, or salads for added nutrition and crunch.

Mix-Ins: Seeds and nuts can be mixed in with granola, trail mix, popcorn, or even baked goods to add texture and flavor.

Snacks: Seeds and nuts can be used as the main ingredient in snacks such as energy balls, protein bars, or homemade nut butter

Coatings: Nuts can be ground up and used as a coating for meats, fish, or tofu, adding a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Flours: Nuts can be ground up into a fine flour and used in baking to add flavor and nutrition to bread, muffins, and cakes.

Spreads: Nuts can be blended into a creamy spread, such as almond or peanut butter, and used as a dip for fruits or vegetables

Overall, seeds and nuts are versatile and can be used in many ways to add nutrition, flavor, and texture to a variety of snacks and meals

Convenience

The convenience factor is also driving the popularity of better-for-you snacks in convenience stores. Many consumers are looking for quick, on-the-go snack options that are easy to grab and consume while they are out and about. Seeds and nuts are a perfect option for this, as they are portable, require no preparation, and can be eaten quickly and easily. They’re also convenient for you since they have a long shelf life and don’t require refrigeration!

Attract New Audiences

Finally, seeds and nuts are a popular snack option among consumers who follow specific dietary restrictions, such as vegan, gluten-free, or paleo diets.

By offering seeds and nuts in their stores, convenience stores can attract a wider range of customers who are looking for snack options that fit their dietary needs Customers are also more likely to try new products if there are a variety of options available. Offer a mix of different types of seeds and nuts, as well as different flavors and brands, to attract new audiences to your snack aisle.

The popularity of better-for-you snacking in convenience stores reflects changing consumer preferences and the industry's response to those preferences. As more consumers seek out healthier snack options, convenience stores are increasingly recognizing the importance of offering these options to remain competitive in the marketplace

Sources:https://cstoredecisions.com/2023/04/04/better-for-you-snacking-drives-sales-ofseeds-nuts/; https://www.nutritionletter.tufts.edu/healthy-eating/health-benefits-of-nuts-andseeds/; https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/nuts/art20046635

The need for decarbonization is a well-known fact, but what isn't so clear is how we can achieve it

The decarbonization of transportation is a huge challenge for the world, and it will take many different approaches to solve this problem. No one fuel will be able to do it on its own. We need multiple solutions that work well together if we are going to get ourselves off fossil fuels once and for all. The answer lies in the development of new fuels that are carbon-neutral and environmentally friendly.

Biofuels

Biofuels offer a way to reduce carbon emissions and are an important part of the decarbonization effort. Biofuels have been used for centuries, but they've only recently become more popular as a means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. There's no doubt that biofuels can help reduce carbon emissions, but they're not a silver bullet, nor is it appropriate to assume that they will be able to offset other forms of fossil fuel use entirely Biofuels are still a relatively new technology, and they're not yet able to compete with other types of renewable energy. It may be possible in the future for them to do so, but it's not clear that this will happen anytime soon.

Electric Vehicle Expansion

Electric vehicles are more efficient than internal combustion engines. This is because they don't have to carry around a heavy engine block as well as all the extra parts that go into making an internal combustion engine work. Instead of burning gasoline or diesel fuel, electric vehicles use electricity from the grid and can be charged at home or at work.

Electric vehicles are cheaper to operate than vehicles with internal combustion engines. Since you don't have to worry about buying gas for your car anymore, electric vehicle owners save money on their monthly fuel bills and maintenance costs (which are higher for gas-powered cars). Electric vehicles are cleaner than internal combustion engines because they run off renewable energy sources like solar power or wind turbines instead of relying on fossil fuels like coal or natural gas that release harmful greenhouse gases into our atmosphere when burned by cars ' engines.

Hydrogen-Powered

Hydrogen is a clean fuel, and it can be produced from renewable sources. It can also be used in internal combustion engines, fuel cells, and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The technology for hydrogen production is still nascent, but it has a lot of promise, and many companies are investing heavily in it One of the biggest drawbacks to hydrogen-powered cars is that they are currently very expensive to make. They also have a shorter range than BEVs and a lower energy density than gasoline or diesel fuel.

New Options

You might think that biofuels, electric vehicles, or hydrogen are the answers. But there is no one fuel that is going to solve all our problems. The importance of fuel diversity is not just about avoiding the risk of being stranded with a single technology but also about having access to cheap energy sources like oil and natural gas. It's important to note that these two fuels are much cheaper than any other alternative we have today, and they will continue to be part of our lives even after we ' ve decarbonized our transportation sector.

Conclusion

We need to be realistic about what can be done with current technology and how quickly we can transition away from fossil fuels The best solution is to push for development of all these new options so that when one fails or becomes too expensive, there is another option available.