Leftovers is our look at a few of the product ideas popping up everywhere. Some are intriguing, some sound amazing and some are the kinds of ideas we would never dream of. We can’t write about everything that we get pitched, so here are some leftovers pulled from our inboxes.
Clif chews on energy bites
Clif is aiming for a bigger piece of the energy space with bites.
The Mondelēz-owned brand said its newly launched Clif Energy Bites contain 6 grams of plant-based protein per pack and are made with organic, non-GMO oats. The individually wrapped packs are aimed at providing athletes and others engaged in fitness activities with sustained energy, flexibility and function.
The global energy bar market was estimated at $6 billion in 2023, according to data from Grand View Research. It's projected to grow to nearly $10 billion by 2030 as consumers prioritize health and wellness, as well as convenient, nutritious snacks that meet their active lifestyles.
"CLIF Energy Bites represent a natural evolution of our energy portfolio, delivering the sustained energy and quality ingredients you know and trust, now in a convenient, bite-sized format," Coreen Bailor, senior brand manager for Clif, said in a statement.
The bites are offered in chocolate chip, chocolate brownie and cookies & creme varieties. They are sold at retailers nationwide, with a suggested retail price of $7.49 for a five-count pack.
The bites mark the latest innovation for Clif, which Mondelēz purchased for at least $2.9 billion in 2022. In addition to its signature line, Clif has offerings with caffeine, nut butter bars and energy chews.
—Christopher Doering
Jimmy Dean bowls over for protein
Breakfast sandwich brand Jimmy Dean is filling up on protein.
The Tyson Foods brand is introducing a new lineup of high-protein options that deliver up to 40 grams of protein per serving. The Jimmy Dean protein-focused frozen bowls, sandwiches and waffles are designed to take protein beyond breakfast.
“Protein has become a priority at all eating occasions, not just a breakfast consideration,” said Kristina Lambert, chief growth officer at Tyson Foods. “This new lineup builds on what people already trust and love about the Jimmy Dean brand by delivering great taste, convenience and purposeful nutrition.”
Each product is available in three options.
The 40-gram protein bowls flavors are the chipotle protein bowl with chicken, classic sausage & bacon protein bowl and zesty monterey and bacon protein bowl. The sandwiches, each with 20 grams of the nutrient, come in grilled chicken protein ciabatta, sausage on a spiral croissant and protein breakfast burger on brioche. Finally, there are 20-gram protein waffles in buttermilk, blueberry and cinnamon flavors.
Jimmy Dean High Protein Bowls, High Protein Sandwiches and Protein Waffles are available at select retailers nationwide.
As consumers seek out more protein, food and beverage companies are adding more of the nutrient into seemingly everything.
Plant-based meat company Beyond debuted a line of protein drinks earlier this year, while Kraft Heinz loaded up its 97-year-old mac and cheese with protein and fiber earlier this week. Kraft Heinz estimated that more than half of consumers are looking to add more protein and fiber to their diets.
—Christopher Doering
Dogfish Head goes big on RTD
Craft brewer Dogfish Head is expanding its canned cocktail lineup.
The Boston Beer-owned Dogfish is introducing 570 milliliter cans of its strawberry honeyberry vodka lemonade and blood orange mango vodka crush varieties. As demand for ready-to-drink vodka cocktails grows, Dogfish is offering a single-serve and bigger version of the beverages beyond the standard 12-ounce size.
The grab-and-go format is targeting the convenience store channel, which is a big driver of RTD cocktail growth.
Dogfish has been working to expand its portfolio beyond beer as consumers turn to other forms of alcohol or choose to imbibe less. Several craft brewers have entered the more lucrative category of ready-to-drink cocktails to diversify.
The 570-milliliter Dogfish cans are now available nationwide and will be sold at stadiums and festivals.
Boston Beer has seen success among its RTD brands, including Sun Cruiser and Truly Vodka seltzer. Sun Cruiser in particular tripled its distribution since its launch in 2024, and Boston Beer is expecting another banner year in 2026.
—Laurel Deppen
