Welcome to our weekly roundup (biweekly for this one π)of what's happening in the FMCG world. From breakthrough innovations to strategic moves shaping our industry, here's what caught our attention this week:
ON THE SHELF NOW

US - PepsiCo launches first-ever Pepsi Prebiotic Cola
The most notable cola innovation in over 20 years features 3g of prebiotic fiber, just 5g of sugar, 30 calories, and no artificial sweeteners while maintaining classic Pepsi taste, marking a strategic shift toward functional beverages.
Why we care: When Pepsi makes their biggest cola move in two decades, the functional beverage revolution is officially mainstream.
Read more (TrendHunter)
US - Mountain Dew HoneyDEW launches at gas station chains
The honeydew melon-flavored Mountain Dew debuts exclusively at Maverik and Kum & Go gas stations, combining citrus zing with sweet juicy honeydew essence as a permanent offering in western states.
Why we care: Gas station exclusives are the new premium distribution strategy. When Mountain Dew tests flavors at fuel stops before wider rollouts, it signals where impulse beverage purchases really happen.
Read more (Sporked)US - Diet Cherry Coke returns exclusively to Kroger stores
After a 5-year absence, the nostalgic diet soda is back on shelves with retro 1980s packaging exclusively at Kroger family stores, available in 20oz bottles and 12-packs for a limited time following massive fan demand.
Why we care: The power of nostalgia marketing at work! Discontinued products returning with original packaging can create instant scarcity-driven sales. The Kroger exclusive strategy builds retailer loyalty while testing revival demand.
Read more (Today)- US - Vernors Boston Cooler soda launched July 21 exclusively in Michigan and Toledo, blending signature ginger with creamy vanilla to bottle the iconic float experience.
- US - Limited-time Cheetos Flamin' Hot Cheddar BBQ combines spicy heat with rich cheddar and smoky barbecue twist, exclusive to Walmart stores.
- US - Coca-Cola rebrands Gold Peak with 100% real brewed tea leaves instead of concentrates, emphasizing authentic ingredients with "Stay Gold" campaign.
- UK - Cheez-It Cheese and Smokey Bacon flavor debuts August 12 with Β£1.85-Β£2 RRP, celebrating the brand's Β£20M UK milestone.
- US - Target-exclusive Bloom Nutrition Crisp Apple Sparkling Energy combines 180mg clean caffeine with fall nostalgia and prebiotics.
- US - Crush Back to the 80s Electric Blue Razz brings neon nostalgia with blue raspberry flavor for limited time.
- US - Lay's Argentinian Style Steak chips launch with Lionel Messi's approval, featuring seasoning inspired by authentic Argentinian steak flavors.
COMING SOON
US - General Mills Jettas Mix cereal launching August 2025
NFL star Justin Jefferson's custom creation combines Frosted Lemon Cheerios and Cinnamon Toast Crunch Strawberry in one box, part of General Mills' second annual Cereal Training Camp with wide receivers Jefferson, Ja'Marr Chase, and Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Why we care: Athlete collaborations in breakfast cereal prove no category is off-limits for sports marketing.
Read more (General Mills)US - Halloween OREO PUFFS Cereal debuts August 1 with milk-changing effect
The limited-edition seasonal cereal features real OREO cookie wafers, chocolatey puffs, and marshmallow pieces that turn milk bright orange, available nationwide through October for Halloween-themed breakfast experiences.
Why we care: Color-changing food creates instant social media moments. When cereal turns milk orange, you're not just selling breakfast; it's shareable content that markets itself.
Read more (TrendHunter)
US - General Mills Monster Cereals x Jim Henson Company collaboration for Halloween
Celebrating the Henson Company's 70th anniversary, Count Chocula, Boo Berry, and Franken Berry receive puppetized makeovers with limited-edition packaging featuring Jim Henson's Creature Shop designs and monster marshmallows.
Why we care: When 54-year-old cereal monsters get the Muppet treatment, nostalgia marketing reaches peak sophistication. The puppet craftsmanship adds premium collectible value to seasonal products.
Read more (Muppet Stuff)TREND ALERT
Global - Kif launches naturally fermented kefir sodas with probiotics
The brand debuts fizzy probiotic drinks with real fruits, herbs, and natural ingredients in flavors like Passionfruit Lemongrass and Guava Basil, featuring billions of live probiotics in low-sugar, vegan-friendly formulations as consumers shift from traditional sodas to gut-health alternatives.
Why we care: The convergence of ancient fermentation with modern wellness trends creates massive opportunities.
Read more (TrendHunter)
US - Chips Ahoy! x Stranger Things launches Upside Down cookies August 11
The brand's first-ever strawberry filling cookie features chocolate base with fudge chips, inspired by the Netflix series' alternate dimension, complete with retro 1980s packaging and glow-in-the-dark elements ahead of Stranger Things Season 5 finale.
Why we care: When a 50-year-old cookie brand creates its first new filling format for a streaming show, entertainment partnerships are driving genuine product innovation, not just packaging changes.
Read more (Fangoria)US - Candy Lips recreates childhood flavors without artificial sweeteners
Candy-inspired soda launches with five nostalgic flavors: Peach Rings, Cotton Candy, Bubble Gum, Sour Gummy Worm, and Watermelon Gummy Slices, made with real cane sugar and designed for mocktails, cocktails, or custom flavor mixing.
Why we care: This newstalgia trend is going strong and here to stay!
Read more (TrendHunter)INDUSTRY NEWS

US - Coca-Cola confirms fall launch of cane sugar version following Trump appeal
The beverage giant will launch a separate Coke product made with US cane sugar this fall, while maintaining the flagship high-fructose corn syrup recipe, following President Trump's social media push and Health Secretary RFK Jr.'s advocacy against processed sweeteners.
Why we care: When political pressure drives product innovation at Coca-Cola's level, we're witnessing policy intersecting with consumer goods in unprecedented ways. T
Read more (CNN)This week showcases three critical industry shifts: functional ingredients moving mainstream (Pepsi's prebiotic cola), political influence driving product innovation (Coca-Cola's cane sugar version), and entertainment partnerships creating cross-category opportunities. Nostalgia marketing with modern twists represents the sweet spot where sentiment meets functionality.
That's a wrap on this week's industry intel. As always, the market rewards those who adapt quickly β whether you're launching the next viral flavor or pivoting away from yesterday's trends.
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Cheers,
The Black Sand Team
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2 comments
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