Industry News – June 27, 2025

UK - KitKat Chunky launches marbled swirl varieties

KitKat debuts new Chunky Funky with eye-catching marbled swirls and Chunky Duo Salted Caramel featuring rich salted caramel filling over crispy wafer.

US - Doritos Cool Ranch Chicken Sticks launch with Jack Link's

Jack Link's teams up with Doritos for Cool Ranch-seasoned chicken sticks, delivering 6g protein per 0.92-ounce stick with a softer texture than traditional beef jerky and that signature tangy, zesty Cool Ranch kick.

Why we care: Cool Ranch's expansion beyond chips proves iconic seasonings can drive cross-category innovation worth exploring.

US - Pringles Spicy Guacamole returns after 7-year absence

The cult-favorite flavour returns to select retailers including H-E-B, Meijer, and Food Lion at $2.69, featuring rich avocado flavor with bold jalapeño kick - compared by fans to Chuy's famous creamy jalapeño dip.

Why we care: Seven years of fan petitions and DIY copycat recipes prove the power of discontinued cult favorites. The guacamole trend is exploding across multiple chip brands - timing suggests sustained consumer demand.

US - Slice Soda returns with Cherry Cola after fan demand

The revamped '80s brand by Suja Life launches Cherry Cola exclusively at Sprouts ($3 per can), featuring stevia leaf extract and organic cane sugar plus digestive health benefits with prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics.

Why we care: Nostalgia meets functional beverages - the $300 price for vintage bottles shows the power of emotional connection. The gut health angle positions it perfectly in the wellness beverage space.

US - Coca-Cola Holiday Vanilla Cream debuts November 2025

Coca-Cola's first holiday release without cinnamon launches in November featuring vanilla cream flavoring in both regular and zero sugar variants, available in 20oz bottles and 12-pack cans nationwide wherever Coca-Cola is sold.

Why we care: Holiday limited editions drive seasonal sales spikes and create collection behavior. Moving away from cinnamon shows Coca-Cola's willingness to break its own conventions.

US - Monster Energy unveils five-flavour 2025 lineup

Monster rolls out Ultra Black Energy returning to Kroger stores (September), Orange Dreamsicle and Electrical Blue Energy (October), plus Juice Bad Apple and Ultra Wild Passion Energy as permanent additions to their respective lines.

Why we care: The staggered release strategy maximizes retail excitement while the mix of limited and permanent offerings balances novelty with portfolio expansion. October will be crucial for energy drink innovation.

US - Mountain Dew deploys seven summer flavors across retail channels

PepsiCo launches coordinated summer strategy with Baja Cabo Citrus (nationwide), Infinite Swirl (7-Eleven exclusive), Dragon Fruit (Walmart exclusive), Baja Midnight (Taco Bell, expanding August), Summer Sparkler Froster (Circle K), and Sweet Lightning Peaches & Cream (KFC).

Why we care: The retailer-exclusive approach creates multiple partnerships while avoiding cannibalisation. 

Global - Entertainment partnerships evolve with Coca-Cola x Star Wars AR integration

Coca-Cola and Disney launch "Refresh Your Galaxy" featuring 30 collectible character designs with immersive AR hologram experiences, building on their 70-year partnership with tech-enhanced storytelling across TV, digital, and cinema activations.

Why we care: Traditional licensing is evolving into interactive experiences. The AR component shows how brands can extend engagement beyond the physical product - collectibility plus technology creates deeper consumer connection.

US - Major food manufacturers eliminate synthetic dyes following RFK Jr. pressure

Nestlé USA (by mid-2026), Conagra (frozen foods by end-2025), General Mills, and Kraft Heinz all commit to removing FD&C colours amid health secretary's "Make America Healthy Again" campaign targeting ADHD and obesity concerns.

Why we care: This isn't just regulatory compliance - it's a seismic shift affecting formulation, sourcing, and costs across the industry.