Welcome to our weekly roundup of what's happening in the FMCG world. From celebrity collaborations to freeze-dried innovations, summer seasonal launches, and major brand expansions, here's what caught our attention this week:
ON THE SHELF NOW
US - Fritos Lime & Jalapeño Twists
Frito-Lay expands the limited Flavor Twists lineup with a zesty new variety featuring bold lime and spicy jalapeño seasoning on crunchy corn spirals, spotted at gas stations and grocery stores nationwide.
Why we care: Mexican-inspired flavors continue conquering mainstream snacks. The "light spice, strong lime" profile suggests brands are finding the sweet spot for broad appeal without alienating heat-sensitive consumers.
Read more (Source)US - Tostitos Summer Red Scoops (Limited Time)
Frito-Lay brings back holiday-favorite red Scoops for summer with bowl-shaped tortilla chips perfect for dips and taco bites, available at select Walmart, Albertsons, and Kroger locations nationwide.
Why we care: Smart seasonal repositioning - taking a holiday product and making it summer-relevant. The red color hits perfectly for July 4th entertaining without the Christmas baggage.
Read more (Source)
US - Starburst Goodies Plant-Based Gummies
Mars launches plant-based gummy line with real fruit juice, 4g sugar per pack, and added fiber in Original and FaveREDs varieties, targeting better-for-you candy segment.
Why we care: Major candy brands finally cracking the better-for-you code without sacrificing taste. Plant-based positioning could unlock new distribution channels in health-focused retailers.
Read more (Source)
US - Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut Returns
Dr Pepper brings back fan-favorite Creamy Coconut flavor after popular limited-edition run generated significant consumer demand and social media buzz, now available nationwide at major retailers.
Why we care: Fan-driven resurrections prove the power of limited-edition testing. Coconut's tropical appeal hits perfectly for summer positioning while validating the "scarcity creates demand" playbook.
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US - Doritos Summer Condiment Trio Returns
Frito-Lay brings back fan-favorite Tangy Ketchup, Hot Mustard, and Tangy Pickle flavors for grilling season, with the pickle variety proving most divisive among social media reactions.
Why we care: Condiment-flavored chips eliminate the need for actual condiments - genius positioning for outdoor entertaining. The polarizing pickle variety suggests bold flavors can succeed even with divided opinions.
Read more (Source)- US - Health-Ade's SunSip grape kombucha soda
- US - Reese's protein bars at Costco warehouse-exclusive
- US - Alani Nu Cotton Candy Energy dessert-flavored addition
- US - Cheerios Frosted Lemon comeback after limited run
- US - Trolli expands US portfolio with German gummy varieties
- US - Buldak potato chips Korean spicy noodle brand enters US snacks
- US - Welch's Juicefuls Fusions fruit snacks with liquid centers
- US - Nebula Snacks zero-sugar Cosmic Caramel and Coconaut Blast bites
- US - Warheads Cubes Chaos blue raspberry center with sour coating
- US - 1UP Crunchy Sour Strips freeze-dried transformation of chewy candy
- US - Reese's PB&J Big Cup peanut butter with grape and strawberry jelly
- US - Stuffed Puffs Gummy Fuzions sour fruity centers with crunchy coating
- US - Hershey's caramel bars s'mores-ready graham cracker size
- US - Bubly Melted Ice Pop Target-exclusive cherry, lime, blue raspberry mashup
- US - Fair Hills Farm Organic Black Tea cold-pressed apple juice sweetened
- US - Dove x Snack Pack premium dark chocolate pudding cups
- UK - Cans debuts mango sparkling water
- UK - Swizzels Squashies summer flavour duo
- UK - Maltesers variety returns after 11-year absence
- UK - Cadbury Twirl limited-edition white chocolate
- UK - Tropicana sparkling waters beyond traditional juice
- UK - Dash Water cherry natural sparkling
- UK - Vimto Jazzies licensed drink-to-candy collaboration
- US - Doritos Twisted Queso permanent cheese-focused flavor
- US - Arizona Whipped pineapple orange tropical combo
COMING SOON

US - Selena Gomez x Oreo Horchata Flavor (June 2025)
Limited-edition collaboration features horchata-inspired flavor with sweetened condensed milk and cinnamon sprinkles creme between cinnamon chocolate cookies. Online presale begins June 2nd, nationwide release following week.
Why we care: With 420 million Instagram followers, Selena's reach dwarfs most traditional marketing campaigns. Horchata flavor taps into Hispanic heritage trends while the celebrity collab formula keeps proving its worth for Gen Z engagement.
Read more (Source)US - Cheetos Flamin' Hot Cheddar BBQ (Summer 2025)
Frito-Lay launches limited-time summer flavor combining savory cheddar, smoky barbecue, and signature Flamin' Hot heat, arriving exclusively at Walmart stores nationwide.
Why we care: Another Flamin' Hot extension proves the heat trend shows no signs of cooling. Perfect timing for summer grilling season - spicy snacks pair brilliantly with BBQ occasions.
Read more (Source)US - Butterfinger Marshmallow (September 2025)
Ferrero launches first new Butterfinger flavor innovation with marshmallow-flavored white chocolate coating, timed for Halloween season availability nationwide.
Why we care: Halloween timing is smart positioning for a marshmallow flavor. Butterfinger's move into seasonal innovation suggests they're finally ready to compete with brands like Kit Kat on limited-edition frequency.
Read more (Source)US - Nutella Peanut (Spring 2026)
Ferrero announces first-ever flavor innovation in 61-year history, combining signature hazelnut-chocolate spread with roasted peanuts, targeting American peanut butter preferences.
Why we care: Historic moment for Nutella - their first flavor innovation ever signals serious US market commitment. Peanut positioning could unlock new usage occasions and compete directly with Jif's chocolate spreads.
Read more (Source)- US - Dr Pepper Tic Tacs arrive fall 2025 bringing iconic soda flavor to mint format
- US - Nerds Gummy Clusters Cherry Lemonade Blitz launches fall 2025 as limited-edition NFL season flavor
- UK - Cadbury Dairy Milk Summer Edition arrives June 2025 with four thermochromic bars plus new Iced Latte flavor
- US - Butterfinger French Toast launches early 2026 following marshmallow innovation success
- US - Jones x Crayola collaboration debuts Summer 2025 with six soda flavors matched to retired crayon colors
TREND ALERT / INTERESTING STUFF

US - Oreo Enters Protein Space
Mondelez brings authentic cookies-and-cream flavor to Clif Builders bars with 20 grams plant-based protein, avoiding artificial sweeteners while delivering genuine Oreo taste rather than generic "cookies and cream" approximation.
Why we care: Classic case of reading the room - everyone wants protein, but it has to taste good. Oreo's flavor expertise could crack the code where generic "cookies and cream" bars have failed.
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US - Bon Bon Bum US Market Entry
Colombian lollipops with bubble gum centers launch in Florida, New Jersey, and New York markets, expanding to Houston and California this summer after 50-year international success story finally reaches American consumers.
Why we care: Latin American candy brands cracking the US code represents massive untapped opportunity. The bubble gum surprise element differentiates from standard lollipops while tapping nostalgia trends.
Read more (Source)
UK - Premium Non-Alcoholic Sophistication
Eisberg debuts driest-ever alcohol-free Grenache Rosé targeting Provence wine drinkers, while J2O launches Tropical Punch mocktail with pineapple and coconut notes at £1.29 RRP, proving no-alcohol category maturation.
Why we care: No-alcohol is shedding its "compromise" reputation through legitimate premium positioning. Quality-first approach over gimmicky alternatives suggests this category has serious staying power beyond wellness fads.
Read more (Source)- UK - Babybel expands into higher-protein segment with new cheese line targeting fitness consumers
- US - Pop & Sol by Nuts.com marks direct-to-consumer brand's first retail launch with premium nut mixes at major chains
- US - Jones Nuka Cola Quantum brings Fallout gaming universe flavor collaboration to reality
- US - Blue Diamond launches Cherry Slurpee-flavored almonds translating convenience store drink into nut snacks
- US - Tate's Bake Shop partners on limited-time coffee-flavored cookie collaboration
INDUSTRY NEWS
Kazakhstan - PepsiCo Increases Investment in Salty Snacks Plant
PepsiCo announces increased investment in its Almaty manufacturing facility to expand local production capabilities and meet growing regional demand for salty snacks across Central Asia markets.
Why we care: Central Asia expansion signals where multinationals see next growth opportunities. Local production investments typically precede major market development - worth watching for distribution partnership possibilities.
Read more (Source)
US - Bob's Red Mill Unveils Coffee Cake Mix
Natural foods pioneer expands baking mix portfolio with new coffee cake variety featuring streusel topping packet, targeting premium home baking segment with whole grain positioning.
Why we care: Bob's Red Mill moving into indulgent categories suggests premiumization opportunities exist even in traditional comfort foods. The whole grain angle provides health halo for otherwise indulgent products.
Read more (Source)- UK - Coca-Cola becomes Premier League's official soft drink partner expanding sports marketing presence
- US - Dare Foods acquires Mary's Gone Crackers expanding Canadian company into US natural crackers market
- US - Grog beverage brand makes US market entry with international formula adaptation
- US - Dr Pepper GHOST collaboration rumors continue circulating around potential energy drink brand partnership
This week's dominant themes: Latin American brands cracking US market codes, functional benefits expanding beyond protein into fiber and gut health, premium positioning infiltrating commodity categories, and seasonal repositioning strategies proving effective. The smart money follows major brand validation signals - when giants like Ferrara and PepsiCo invest, distribution opportunities multiply rapidly.
That's a wrap on this week's industry intel. International brands breaking into US markets, functional benefits are getting more sophisticated, and the race for authentic flavor innovation intensifies. The winners will be those who spot cultural crossover opportunities before the giants do.
Cheers,
The Black Sand Team
 
               
             
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 
  
