Darigold debuts dairy-based coffee creamers; Jeni’s partners with whiskey maker on Hot Toddy Sorbet; Funfetti Cheesecake available at first Funfetti in-store bakery.
EAT. DRINK. DAIRY.
HAVE YOU LAUGHED TODAY?
The Laughing Cow launched a dairy-free iteration of its spreadable, creamy cheese. The vegan-certified cheese alternative comes in the same individually portioned wedges and is available in Garlic & Herb, with more flavors to come. Chicago-based Bel Brands USA points out that Laughing Cow Plant-Based is made with almond milk, giving more consumers the chance to enjoy its spreadable, creamy goodness. The snackable, dairy-free cheese is a good source of calcium, is non-GMO certified and can be enjoyed endlessly — like spread on a bagel, dipped with veggies, or scooped with crackers, the company says. The brand also is exploring spicy flavors to join its plant-based lineup, which are expected to launch in 2025. The Laughing Cow Plant-Based is exclusively available at Whole Foods for $4.49 for a 5.4-ounce foil-wrapped package. Starting this spring, both Garlic & Herb and Original varieties will be available at Kroger stores nationwide.
THE BELLE OF THE BALL
Farmer-owned Darigold sees plenty of potential for the Belle Creamer brand in the $6 billion coffee whiteners space, which includes half and half, plant-based creamer options, and oil-based creamers. Seattle-based Darigold Inc. launched its Belle brand of dairy-based coffee creamer,which are now available at grocery stores and other food markets across the Northwest. Belle Creamers are made with only five ingredients with no oils or fillers, are lactose free, and available in four flavors – Vanilla, Sweet Cream, Hazelnut Latte and Caramel. Darigold, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Northwest Dairy Association, has been farmer-owned since 1918 and is now owned by about 300 family-owned dairy farms in Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.
SAY CHEEZ TO STRAWBERRY CHEEZECAKE
Ben & Jerry’s unveiled its first non-dairy flavor of 2024: Strawberry Cheezecake. The Burlington, Vt.-based company notes that Strawberry Cheesecake was one of the company’s fastest growing, top-selling ice cream flavors in the past 12 months, rising to the No. 4 spot in 2023. During preliminary tastings of the non-dairy, vegan flavor made with an oat base, consumers loved the decadent strawberry “cheesecake” base along with a thick graham cracker swirl that adds the perfect amount of creamy texture and crunch. Given the brand’s non-dairy, vegan profile, the company dropped the word “cheese” in the name. Strawberry Cheezecake non-dairy containers are available for a suggested retail price of $5.49-$6.99 for a 16-ounce pint at grocery stores nationwide, as well as in local Scoop Shops.
ROLLING OUT THE HORSE & CARRIAGE
International Delight, a brand of Danone, debuted three new limited-edition creamers and iced coffee inspired by the Netflix television series, "Bridgerton." They are Bridgerton Berries & Crème and English Toffee creamers, and Berries & Crème Iced Coffee. "Bridgerton" will return for season 3 beginning May 16. The Berries & Crème Creamer features notes of sweet, fruity berries dance alongside smooth, rich crème, while the English Toffee Creamer contains swirls of sweet chocolate flavor that mingle with notes of caramel. International Delight Bridgerton Berries & Créme and English Toffee creamers are available in multi-serve 32-ounce bottles for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $4.29, while Berries & Créme Iced Coffee retails for an SRP of $4.99 in 64-ounce multi-serve bottles.
A HOT TODDY ON A COLD DAY
Columbus, Ohio-based Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams debuted a limited-edition flavor collaboration with Uncle Nearest Whiskey. Hot Toddy Sorbet is a cold treat that is sure to make everyone feel warm and fuzzy during the cold winter months, the company says. Modeled after the cold-soothing drink Jeni’s grandmother used to make, Hot Toddy Sorbet packs a bold and captivating flavor. The sorbet features all the best qualities of the perfect Hot Toddy, with kicks of cayenne, ginger and orange, followed by a subtle throat-coating warmth from Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and touches of lemon and honey. Founded more than 20 years ago by James Beard Award recipient Jeni Britton, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams are available at grocery store freezers and close to 30 Scoop Shops across the country. Hot Toddy will be available for a limited time online and in Jeni’s Scoop Shops nationwide.
NOTHING ARTIFICIAL HERE
Artificial? No AI here — literally. Tropicana introduced ‘Tropcn,’ a new limited-edition packaging with the letters “AI” removed from its name to celebrate the orange juice brand’s natural ingredients, highlighting the fact that there is nothing artificial, and never has been anything artificial, in Tropicana Pure Premium orange juice. Established in 2022, Tropicana Brands Group, a joint venture between PAI Partners and PepsiCo, aims to promote new growth for its business, opportunities for its people, and to accelerate a vision to be the undisputed global leader in fresh and chilled beverages, the company says. Tropicana Pure Premium orange juice is always made from natural oranges, picked at the pinnacle of ripeness, and squeezed within 24 hours to create 100% juice, the company notes. Additionally, the all-natural juice contains 100% of one’s daily dose of vitamin C per serving, is a good source of potassium as found in bananas, and a good source of folate, with as much folate as a cup of whole strawberries, it adds.
TIME TO SIZZLE WITH FO’ SHIZZLE ALMOND FUDGE
Dr. Bombay Ice Cream, a joint venture between entrepreneur Snoop Dogg and Happi Co., has arrived at Albertsons Co’s. grocery stores. These include Safeway, Albertsons, ACME, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's and Vons. A new flavor, Fo' Shizzle Almond Fudge, exclusive to Albertsons, hit store freezers this month and is available for a suggested retail price of $5.99 for a 16-ounce pint. Customers also can enjoy six of Dr. Bombay Ice Cream's original flavors, including Bonus Track Brownie, Iced Out Orange Cream, Rollin' In the Dough, S'more Vibes, Syrupy Waffle Sundaze, and Tropical Sherbet Swizzle. “What makes me excited about selling with new retailers is expanding access to our product,” says Snoop Dogg, in celebration of this milestone for the brand. “Allowing my friends, family and fans to be able to pick up some Dr. Bombay Ice Cream, a product I am so passionate about, anywhere they are, is what this is all about.”
CELEBRATING HEALTHIER FROZEN TREATS In 3 Fun FLAVORS
A snackable take on traditional frozen yogurt, Enlightened's Frozen Yogurt Bark is crafted with premium ingredients like Greek yogurt, premium chocolate, and freshly frozen fruit. It has 4 grams of protein and 110 calories or less per serving, the Bronx, N.Y.-based company states. Designed as a healthier alternative to ice cream, Enlightened was founded by Michael Shoretz in 2012. Today, the company makes ice cream bars, pints, dough bites, fruit bites and new to the lineup, Frozen Yogurt Bark. Available in three flavors, Triple Berry, Banana Peanut Butter and Pineapple Coconut, Greek yogurt is the base of the products which, depending on the flavor, is swirled with frozen fruit, white or dark chocolate, and shredded coconut. Packaged in a 4.75-ounce resealable pouch, Frozen Yogurt Bark is available nationwide at Walmart and Raley’s Supermarkets for a suggested retail price of $6.99.
BRING THE FUNFETTI TO THE PARTY
Rich Products Corp., Buffalo, N.Y., and Funfetti, a brand of Pillsbury, inked a new partnership designed to bring the first and only Funfetti in-store bakery (ISB) products to the market. The team is debuting several new sweet treats, including Rich’s Funfetti Celebration, Funfetti Celebration Cake, Funfetti Cheesecake, Funfetti Cheesecake Single Slice and Funfetti Bettercreme Icing. Rich’s Funfetti Cheesecakes are packed with birthday cake flavor and feature colorful candy bits on top of a rich graham cracker crust, drizzled with decorative white icing, the companies say. They are available as individually wrapped 3.25-ounce slices and as a whole six-inch, 24-ounce cake for consumers seeking anytime treats and dessert for special occasions. The cheesecakes have a shelf life of 365 days frozen, and five days refrigerated. “At Rich’s, we’re always looking for unique ways to create more value for our customers,” said Lauren Lopez, Rich’s senior vice president of foodservice. "Both Rich’s and Funfetti have a long history of delivering innovative products and inspiring celebratory moments, so this collaboration is a natural fit.”
All images were provided by their respective companies. Used with permission. Company links available in the Editorial Index.
