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.
Mochi maker scoops up ice cream sandwich
My/Mochi, which makes ice cream wrapped in a sweet, pillowy rice dough, is hoping to replicate its success in ice cream sandwiches.
The offerings, which feature mochi ice cream balls hugged by two soft cookies, are inspired by Gen Z consumers seeking multi-textured eating moments. It marks the biggest innovation ever for My/Mochi, which previously focused on new flavors, according to the company.
“We know consumers – especially Gen Z – are looking for more multi-sensorial experiences,” Brigette Wolf, My/Mochi’s chief marketing officer, said in an email to Food Dive. “Mochi ice cream is innately dual textured but we know our consumers want more ways to enjoy mochi. We tested several concepts and ice cream sandwiches were the overwhelming favorite.”
The new mochi ice cream sandwiches are part of My/Mochi’s strategy to broaden the reach of where mochi can go based on popular consumer trends. The first two flavors—Strawberry Mochi Ice Cream with Sugar Cookie as well as Vanilla Mochi Ice Cream and Chocolate Chip Cookie—will launch exclusively on Gopuff.
My/Mochi is the largest producer of mochi ice cream in the world, according to the company. A re-focusing on its marketing and innovation surrounding its core business has led to increased velocity and household penetration, as well as significant growth in brand awareness.
— Christopher Doering
Football stars kick off cereal partnership with General Mills
General Mills is hoping to score with a lineup of limited-edition cereal mixes hand-picked by one of the NFL's top receivers.
The food giant is teaming up with Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings to launch a cereal mix as part of General Mill's "Cereal Training Camp" campaign. Jefferson's "Jettas Mix" is a fruity fusion of Frosted Lemon Cheerios and the recently released Cinnamon Toast Crunch Strawberry.
"It's a winning combo of that fresh, lemony vibe and the sweet hit of strawberry Cinnadust for a flavor you won’t want to fumble," Jefferson said in a statement.
General Mills is also teaming with Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals and Amon-Ra St. Brown of the Detroit Lions on limited-edition boxes showcasing the stars posing on their favorite brands of cereal. Chase will appear on boxes of Lucky Charms, with St. Brown posing on Honey Nut Cheerios.
Jettas Mix and the limited-edition boxes will be available nationwide in August.
The cereal category has struggled to overcome its sugary image and declining consumer interest. Athletes have long adorned cereal boxes to position the breakfast offering as sports fuel, with Wheaties popularizing cereal as "The Breakfast of Champions."
Mindy Murray, brand experience director for General Mills’ Morning Foods, said the limited-time launch focuses on "heart, hustle and humor so cereal and football fans everywhere start their day with a win."
— Sarah Zimmerman
Ben's Original launches portable rice cups for convenient cooking
Mars-owned Ben's Original is introducing single-serve rice cups with expanded flavors to serve consumers on the go.
The new portable options are meant to serve as a snack, side or the base of a meal. The microwave-ready cups come in four flavors: Jasmine Rice, Spanish Style Rice, Fried Rice and Roasted Chicken.
The brand also launched new flavors of its street food-inspired microwavable meal bowl line, which it says has become a "fan favorite" since being launched in 2024. New street food options include Honey BBQ Flavored Rice with Chicken and Teriyaki Style Rice with Chicken.
Three-quarters of U.S. adults reported eating meals on the go either "sometimes" or "always," Mars said, citing data from NC Solutions. Half of Gen-Zers have expressed interest in products that make cooking more convenient, according to Mintel.
"With the rise of busy, on-the-go lifestyles, it's no surprise that more than half of Gen Zer's are looking to try products that make cooking more convenient," David Jacobs, vice president of marketing at Mars Food & Nutrition North America, said in a statement. "Our new Single-Serve Cups take the hassle out of meals and snacks, providing a delicious, filling option that makes creating healthy eating easier than ever."
— Sarah Zimmerman
