Leftovers: Blue Moon takes ice cream out to the ball game | Dave’s Killer Bread packs protein into bars

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Blue Moon swings for the fences

While baseball today is dominated by 100-plus mile-per-hour fastballs, Blue Moon’s latest collaboration is finding a way to slow things down with its latest offering.

The beer, which started nearly 30 years ago in Denver’s Coors Field, is partnering with Rawlings on Blue Moon Home Run Twist. With a 2% alcohol by volume, the ice cream combines the bright and citrusy flavor of Blue Moon’s iconic Valencia Orange peel with Madagascar vanilla. Blue Moon is owned by beer giant Molson Coors.

Each pint also comes with a mini Rawlings helmet and ballpark classics like peanuts and caramel corn to bring the full baseball experience to life.

“Blue Moon is brightening this baseball season by giving fans a chance to experience the joy of ice cream in a helmet at home for fans 21+,” Courtney Benedict, vice president of marketing for Above Premium Beer at Molson Coors, said in a statement.

Blue Moon Home Run Twist is crafted in collaboration with the alcohol-infused ice cream maker, Hardscoop. The limited-edition ice cream comes in a 2-pack for $49 (dry ice shipping included) and will be available starting today.

Similar to other beers owned by Molson Coors, Blue Moon has shown a penchant for partnering with companies to bring its brew to unusual places. 

Last December, it worked with PopUp Bagels on what they called the best of craft beer and artisan bagels. Blue Moon beer was infused into PopUp Bagels, while the craft brew’s signature Valencia oranges were incorporated into the cream cheese. And in 2022, Blue Moon worked with a Texas bakery on mini pies to serve as a garnish for its beer.

— Christopher Doering

Dave’s Killer Bread pumps up the protein in snack bars

Athletes and on-the-go consumers looking for a high protein pick me up have a new option from a brand normally found in the baked goods aisle.

Dave’s Killer Bread, known for its better-for-you bread and bagels, is extending its reach into the snacking category with its latest product launch, Amped-Up Organic Protein Bars. The offerings are available in three flavors: Blueberry, Coconut and Peanut Butter Chocolate Crunch. Each contains 10 grams of protein and is made of rolled oats, chia seeds and quinoa.

The brand first debuted snack bars last year in three varieties: Cocoa Brownie Blitz, Trail Mix Crumble and Oat-rageous Honey Almond.

“After finding success in select test markets over the past year, we’re rolling out our Amped-Up Organic Protein Bars nationwide this summer to provide consumers with a convenient, whole grain snack that addresses the increased demand for plant-based protein options,” Jillian Cohn, the brand’s management director, said in a statement.

Flowers Foods purchased Dave’s Killer Bread in 2015 for $275 million. The brand reached over $1 billion in sales in 2023.

Consumers are increasingly looking for protein anywhere they can find it and food and beverage manufacturers — from General Mills to PepsiCo  — are tailoring new product launches to meet the growing demand. High protein-based foods are projected to increase through 2027 at a compound annual growth rate of 7.7%, according to Technavio.

— Chris Casey

Blue Diamond Growers pack a punch outside the salad bowl 

Almond marketer and processor Blue Diamond Growers launched a limited edition ranch-flavored almond in hopes of introducing the beloved flavor in an innovative way.

Recent research found that 70% of ranch consumption occurs outside the salad bowl, the company said.

“We’re always looking for new ways to incorporate trending flavors into our products, and with Ranch, we hope our customers feel inspired to take their taste buds to a new level of deliciousness,” said Maya Erwin, vice president of marketing and innovation at Blue Diamond in a statement.

The ranch almonds feature cool, zesty herbs and spices, the company said. Each serving contains six grams of plant protein and is a source of antioxidant vitamin E.

The limited-edition flavor will be available in Walmart locations from May through October, Costo from May until supplies last and Sam’s Club starting in August.