Leftovers: Mrs. Butterworth’s, Dunkin’ debut donut-flavored syrup | Absolut pours pre-mixed cocktails

Mrs. Butterworth’s runs on Dunkin’ glazed donuts

Mrs. Butterworth’s is bringing the sweet flavor of a glazed donut to other popular breakfast staples: pancakes and waffles.

The new offering from Conagra Brands – developed in partnership with Dunkin’ culinary experts – reportedly mirrors the sweet vanilla flavor notes of the popular fried glazed pastry. In addition to pancakes and waffles, the syrup is touted as an addition to items such as yogurt, oatmeal and biscuits.

“We know that people love the taste and flavor of Dunkin’ Glazed Donuts,” Brian Gilbert, vice president of Dunkin Retail Business Development, said in a statement. “We wanted to find a way for people to enjoy the flavor of our famous donuts at home on top of any breakfast food they like.”

The syrup is available in grocery stores, mass retailers and online.

For Conagra, the syrup allows the Chicago company to combine its popular morning offering, Mrs. Butterworth’s, with another breakfast item in Dunkin’ – increasing the product’s likelihood of standing out on shelves. At the same time, younger individuals looking for variety, as well as consumers who love a glazed donut, will be likely be attracted to this novel syrup. 

Dunkin’ has been a popular branding partner for food and beverage companies for years. 

The coffee and donut chain has partnered with Bellring Brands’ Dymatize, a nutritional and bodybuilding supplement, on a glazed donut flavor. Dunkin appeared in a line of ready-to-drink canned iced coffee drinks inspired by treats from the chain’s bakery. And Post Holdings joined with Dunkin’ to launch two new cereals: Caramel Macchiato and Mocha Latte.

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Spirits maker Absolut-ly sees potential in pre-mixed cocktails

As consumers look for convenience in their alcoholic beverages, Pernod Ricard is expanding its presence in eclectic cocktails that can be poured easily at home.

The spirits giant announced the launch of its pre-mixed Absolut Cocktails line, starting with two flavors: Vodka Mojito and Raspberry Lemonade. The drinks contain Absolut’s vodka along with simple syrup and natural fruity flavors, the company said. Each 750-milliliter cocktail bottle contains 15% alcohol by volume.

“With prepared cocktails as the fastest growing spirits category, trending to overtake wine and spirits this year, we’re excited for Absolut to officially enter into the Ready-to-Serve space,” Reshma Dhati, Absolut’s senior director of marketing, said in a statement.

Pernod Ricard referenced Nielsen data showing a growing demand for ready-to-serve spirits. The alcohol company also cited information from IWSR, which identified strong approval for mojitos and raspberry lemonade flavors.

A longtime staple of bars, Pernod Ricard is growing the presence of its Swedish vodka in the ready-to-drink alcohol space.

The company partnered with Coca-Cola on a pre-mixed cocktail called Absolut Vodka & Sprite that launched this month in several European countries. Absolut also is collaborating with Ocean Spray on an RTD canned vodka-cranberry cocktail drink. The alcohol brand sells a variety of other canned cocktails, too — from Pineapple Martinis to Mango Mules.

Amid a run-up in inflation, consumers looking to spend less money on drinks are turning to spirits and cocktails that can be made at home. In its 2024 cocktail trends report in January, spirits producer Bacardi said consumers are looking for escapist, unique flavors as they make more drinks at home.

— Chris Casey

Old El Paso and Cinnamon Toast Crunch team up to make a sweet shell

General Mills is combining the attributes of two of its brands for a sweet dessert taco shell in time for Super Bowl Sunday.

The cinnamon sugar-dusted and infused taco shells stand up to create a pocket that can be loaded with ice cream, Nutella, apple pie filling and peanut butter.

“We love adding unexpected flavor combinations to our roster,” Jenny Jonker, Old El Paso Brand’s experience manager, said in a news release. “This collaboration between Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Old El Paso pairs the most valuable players from the cereal and taco game for a one-of-a-kind format that gives taco night the sweet touchdown it deserves.”