CSN 2024 Best New Products

2024

Recognizing the Best New Products of 2024

Based on consumer ratings, 45 products new to convenience store shelves are honored in Convenience Store News’ 28th annual program.

Now in its 28th year, the Convenience Store News Best New Products Awards program recognizes the marketers that introduce the most innovative, high-quality products into the convenience channel that meet consumers' evolving needs and fit a convenience store's value proposition. Products brought to the market between June 2, 2023 and June 1, 2024 were eligible for entry. A panel of consumers judged submitted products on value, convenience, appearance and packaging, along with attributes such as taste and ingredients for edible items. Based on their ratings, 45 products new to convenience store shelves have been selected for recognition in this year's competition.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: BEER Busch Light Peach, Anheuser-Busch

In a year when sales in the value beer segment were forecast to remain relatively even, the June 2023 launch of limited-edition Busch Light Peach brought excitement to the cooler. The crisp, refreshing, peach-flavored lager has a touch of sweet peach on the front end and the clean beer finish of Busch Light on the back end. Flavor is especially important to younger legal drinking age consumers, who cultivated these preferences from their favorite nonalcoholic beverages. The 25-ounce value size of Busch Light Peach speaks to them as well.

The 2024 Best New Products Awards winners are:

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: FLAVORED MALT el Jimador Spiked Bebidas, Pabst Brewing Co.

This highly recognizable tequila brand from Mexico appeals to the large Generation Z and millennial Hispanic base in America, and delivers a unique, sophisticated and quality cocktail experience in a can with this product. Half of el Jimador’s legal drinking age consumers are under the age of 34. el Jimador Spiked Bebidas are made with 100% blue agave and no artificial sweeteners. The Orange Sunrise variety has a bright, citrusy taste and tangy flavor that our panelists liked.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: SELTZER High Noon Vodka Iced Tea, E&J Gallo Winery

E&J Gallo Winery built on the consumer shift to ready-to-drink iced tea with High Noon Vodka Iced Tea. Made with only real vodka and real iced tea, these noncarbonated beverages have 90 calories, with no added sugar. Each drink has a small amount of caffeine (approximately 10 milligrams per serving), which is naturally derived from the tea itself. Four flavors are available: Original, Lemon, Raspberry and Peach. Lemon was the favorite among our testers.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: HIGH ABV SELTZER Truly Unruly, The Boston Beer Co.

Truly Unruly breaks the rules of what a high-alcohol seltzer can taste like with four “turned up” flavors: Tropical Twist, Berry Blast, Citrus Crush and Strawberry Smash. The 8% alcohol by volume (ABV) beverages deliver a refreshing, tasty and crisp experience compared to other harsher-tasting high ABV beverages. Citrus Crush crushed it among our panelists. According to a study by The Boston Beer Co., drinkers see the higher alcohol content of Truly Unruly as new and different, and a means to get more bang for their buck.

ALTERNATIVE SNACKS Double Eagle Beef Jerky, Old Trapper Smoked Products

Old Trapper is the second-largest beef jerky brand in the nation and the leader in the large bag jerky category. Its new 21-ounce Double Eagle Beef Jerky comes in the top four flavors of jerky meat snacks and uses premium beef in a value-size option — an excellent value per ounce to compete against the high price of traditional meat snacks. The clear bag packaging is designed to attract jerky users to make an impulse purchase. The Hot n Spicy flavor was the favorite of our panel.

CANDY: CHOCOLATE Reese’s Big Cup Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups with Caramel, The Hershey Co.

Reese’s is the No. 1 brand in confection and in the convenience channel, and its dedicated base of fans consistently delivers high trial and repeat sales. Reese’s Big Cup Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups with Caramel are a salty and sweet indulgence. The product brings a new textural experience to Reese’s fans with an indulgent caramel layer that perfectly complements the iconic peanut butter and chocolate combination. The caramel inclusion was the most consumer-requested for Reese’s Big Cups, according to The Hershey Co.

CANDY: GUM Hubba Bubba Mini Gum, Mars Wrigley

Hubba Bubba Mini Gum offers a soft and chewy gum experience that features a mix of fan-favorite Skittles Original flavors, including lemon, strawberry, grape, orange and lime. The product delivers a new Skittles crossover to fans that brings more variety to the brand and aims to inspire moments of everyday happiness for gum and candy fans alike. According to Mars Wrigley, this innovation is a response to brand fans connecting Hubba Bubba to nostalgia. Panelists especially liked the container, which they said is eye-catching and fun.

CANDY: NONCHOCOLATE Skittles Littles, Mars Wrigley

Mars Wrigley is expanding its snacking portfolio with new formats and mini product offerings to attract core consumers and new audiences. Its latest innovation, Skittles Littles, puts a tiny twist on the classic chewy candy. Skittles Littles deliver the iconic five fruity flavors of Skittles Original, but now in a smaller, more poppable experience that makes it even easier to enjoy the candy on the go. Skittles Littles come in reusable mini tubes that are less messy for on-the-go treating, as well as resealable grab-and-go pouches.

CANDY: OVERALL Kinder Chocolate Share Pack, Kinder Chocolate

Last fall, Kinder Chocolate joined the brand’s existing U.S. portfolio of Kinder Joy, Kinder Bueno and Kinder Seasonal. The Kinder Chocolate Share Pack is a delicious, sharable treat that contains four small, individually wrapped chocolate bars that are the perfect size for snacking on the go. Kinder Chocolate features an outer layer of smooth milk chocolate with a creamy milky filling. According to the company, the Kinder Chocolate Share Pack is a top five best-selling new item year to date in 2024 in the convenience channel.

CBD Buzz Me’Up, The Buzz Brands LLC

As cannabis legalization spreads, there is a growing market for THC-infused beverages. The Buzz Brands LLC (formerly J and A Consumable Products) taps into this trend with Buzz Me’Up, which offers a novel way for consumers to enjoy THC. Combining the stimulating effects of caffeine with the potential relaxation and euphoria benefits of 5 milligrams of pure Delta THC, Buzz Me’Up fits into the functional beverage category, which is increasingly popular among health-conscious consumers. Unlike traditional energy drinks that are often high in sugar and artificial ingredients, Buzz Me’Up is marketed as a more natural alternative.

DELI PRODUCTS MamaMancini’s Flame Grilled Paninis, Mama’s Creations Inc.

MamaMancini’s Flame Grilled Paninis fill a gap in the market for more differentiated, superior heat-and-eat meals that cater to modern lifestyle needs. The flame-grilled bread provides a distinctive smoky flavor and crispy texture, while premium white meat chicken ensures a juicy, flavorful bite. The variety of flavors available — including Chicken Bacon Ranch and globally inspired options such as Greek Chicken — cater to diverse taste preferences. Transparent, resealable packaging showcases the quality of the 10-ounce fully cooked paninis, which are ready to enjoy in minutes.

FOODSERVICE: BAKERY Whole Grain Double Chocolate Filled Donut Bites, Rich Products Corp.

Rich’s Whole Grain Double Chocolate Filled Donut Bites are bite-sized chocolate cake doughnuts made with premium ingredients and stuffed with an indulgent and gooey chocolate filling. This retail-ready menu item arrives frozen, ready to thaw and serve or heat and serve. The product offers endless opportunities for decorating and frosting before presenting to the consumer. According to the company, Rich’s Whole Grain Double Chocolate Filled Donut Bites fulfill three growing trends: doughnuts, grab-and-go and indulgence.

A croissant is the most likely to be ordered breakfast sandwich bread type. While croissant sandwiches typically lean toward breakfast, the meats and cheeses in Hillshire Farm Stuffed Croissants stretch the craveability from brunch to lunch to dinner. The product comes in three varieties: Pepperoni and Mozzarella Cheese; Ham and Cheddar Cheese; and Chicken Breast, Colby Jack Cheese and Bacon. These gourmet stuffed croissants require minimal prep, so there’s no high labor cost for the operator; just a quality, protein-filled, grab-and-go snack for customers.

FOODSERVICE: BREAKFAST Hillshire Farm Stuffed Croissants, Tyson Foodservice

FOODSERVICE: CONDIMENT Sue Bee Infusions Hot Honey, Sioux Honey Association Co-op

With the current popularity of sweet and spicy flavors, hot honey has taken over the taste buds of American consumers in a major way. Sue Bee Infusions Hot Honey 5-pound bottles offer the convenience channel a high-quality product for c-store hot food bars to be used on items such as chicken tenders, sandwiches, pizza and more. The flip-top cap makes dispensing easy. As the convenience channel becomes increasingly important for meal options, c-store retailers must offer the condiments that restaurants offer, so they can stay competitive in the market.

FOODSERVICE: DESSERT Our Specialty Treat Shop Turtle Cheesecake Mousse Parfait, Rich Products Corp.

Rich’s introduced Our Specialty Treat Shop Turtle Cheesecake Mousse Parfait to meet the increasing demand for grab-and-go dessert options in c-stores. Research from Datassential shows that mousse is a delicacy that appeals to most consumers. This decadent dessert features a cheesecake mousse on a bed of chocolate crumbs, topped with a layer of caramel, and sprinkled with chocolate chips and pecans in a generous cup. The turnkey solution arrives frozen, fully finished and retail ready. The shelf life is 365 days frozen or eight days refrigerated.

FOODSERVICE: DINNER/HOME MEAL REPLACEMENT Cajun Chicken Sandwich, Krispy Krunchy Chicken

FOODSERVICE: FROZEN DISPENSED BEVERAGES Café Tango Frozen Coffee, Freezing Point LLC

Unveiled in January 2024, the revamped Cajun Chicken Sandwich from Krispy Krunchy Chicken features a larger, all-white meat chicken breast filet marinated in the brand’s proprietary blend of mild Cajun spices, coated in its famous breading, topped with honey sauce and two crispy pickles, and served on a generously sized warm brioche bun. Within the first four months of the launch, sales increased by 93% over the previous version. “Convenience,” “flavor” and “value priced” were among the attributes cited by our panelists.

Café Tango fills a niche in the convenience store market by providing a quality, frozen coffee slush that caters to coffee enthusiasts looking for a premium experience in a quick and accessible format. Unlike traditional coffee offerings in c-stores, Café Tango delivers a gourmet taste that rivals specialty coffee shops, but at a fraction of the cost. Flavors such as French Vanilla, Mocha and Caramel Macchiato impressed our testers. Seasonal offerings like Pumpkin Spice are being added to keep the product line fresh and aligned with current consumer trends.

FOODSERVICE: SNACKS Ultimate Beef Nachos Tornados, Ruiz Foods Inc.

Consumers are increasingly drawn to Mexican-inspired flavors and innovative snack formats. Ultimate Beef Nachos Tornados transform the beloved experience of stadium nachos into a convenient, portable snack. This innovative product features seasoned ground beef, slightly spicy jalapeños and gooey, melty nacho cheese in crispy, handheld Tornados that cater to the modern consumer’s desire for both flavor and convenience. Ultimate Beef Nachos Tornados stand out for their unique ability to deliver an authentic nacho experience without the mess and hassle typically associated with traditional nachos.

FOODSERVICE: PACKAGING Safe-T-Chef, Inline Plastics

Safe-T-Chef is the first patented, tamper-evident, tamper-resistant, all-clear polypropylene product line designed for hot food applications, offering consumers a 360-degree view of the contents inside. Inline Plastics recently expanded Safe-T-Chef to include a new non-domed, flat lid option for 5x5 and 9x6 packaging. In addition, anti-fog is now included on all vented Safe-T-Chef SKUs. This feature reduces the moisture formation that can obscure the view of hot packed foods. Benefits include improved visibility and appeal of the food, increased sales and reduced food waste.

FOODSERVICE: LUNCH Johnsonville Chipotle Cheddar Sausage, Johnsonville Foodservice

FROZEN FOODS Naked Tamales, Authentic Taste LLC

C-store customers are increasingly seeking diverse and exciting flavor options to satisfy their cravings for protein. The Johnsonville Chipotle Cheddar Sausage combines the smoky heat of chipotle with the creamy richness of Wisconsin cheddar cheese, creating a unique taste experience that stands out in the roller grill lineup. This product especially appeals to the younger demographic (ages 18-35) that prefer adventurous and spicy flavor profiles. Additionally, its gluten-free status and absence of MSG cater to health-conscious consumers.

Crafted with premium, natural and fresh ingredients, Naked Tamales redefine traditional tamale flavor in a groundbreaking husk-less design. The product lineeliminates the mess and hassle of traditional tamales, making preparation and consumption effortless. These healthy, gluten-free naked tamales come frozen in Original, Poblano and Cheese, and Veggie varieties. The 7-ounce tamales are offered in a value priced two-pack, compactly packaged in 3x4-inch packages. The maker notes that prepackaged tamales grew 15% in grocery stores last year, so they are poised for growth in the convenience channel.

FROZEN NOVELTIES Premium Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches, Prairie Farms

Prairie Farms’ Premium Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches are perfect for both ice cream and cookie lovers looking for an on-the-go sweet treat. Weighing in at 6 ounces and measuring one-and-a-quarter-inch thick, they deliver smooth and creamy indulgence at a value price. Cream and milk top the ingredient list, and the sandwiches are made without artificial flavors, colors or high fructose corn syrup. The Chocolate Fudge Cookie variety was the favorite among our testers, with the Chocolate Chip Cookie variety a close second.

GENERAL MERCHANDISE LifeMade Fiber Cooler, LifeMade Products LLC

Convenience stores sell more than 40% of all disposable coolers. The LifeMade Fiber Cooler is made from 100% USDA certified biobased content and is widely recyclable, as certified by How2Recycle. The party size cooler can hold up to 20 12-ounce cans plus ice, has molded handles for easy grip and carrying, and four cupholders on the lid. With many local and state regulations now limiting the sale of foam coolers, this product is not made of traditional foam and meets most regulations, according to the maker.

HEALTH & BEAUTY CARE The Morning After Pill, Cadence OTC

Women who don’t have easy access to emergency contraceptives can now get them when traditional drugstores are not nearby or closed. Through a partnership between Cadence OTC and Lil’ Drug Store Products, c-stores can now offer The Morning After Pill. The packaging and pricing were designed for the convenience channel, with the manufacturer’s suggested retail price half the price of emergency contraceptives found in other channels. The industry is looking for products that can drive visits, attract new customers and deliver high margins — the Morning After Pill does all three.

HEALTHY SNACKS PB&J’s, Bobo’s

NONEDIBLE GROCERY Cosmo’s Snack Shack Peanut Butter Pup Cups, Treat Planet LLC

Bobo’s PB&J’s are a unique take on the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. They’re a soft-baked peanut buttery oat crust with either strawberry or grape jam filling. Made with simple and wholesome ingredients, including 17 grams of 100% whole grain oats, the PB&J’s are nutritious and convenient. Additionally, they’re plant-based, non-GMO certified, vegan and gluten free, thus catering to a variety of dietary preferences. The shelf-stable nature of the product ensures it has a long shelf life, reducing waste and maximizing product turnover.

Pet treats are a growing category. Made with real peanut butter, Cosmo’s Snack Shack Peanut Butter Pups are a natural and wholesome option for dogs, appealing to pet owners who prioritize their pets’ health and wellbeing. The number of Americans owning a dog is upwards of 68%, and more than half travel with them. The Peanut Butter Pup Cups are designed for impulse buys from the spontaneous dog parent, attractively packaged to catch the eye of pet owners.

OTHER TOBACCO PRODUCTS: CIGARS Game Leaf Black Russian, Swedish Match

Game Leaf Black Russian offers consumers a new take on a dark rolled leaf cigar using Swedish Match’s highest-quality Connecticut broadleaf. This is the fourth release from the Game Leaf Reserve Series of limited-edition rolled leaf cigars. These leaves have been hand-picked and then specially aged to be stored in reserve and used on limited-edition offers for an expertly crafted smoking experience. As the mass market cigar category shifts toward natural leaf, rolled leaf has consistently been one of the fastest-growing segments in the category.

OTHER TOBACCO PRODUCTS: SMOKELESS NIC-S, Premier Manufacturing

There is growing demand for products that provide nicotine without the combustion, smoke or tar of traditional cigarettes. NIC-S pouches address this demand by offering a cleaner and potentially safer option for nicotine consumption. Developed in Sweden, NIC-S revolutionizes nicotine enjoyment by using only pharmaceutical-grade, nontobacco synthetic nicotine, meticulously crafted to isolate S-type molecules. The result is consistent and premium quality in flavor and nicotine experience with every pouch. The product comes in Mint, Orange, Berry, Cinnamon, Wintergreen and Flavor Free varieties.

PACKAGED BEVERAGES: BOTTLED WATER Saratoga 100% rPET Still & Sparkling Water, Blue Triton Brands

PACKAGED BEVERAGES: CARBONATED SOFT DRINKS Sprite Chill, The Coca-Cola Co.

Premium brands are driving growth in the bottled water category. Saratoga Spring Water has been a tastemaker for more than 150 years. In January 2024, the brand introduced 100% rPET Still and Sparkling Water to appeal to the on-the-go shopper. The sustainable packaging solution aligns with increasing consumer demand for environmentally friendly products, along with meeting the needs of retailers. Saratoga 100% rPET fills the niche for retailers and consumers who prioritize premium water and environmental responsibility.

Sprite Chill intensifies the fan-favorite Sprite experience by elevating traditional consumption and leaving a cool mouthfeel. Sprite Chill’s proprietary cooling technology goes beyond traditional soft drink offerings to deliver a refreshing sensation without relying on mint flavors, a first for the sparkling soft drink (SSD) category. The cooling sensation intensifies with every sip. Sprite Chill also leverages its cherry-lime flavor — the No. 1 flavor among those who enjoy SSDs — to appeal to consumers, drive sales and provide next-level refreshment.

PACKAGED BEVERAGES: ENERGY DRINKS AMIN.O Energy Sparkling Hydration Drink, Glanbia Performance Nutrition Inc.

AMIN.O Energy Sparkling appeals to the consumer who is looking for energy that is convenient and tasty. It is a one-of-a-kind energy drink that provides energy and hydration with electrolytes, 5 grams of amino acids, zero grams of added sugar and just 5 calories. Berry Burst is the newest AMIN.O Energy Sparkling flavor and is one of the only products in the convenience channel that has 100 milligrams of caffeine, making it perfect to buy in two-plus increments, which is important for basket building in c-stores, according to the maker.

PACKAGED BEVERAGES: ENHANCED WATER Topo Chico Sabores, The Coca-Cola Co.

As sparkling flavored water is anticipated to outpace total nonalcoholic ready-to-drink beverages through 2024, Topo Chico Sabores stands out due to its innovative approach in the premium flavored water segment. Crafted with real fruit juice, herbal extracts and Topo Chico’s signature minerality, each variety — Lime with Mint Extract, Blueberry with Hibiscus Extract, and Tangerine with Ginger Extract — offers a sophisticated taste experience that combines unexpected flavor combinations with exceptional effervescence. The Blueberry with Hibiscus Extract variety was the most liked among our panelists.

PACKAGED BEVERAGES: RTD COFFEE Barista Style Iced Coffee, Prairie Farms

PACKAGED BEVERAGES: RTD TEA Berry Lemonade, Guayakí Yerba Mate

Inspired by the success of its iced coffee, which has been sold in half-gallon cartons since 2013, and growth in the ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee category, which has seen a 94% sales increase since 2019, Prairie Farms introduced single-serve Barista Style Iced Coffee. Available in Mocha and Caramel flavors, the coffee drinks come in 14-ounce containers. The Caramel variety was our panel’s favorite. Prairie Farms beats coffeehouses on price, and its in-store retail is up to 60% lower than the familiar coffeehouse brand drink sold in 13.7-ounce glass bottles.

Guayakí Yerba Mate, a leader in yerba mate beverages, aligns with the rising demand in convenience stores for healthier, functional and sustainably sourced beverages that taste good. This year, Guayakí introduced Berry Lemonade, a low-sugar, low-calorie alternative with the functional benefits of yerba mate, known for delivering a smooth energy boost and improved focus. With just 20 calories and 2 grams of sugar per can, Berry Lemonade appeals to consumers seeking functional options that offer more than just hydration or energy. It achieved No. 1 RTD tea brand status at ampm within four weeks, with only half of stores fully onboarded.

PACKAGED BEVERAGES: SPORTS DRINKS Throne Sport Coffee, Stamford Sport Brands LLC

Throne Sport Coffee is designed to give active adults and athletes a better on-the-go coffee solution vs. the “coffee milkshakes” currently on the market that are loaded with sugar, calories and artificial ingredients. Throne Sport Coffee combines natural ingredients (natural caffeine, natural flavors and natural sweeteners) with functional ingredients (vitamins, electrolytes and BCAAs) in a smooth, naturally sweetened, dairy-free formula. Four varieties are available: Black, Mocha Java, French Vanilla and Salted Caramel, which was our testers’ pick.

PACKAGED SWEET SNACKS: SNACK CAKES Coffee House Pound Cakes, Prairie City Bakery

Coffee House Pound Cakes offer a high-quality, gourmet snack option that stands out from standard snack offerings, appealing to consumers seeking indulgence and quality. These individually wrapped pound cakes are moist, have a fresh taste, and come in transparent packaging that enhances their shelf appeal. With three indulgent flavors — Banana Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Iced Chocolate and Iced Lemon — the thaw-and-sell product caters to diverse consumer tastes. Among our testers, Iced Lemon was the winner for its texture and flavor.

PACKAGED SWEET SNACKS: OVERALL Hostess Meltamors, The J.M. Smucker Co.

SALTY SNACKS: POTATO CHIPS Mike’s Hot Honey Potato Chips, Utz Brands Inc.

Knowing that convenience store shoppers are increasingly interested in multitextured, hearty, handheld sweets, Hostess set out to create a portable snack that satisfies their cravings. Introduced in March 2024, Meltamors are inspired by warm restaurant “lava cake” desserts. They feature soft, fluffy mini-cakes with a chocolatey or caramel-flavored melting center that flows like lava when warmed for only five seconds in the microwave. This innovative snack also can be enjoyed immediately out of the package. Our panelists especially liked the Chocolate Creamy Caramel variety.

Mike’s Hot Honey Potato Chips, the first potato chip flavor combination of its kind, offers snacking fans a craveable new taste. The product brings together the sweet heat of America’s No. 1 hot honey brand, Mike’s Hot Honey, with the crisp saltiness of Utz potato chips. A pioneer in the “swicy” (sweet and spicy) trend, Mike’s Hot Honey Potato Chips initially launched as a limited-time offer, but was added to the permanent lineup because of its popularity.

SALTY SNACKS: MIXED Chex Mix Remix Buffalo Sandwich, General Mills Convenience

Chex Mix Remix Buffalo Sandwich adds another craveable flavor to the popular snack mix line. Each 4.25-ounce bag features seasoned pieces of Chex cereal, toasted bread sticks and ranch-flavored wing puffs for a complex and intense flavor-packed snack. Buffalo Sandwich, a top trending flavor, is unique in the salty set to pique consumer interest and create buzz. This product helps convenience retailers surprise and delight customers by offering a new twist on the Chex Mix they know and love.

SALTY SNACKS: NUTS & SEEDS Wonderful Pistachios No Shells Jalapeño Lime, The Wonderful Co.

SALTY SNACKS: PUFFED SNACKS Flavor Blast! Blazin’ Hot Puffs, Hippeas

Wonderful Pistachios No Shells Jalapeño Lime is a bold, differentiated flavor that capitalizes on the demand for spicy (but not too spicy) flavored snack nuts — a segment that has experienced double-digit growth in recent years. The new variety, which combines jalapeño pepper, sea salt and a tangy twist of lime, joins other innovative flavors in the brand’s No Shells lineup, which has outpaced category growth since launching in 2019. Wonderful Pistachios are one of the highest-protein snack nuts with 6 grams of protein per serving.

Hippeas’ Flavor Blast! Blazin’ Hot Puffs is a new and innovative product that diversifies the salty snack selection with its bold spicy flavor, eye-catching packaging and satisfying crunch. The primary ingredient is plant-based chickpea flour, appealing to gluten-free customers as well as the shopper wanting a high-quality and nutritious salty snack. Building on Hippeas’ reputation for high-quality, fun and nutritious snacks, the Flavor Blast! Blazin’ Hot Puffs meet current trends for spicy and better-for-you snacks.

SALTY SNACKS: PRETZELS Zapp’s Spicy Cajun Sinfully Seasoned Pretzel Stix, Utz Brands Inc.

Zapp’s dedicates itself to big, bold flavors and crunch that embody the tastes, sights and sounds of New Orleans. The brand’s new Spicy Cajun Sinfully Seasoned Pretzel Stix features signature Cajun seasoning that delivers the flavors of a crawfish boil all in one bite with a spicy, smoky kick. The product targets snack enthusiasts seeking something more adventurous. In a market saturated with ordinary options, Zapp’s Spicy Cajun Sinfully Seasoned Pretzel Stix provides a vibrant and off-beat alternative, driving repeat purchases and brand loyalty.

SALTY SNACKS: READY-TO-EAT POPCORN Netflix Cult Classic Cheddar Kettle, Eagle Family Foods LLC

Netflix is now popping corn with Eagle Family Foods. Combining thetop two flavors in ready-to-eat popcorn — cheese and kettle corn — Netflix Cult Classic Cheddar Kettle is a perfect combination of sweet and savory. Cheese and kettle corn account for 50% dollar share of the ready-to-eat popcorn segment. Created to be a bingeworthy snack, Netflix Cult Classic Cheddar Kettle comes in on-the-go bags that enable consumers to watch their favorite shows and eat their favorite snack even while traveling.

WINE BuzzBallz Chillers, BuzzBallz LLC/Southern Champion

OVERALL INNOVATION Stuft Tots, Crispy Filled Inc.

BuzzBallz Chillers are premixed, wine-based, ready-to-drink cocktails that come in eye-catching 187-milliliter PET plastic ball containers with a pop top. With unique flavors and packaging, and a competitive 15% ABV, BuzzBallz Chillers provide a unique option for c-store shoppers amidst traditional beer and wine picks. Being a single-serve cocktail, the customer can buy an amount entirely based on the situation they’re purchasing for, and mix and match flavors if they choose. The new Peach Chiller flavor was preferred by our consumer judges.

Innovation in foodservice is crucial today. Designed for the c-store hot case, Stuft Tots are an easy-to-serve quick meal or snack. The bites are gluten free, 60 calories or less, and can be enjoyed as meat filled or only cheese filled. The delectable combination of crispy hash browns and gooey cheese comes in three varieties: Melty 3 Cheese, Ham & Cheese, and Ham, Cheese & Jalapeño. Unlike many traditional snacks, Stuft Tots offer a more substantial and satisfying option, bridging the gap between lighter snacks and more filling meal choices.

A panel of consumers judged submitted products on value, convenience, appearance and packaging, along with attributes such as taste and ingredients for edible items. Judging was supervised and tallied by Past Times Marketing, a New York-based consumer research and product-testing firm.

FOODSERVICE: LUNCH Johnsonville Chipotle Cheddar Sausage, Johnsonville Foodservice