Leftovers: Snack Factory mixes popcorn and pretzels | Ritz Bits introduces first new flavor in a decade

Listen to the article
4 min

This audio is auto-generated. Please let us know if you have feedback.

Snack Factory twits up the pretzel

Snack Factory is bringing pop to pretzels.

Snack Factory, the No. 3 pretzel brand based on dollar sales, is aiming to disrupt the $30 billion salty snacks category with Pop’ums. The Campbell’s Company-owned product, which reaches shelves in January, combines the munchability of popcorn and crispy crunch of pretzels into one snack.  

Pop’ums will be available in the salty snack aisle in three flavors: White Cheddar, Golden Mustard BBQ, and Sea Salt.

The innovation is the biggest for Snack Factory since it launched Pretzel Crisps in 2004. Pretzel Crisps have become the top snack in deli and are frequently paired with dips and toppings, according to Campbell’s.

“With Pop’ums, we are rethinking what a pretzel can be once again with a snacking experience unlike any other: combining the crunchy baked goodness of pretzels with the light, flavorful munchability of popcorn to create an irresistibly delicious snack,” Janda Lukin, senior vice president and chief marketing officer with Campbell’s Snacks, said in a statement.

Pop’ums is the latest product launch from Campbell’s that takes an existing snack and creates a different experience without losing what the brand is known for.

Last year, the New Jersey company debuted potato chip-inspired crisps under its popular Goldfish brand. The puffy snack, which is larger than the traditional Goldfish cracker, is the first in the snack’s 62-year history made with potato. 

During its earnings call this month, Campbell’s executives highlighted the “enthusiastic response to platforms like Goldfish Crisps, validating the extendibility of” the $1 billion brand.

Ritz Bits turns up the heat

Ritz Bits is introducing its first new flavor in nearly a decade.

The bite-sized snack is debuting Ritz Bits Spicy Queso which taps into the ongoing popularity of bold flavors. Spicy Queso is the latest addition to Mondelēz International’s Ritz platform following the launch of Ritz Toasted Chips’ Sweet Habanero flavor earlier this year. 

“With Spicy Queso, we’re answering consumers’ demands for exciting, bold flavors and turning up the heat on the RITZ Bits you know and love,” Steven Saenen, Ritz’s vice president of marketing, said in a statement. “It’s a bold twist on your childhood favorite.”

The new Ritz Bits will be available in snack-sized bags at convenience stores this month. Larger boxes will be available at major food retailers beginning in February.

A survey of more than 1,000 American adults published earlier this year by NC Solutions found 62% of consumers are more likely to buy a food or beverage item if it is advertised as spicy.

This demand has prompted other companies to take classic items they sell and introduce a spicy alternative.

Kraft Heinz last year introduced spicy versions of Heinz Ketchup and 57 Sauce. The Campbell’s Company’s Goldfish teamed up with hot sauce brand Frank’s RedHot to create a spicier version of the beloved cracker, while Kellanova collaborated with Mike’s Hot Honey on Club Crisps flavored with popular condiment.