2022 saw the launch of many innovative and breakthrough products in the food and beverage industry. Below are the top ten most-searched product launches on the FoodBev website.

KFC fried chicken-flavoured chips

In September, KFC partnered with PepsiCo Foods Canada to create a new flavour of potato chip for the Ruffles brand.

The collaboration saw the companies add the flavour of KFC’s signature herb and spice mix to Ruffles’ ridged chips.

The Ruffles KFC Original Recipe Chicken-flavoured potato chips were available for a limited time in major retailers across Canada.

Monster partner with Lewis Hamilton on sugar-free drink

As the energy drink category continues to soar, last month saw Monster Energy team up with Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton to launch a new zero-sugar energy drink. 

The zero-sugar and zero-calorie drink is available in a peach nectarine flavour and is available to buy in singular cans, with a four-pack multipack set to join the range in the New Year.

Martin Attock, vice president of commercial development at Coca-Cola Europacifc Partners GB – which is the manufacturer and distributor of the Monster Energy portfolio – said: “This innovation brings together two cultural icons, and we’re confident it’s going to disrupt the category and drive sales”.

Myprotein and Perfect Day launch new animal-free whey protein powder

Earlier this year, popular sports nutrition brand Myprotein and food tech startup Perfect Day, partnered to launch a new animal-free whey protein powder, called Whey Forward.

Whey Forward is made with Perfect Day’s animal-free whey protein, which uses precision fermentation to create an identical whey protein from microflora instead of coming from animals. According to the company, the end result is identical to the whey protein found in cow’s milk and provides 20 grams of protein per serving. The animal-free protein is available in three flavours: mint chocolate chip, salted caramel and chocolate brownie.

The powder is an animal-free protein solution that does not compromise on the nutrition, taste or texture of traditional whey protein, with a reduce environmental impact.

Doritos launch Doritos Dips in two new flavours

Last month, popular crisp brand Doritos expanded its dip portfolio with the addition of two new flavours, spicy nacho and cool ranch jalapeno. 

With the goal to deliver new and unexpected experiences to consumers, the Doritos Dip Spicy Nacho is a spicy twist on the classic Doritos Nacho Cheese flavour, while the Doritos Dip Cool Ranch Jalapeno is inspired by Doritos Cool Ranch with an “intensified” flavour and a hint of jalapeno.

Frito-Lay’s vice president of brand marketing, Leslie Vesper, commented: “We hope Doritos Dips help fans think outside the box, just like we’re thinking outside the chip bag with this innovation”.

Kellogg’s and Disney partner on Hocus Pocus 2-themed cereal

In August, Kellogg’s partnered with Disney to launch a limited-edition Hocus Pocus 2-themed cereal.

The cereal featured a mixed berry flavour, with purple, orange and yellow star-shaped pieces topped with green and purple flecks

“Disney’s Hocus Pocus has been a part of family Halloween traditions for years,” said Sadie Garcia, director of brand marketing at Kellogg. “Now, with Kellogg’s Disney Hocus Pocus 2 cereal, families can celebrate [the] spooky season…”

The cereal was available at retailers across the US for a limited time.

Red Bull release a Winter Edition Fig Apple flavour

In time for the colder season Red Bull released a new energy drink, Winter Edition Fig Apple flavour. The can features notes of apple, fig and caramel and was available on the US market during October, ahead of the winter season.

The drink’s main ingredient is water and it contains caffeine, taurine and vitamins B6 and B12

PepsiCo launch new Rockstar energy drink flavours with added collagen

Energy drinks proved to be a booming category this year, with many beverage companies adding more functionality to their drinks. PepsiCo launched two new variants of its Rockstar Recovery drinks, but with added ingredients including collagen and vitamin C.

The two flavours – Pineapple Coconut and Mango Lemonade – join the existing variants but with additional ingredients, including coconut water, collagen and 100% of consumers’ recommended daily dose of vitamin C, to help “reset and hydrate for any activity.”

N!ck’s launch ice cream in collaboration with gaming platform Minecraft

Another limited edition launch, better-for-you snack brand N!ck’s, launched a collection of light ice creams in square pints, in collaboration with Minecraft.

The collection marries the innovation of two Swedish brands, merging N!ck’s patented food science technology and flavour expertise with Minecraft’s game elements to create treats that are a healthier alternative to the full-fat and high-calorie ice creams on the market.

The two companies were brought together by their shared heritage and a mutual desire to provide healthier snack and dessert options in and beyond the gaming community.

The brand released four keto-friendly flavours, including a creamy mint ice cream with peppermint chips, a creamy birthday cake ice cream swirled with strawberry and sprinkles, a rich chocolate ice cream with gold mines of peanut butter cups and a sweet apple pie ice cream with a swirl of graham crackers.

The ice cream collection dons the iconic square pixelation design from the game. To this end, each pint is packaged in distinctive square containers, a departure from N!ck’s traditional round pints, as a physical embodiment of Minecraft’s signature in-game blocks.

Myprotein add two new ready-to-drink Clear Whey Protein drinks to its portfolio

This year proved that functional beverages do not stop at energy drinks, as we witnessed a huge rise in the popularity of protein shakes. Following on from its animal-free protein powder collaboration with Perfect Day, Myprotein launched two new non-HFSS protein-rich beverages. 

The drinks, called protein waters, are available in peach tea and orange and mango flavours, made with the brand’s clear whey protein ingredient.

The zero-fat and zero-sugar drinks use hydrolysed whey protein isolate and were designed to provide a light and refreshing alternative that’s more like juice than a milky protein shake.

Mondelēz launch limited edition Toblerone Golden

Joining in on the limited edition snack wave, Mondelēz International expanded its confectionery lineup with the addition of Toblerone Golden earlier this year. 

Toblerone Golden features the brand’s classic crunchy nougat with golden caramel chocolate, which is made with a caramelised blend of white chocolate newly developed for UK & Ireland markets.

Brand manager for Toblerone at Mondelēz International, Claire Kamara, said: “We are confident that Toblerone Golden will help the brand to reach even more shoppers and allow retailers drive additional sales this year, given that the caramelised white flavour is 18% incremental to the chocolate category”.