Leftovers offers a glimpse into some of the exciting product innovations emerging across various markets. While some ideas are fascinating and others sound fantastic, a few are certainly unconventional. Here, we present a selection of intriguing insights collected from our inboxes.
Cheez-It Launches Gluten-Free Version
Cheez-It has introduced a gluten-free variant of its renowned cheesy cracker, describing this move as “one of the most highly anticipated developments in the brand’s history.”
This Mars-owned brand is rolling out the gluten-free cracker as part of a broader innovation strategy to “offer new flavors, appealing textures, and greater variety.” The decision to create this option stemmed from consumer feedback, particularly from those who have transitioned to gluten-free diets or those who have never tried the original cracker.
“We invested time to perfect the recipe and production process, ensuring that gluten-free snack lovers can enjoy the same cheesy flavor and satisfying crunch,” stated Cara Tragseiler, senior brand director for Cheez-It. “Now, even more fans can finally experience the Cheez-It journey they have been waiting for.”
The gluten-free Cheez-It will hit store shelves across the U.S. in February. Additionally, Cheez-It plans to unveil more flavors in its lineup including Cheez-It Crunch, designed to deliver “multisensory flavors” through a unique 3D shape. The brand will also introduce a Honey BBQ flavor for its Snap’d line and a Loaded Nacho flavor for Cheez-It Grooves.
The snack industry has increasingly turned to innovation—introducing new textures and reformulations—to broaden their appeal and reach a more diverse audience. This trend reflects a common goal of connecting with health-conscious consumers and those with specific dietary preferences. For example, in December, Mondelēz International unveiled its first-ever sugar-free Oreo in the U.S., aiming to attract entirely new audiences, according to the brand’s vice president of marketing.
The launch of the gluten-free Cheez-It arrives at a time when the Trump administration emphasizes ingredient transparency as part of its “Make America Healthy Again” initiative. Recently, the FDA has begun to require food companies to disclose gluten content, seeking additional input from industry stakeholders.
— Sarah Zimmerman
Sanpellegrino Introduces CIAO! Limoncello
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Courtesy of Nestlé
As Dry January approaches, Sanpellegrino is excited to present its latest seltzer.
Sanpellegrino CIAO! Limoncello features genuine fruit juice, natural flavors, and a hint of Sicilian salt. Each can contains just five calories and zero alcohol volume, making it an ideal choice to kick off the New Year with healthy options, according to a company representative.
“Although Sanpellegrino CIAO! Limoncello was not specifically created for Dry January, we are thrilled to roll out this product just in time for those searching for refreshing, non-alcoholic alternatives,” the spokesperson shared via email. “With Sanpellegrino CIAO!, you can savor an authentic Italian beverage experience at any time of the year.”
The drink will initially debut on Amazon this month before becoming available in retailers nationwide by February.
Sanpellegrino CIAO! was launched last year in four flavors, and the Nestlé-owned Italian sparkling water brand is adding Limoncello to its lineup in response to growing consumer interest in diverse flavors.
The CIAO! series complements the existing Sanpellegrino portfolio, which includes classic sparkling water, flavored Italian Sparkling Drinks, and zero-sugar variations.
As consumers continue to seek healthier alternatives, the sparkling water segment has experienced significant growth, with sales of flavored seltzer, sparkling, and mineral water projected to rise from $3.8 billion in 2020 to $5.5 billion by 2025, based on Circana data.
— Christopher Doering
Twisted Tea Expands with High-Alcohol Varieties
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Courtesy of Boston Beer Company
Twisted Tea is responding to the rising demand for high-alcohol beverages with an expansion of its Extreme series.
This Boston Beer-owned brand is introducing two new flavors: Extreme Long Island Iced Tea and Extreme Fruit Punch, each boasting an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 8%, nearly double that of standard Twisted Tea.
The new varieties will be featured in a 12-can variety pack, which will also include existing favorites like Extreme Lemon and Extreme Blue Razz, expanding from their prior single-serve availability.
Since its launch in 2001, Twisted Tea has become a popular choice, and the Extreme series was introduced in 2023. The success of the Extreme line in convenience stores has attracted new customers to the Twisted Tea brand, and the company anticipates that the variety pack will encourage even more drinking occasions.
Even as alcohol consumption in the U.S. has reached a new low in 2025, high-alcohol ready-to-drink (RTD) products have flourished. Data from IWSR indicates that the share of new launches with an ABV above 5% grew significantly from 48% in 2021 to 55% by 2024.
To capitalize on this trend, major players in the alcohol industry, including Anheuser-Busch and Sazerac, have engaged in mergers and acquisitions. Anheuser-Busch acquired a majority stake in BeatBox, a prominent high-alcohol brand, while Sazerac purchased BuzzBallz, which produces a 15% ABV beverage.
— Laurel Deppen
