Up In the Air

Seth Rogen has mastered blending his personal brand with business. Known for his love of cannabis, he co-founded Houseplant in 2019, merging his passion for weed and ceramics into a lifestyle brand offering stylish cannabis accessories. Now, Houseplant has expanded into THC-infused sparkling water.

The drinks come in four all-natural, sugar-free flavors: pineapple, citrus, blackberry, and black cherry. Each can contain three milligrams of THC

 

Six Degrees of Salivation

Oreo is kicking off 2025 with six delicious new treats! Starting December 26, Oreo Game Day cookies hit shelves with football-themed designs for a limited time. Then on January 3, get ready for Oreo Loaded with Mega Stuf and cookie bits, Golden Oreo Cakesters, Oreo Irish Creme Thins, and Oreo Minis Peanut Butter.

If it’s the cool effect you’re craving, try Oreo Frozen Treats, including poppable Oreo Bites and Mini Bars.

 

Trend Alert: GLP-1 Friendly Food

GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy have gained attention for aiding weight loss, now used by 12% of the population. Conagra Brands is introducing an “On Track” badge for 26 Healthy Choice frozen meals in response to this trend.

The badge highlights high-protein, low-calorie, and fiber-rich options deemed “GLP-1 Friendly.” It’s designed to help shoppers easily spot meals that fit their dietary goals.

Nestle Goes GLP-1, Too

Nestlé’s Boost brand has launched a pre-meal drink designed to curb hunger by promoting the body’s natural production of GLP-1, the hormone linked to appetite control. The mocha-flavored shot contains 10 grams of protein and just 45 calories per serving.

Marketed toward consumers using GLP-1 drugs or managing their weight, the drink helps create a feeling of fullness when consumed 10-30 minutes before meals. Available on Amazon and at select CVS stores, it’s part of the growing trend of products targeting weight-conscious consumers.

 

Once in a decade

Ritz Bits is spicing things up for the first time in nearly a decade with a bold new flavor: Spicy Queso. The cracker sandwiches deliver a savory, flavorful kick, perfect for parties, snacking on the go, or chilling at home.

“With Spicy Queso, we’re turning up the heat on the Ritz Bits you know and love,” said Steven Saenen, Ritz’s VP of Marketing. “It’s a bold twist on your childhood favorite.”

 

That’s Saucy

KFC is launching Saucy, a new chicken tender-focused restaurant concept in Orlando, Florida, on December 23. The star of the menu? Eleven unique dipping sauces, including Chimichurri Ranch, Spicy Mango Chutney, and the mysterious Saucy’s Sauce. Diners can mix and match sauces in flights or pair them with tender sandwiches, coleslaw, and fries.

“Everyone is obsessed with sauce — more is more,” said Christophe Poirier, KFC’s chief new concept officer. With its bold pink decor and playful branding, Saucy taps into Gen Z’s love for boneless chicken and flavor-packed dipping options.

 

From Momofuku to Target

Grocery stores are filling shelves with products from upscale restaurants as consumers seek premium at-home dining experiences. The trend sparked during the pandemic, helped restaurants like Momofuku and Carbone expand into retail, generating millions in new revenue.

Momofuku launched its first grocery items in 2020, offering sauces, ramen, and salts. By year-end, it plans to be in 11,000 stores, including Target and Whole Foods. CEO Marguerite Mariscal calls grocery retail a way to “future-proof” the business, despite initial skepticism from industry leaders. “We saw an opportunity where others didn’t,” she said. 

 

Taco Bell Enters the Beverage World

Taco Bell is venturing into the beverage world with its new spinoff, Live Más Café, which opened Dec. 9 in Chula Vista, California. The drink-focused spot serves specialty beverages like Coffee & Churro Chillers, agua frescas, and the TikTok-inspired Dirty Baja Blast.

Customers can also enjoy Cinnabon Caramel Coffees, Vanilla Crema Iced Coffees, and more, all crafted by “Bellristas” (Taco Bell baristas). Partnering with Diversified Restaurant Group, Live Más Café blends coffeehouse vibes with Taco Bell’s signature flair.