Leftovers: Miller Lite freshens up mint aisle | Organic Valley’s latest milk is a no-brainer

Miller Lite freshens up the mint aisle

Giving up beer during Dry January? Miller Lite has found a way for beer lovers to enjoy the taste of the popular beverage without the alcohol.

The Molson Coors brand is now selling mints with the same taste as Miller Lite, only without the beer, to individuals 21 and older. Each tin comes with 40 mints and costs $5, about what most consumers would pay for a cold Miller Lite on draft.

The offering, which went on sale January 12, greets consumers with the freshness of mint followed by the subtle taste of Miller Lite that leaves consumers’ breath “feeling fresh and their taste buds hoppy.”

“If you love the taste of beer but want to take a break from the ABV for the month, we’re offering consumers the perfect way to enjoy Miller Lite without breaking any resolutions,” Ann Legan, vice president of marketing for the Miller Family at Molson Coors, said in a statement. “Beer Mints may be a little unexpected, but we’re confident our fans will love their great taste along with the surprising note of spearmint.” 

The beer mints coincide with January when more consumers are giving up booze for the month to save money or reduce their calorie consumption. 

Many consumers have gravitated to products with little or no alcohol to get the taste without the buzzy feeling – something Molson Coors is aiming to replicate with its mints. Last year, 15% of consumers said they planned to partake in Dry January.

The candy is the latest product Molson Coors has debuted without alcohol which keeps their offering top of mind with shoppers. The company’s Miller High Life brand partnered with chocolatier and entrepreneur Phillip Ashley in 2023 on Miller High Life Bar Snack Truffles, while its Coors Light brew also has been found in offbeat products such as beer-flavored lollipops and popsicles.

— Christopher Doering

Organic Valley’s latest milk is a no-brainer

While dairy milk sales have seen a downturn in recent years amid the rise of plant-based alternatives, brands in the category are switching things up with value-adds and splashy ingredients. Organic Valley wants to win over new consumers looking to obtain some extra brain power from their beverages.

Its new milk product line, Family First, contains DHA Omega 3, which the brand said increases brain health. In its press release, the brand pointed to Americans’ failure to meet the recommended daily intake of the nutrient across all age groups, according to a National Institute of Health study published in 2019. Omega 3 fatty acids have a positive impact on cognition, well-being and blood flow to the brain, according to another NIH-published study.

The Organic Valley products are also sourced from local farms, with cows raised without GMOs, antibiotics or pesticides according to the brand.

Gen Z, which is concerned with climate change and nutrition, is less into dairy milk — members of the generation purchased 20% less of the beverage than the national average in 2022, according to Circana data cited by the New York Times. Brands in the milk category have diversified their product offerings to fit consumer demand for better-for-you and sustainability attributes.

A2, which only contains the better-for-you A2 protein contrary to most American milks, collaborated with confectionery giant Hershey on 2% chocolate milk in 2021 and debuted products sourced from grass-fed cows last year.

— Chris Casey

Sweetkiwi and Snoop Dogg’s Broadus foods join forces in frozen aisle

Broadus Foods, founded by Calvin “Snoop Dogg” Broadus and led by CEO Percy “Master P” Miller, is a joint venture between fellow rappers and entrepreneurs. 

Founded in 2022, the brand aims to support charities like A Door Of Hope that work to feed people experiencing homelessness.

Now, with its latest collaboration and product launch with Sweetkiwi, the rappers are looking to fuse “culinary creativity and a joint commitment to quality and community empowerment,” the companies said in a statement.

Paying homage to the popular Snoop cereal varieties, Sweetkiwi and Broadus Foods are debuting frozen Greek yogurt bars in 3 flavors; Graham Honeyz, Cinnamon Toasteez Crunch and Fruity Hoops. 

All three flavor offerings have a Greek yogurt base with features like crunchy mix-ins, spicy notes and mixed fruit flavors. 

“Partnering with Sweetkiwi is about bringing innovative and delightful experiences to our customers. These Frozen Greek Yogurt Bars embody the spirit of Snoop Cereal – fun, flavorful, and full of unexpected goodness,” said Snoop Dogg in a statement. 

Sweetkiwi has been a pioneer in the better-for-you desserts sector, and boasts products using only high-quality, natural ingredients, according to the company. 

But to both parties, this partnership is about more than just delivering on flavor. 

“This collaboration is more than a business venture; it’s a platform to inspire and empower,” Master P said in a statement.  “We’re proud to join forces with Sweetkiwi, a company that shares our vision for quality and positive community impact.”

Snoop Dogg has been dipping his toes in the food and beverage sectors in more ways than one.

Well known as a connoisseur of weed throughout his career, Snoop Dogg took his credentials to the popular THC-infused beverage space last year, collaborating with Hill Beverage Co. to create a line of hemp-infused beverages. 

Meanwhile, in 2022, the rapper created Snazzy-O’s, a THC-infused homage to crunchy onion ring-style snacks.

— Elizabeth Flood