As the days grow longer and the temperatures climb, consumers are reaching for snacks and baked treats that match the lightness and energy of the season. The warmer weather calls for a fresh approach to snacking and producers are stepping up with a vibrant array of new launches, showcasing innovation in form, flavour and function. We’re seeing familiar formats reimagined for on-the-go convenience, nostalgic throwbacks tweaked for modern palates and globally inspired tastes designed to transport snackers without leaving their backyard. Clean label claims continue to dominate, but indulgence is far from off the table: especially when it comes in fun, shareable formats or aligns with seasonal occasions.
Whether it’s a bite-sized indulgence to toss in a picnic basket, a better-for-you nibble to fuel outdoor adventures or a frozen novelty to cool down a sunny afternoon, this collection offers something for every craving under the sun. Dive in.
Vegan pork scratching-flavoured crisps
Premium snack maker Made for Drink has teamed up with Mr Trotter, the pork scratching specialists, to launch a bold new snack: a vegan crisp infused with all the rich, meaty flavour of traditional scratchings: without a trace of animal product. Launching on 25 May as part of the brand’s English Heritage Collection – just in time for beer garden season, the crisps offer robust, umami-packed flavour and a hearty crunch. The partnership was inspired by the desire to create a premium-tier snack that pairs beautifully with an IPA, lager or crisp white wine.
True to Made for Drink’s ethos, a portion of proceeds supports English Heritage, allowing consumers to snack with a purpose.
More than just a quirky novelty, these morsels are crafted with intention, delivering bold taste in a plant-based, ethical format. Stylish packaging rounds out this standout addition to the snacking aisle, which promises to please curious flexitarians and pub purists alike. Available from selected UK retailers and from Made for Drink online for an RRP of £1.45 for 40g bag.
Utz turns up the heat
Utz Brands is firing up the snack aisle with a triple launch that’s bursting with boldness. Two new cheese ball flavours – Red Hot and Cheese Pizza Mike’s Hot Honey – join the iconic range in a limited time release (until October). Sold in 23oz barrels with a revamped look, the products are priced around $6.99 and available at major US retailers.
The brand is also building out its Zapp’s Pretzel Stix line with Big Cheezy Sinfully-Seasoned Pretzel Stix: a Cajun-cheddar fusion offered in 1.5oz and 16oz bags that will appeal to fans of bold Southern-inspired flavours.
Rounding out the lineup is Utz’s new Sour Cream & Onion Mixed Minis Pretzels, which bring the punchy flavour of the company’s popular chips to mini pretzel shapes like waffles, rings, and twists. Available in 12oz bags in two variants: Garlic Butter and Mike’s Hot Honey.
Utz is clearly leaning into summer’s snack cravings with heat, tang and crunch: all in bright, shelf-popping packaging.
Hommus pairs garlic with sweet chili
Cedar’s Mediterranean Foods is heating up summer spreads with its Topped Organic Garlic Sweet Chili Hommus, a limited release that blends Cedar’s signature base with a sweet chili swirl and a zesty garlic seasoning blend. Vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO and USDA-certified organic, it’s crafted in small batches for flavour and freshness.
The spicy-sweet profile makes it ideal with crunchy veggies, pita chips, or spread inside wraps for a flavour-packed bite. Available online and at natural food retailers and mainstream grocers across the US for an RRP between $4.99 to $5.99 per 10oz tub.
Entenmann’s mini snack cakes
The Bimbo Bakeries USA-owned brand has rebranded its popular Mini Snack Cakes line – formerly known as Baker’s Delights – with new packaging and two fresh flavours: Iced Chocolate Chip Cake and Iced Party Cake.
Designed with convenience and fun in mind, the snack cakes are individually wrapped for on-the-go indulgence. The Iced Chocolate Chip Cake features a moist base topped with white icing and chocolate sprinkles, while the Iced Party Cake is a celebratory bite covered in rainbow sprinkles. The new varieties join a family of snack-time favourites like Mini Crumb Cakes, Mini Pound Cakes, and Snack Pies.
These bite-sized treats are available now at major US retailers nationwide, with a suggested retail price of $5.29 per box.
Benevolent Bakery’s THC-infused baking mixes
Ensuring 4/20 has a lasting impact, the Oklahoma-based Black-owned producer is baking social impact into every bite with its new line of THC-infused baking mixe. Consumers can now whip up potent brownies, confetti cake and more at home: no baking skills required. Simply add water, mix and bake.
Each kit is precision-dosed and crafted with premium ingredients, balancing great taste with consistent effects. And it’s not just about the buzz: a portion of every sale supports homelessness-focused nonprofits like Homeless Alliance (OK) and the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, making every purchase one that gives back.
Benevolent’s cannabis-derived products are available in licensed dispensaries in Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Montana and New York, while hemp-derived mixes can be ordered from its newly launched e-commerce site, shipping to most US states. Prices start around $13.99 per baking mix.
With more SKUs coming in Q2 and Q3 2025, this brand is on a mission to blend flavour, fun and philanthropy.
Higgidy takes to the skies
The UK-based premium pastry brand is reaching new heights this summer through a freshly announced partnership with British Airways. Starting in June, travellers on select World Traveller and World Traveller Plus routes from London Heathrow and Gatwick will be served exclusive 95g Jumbo Rolls as part of the second snack service.
Passengers can choose from two tempting options: the Cheddar & Caramelised Onion Chutney Jumbo Roll, featuring mature Cheddar, Red Leicester and sweet chutney wrapped in buttery puff pastry; or the Vegetable Samosa Jumbo Roll, a vegan delight filled with spiced cauliflower, chickpeas and mango chutney in golden pastry topped with seeds.
The hot snacks are designed to offer real comfort food at 30,000 feet, marrying flavour, freshness and convenience. While not available at retail, this bespoke offering puts Higgidy on the radar of a global audience, enhancing its brand visibility among quality-focused consumers.
Jell-O goes plant-based
After 125 years of classic dessert tradition, Jello-O has gone vegan. The Kraft Heinz brand just debuted its first-ever plant-based pudding, using oat milk as a creamy, allergen-friendly alternative to dairy. The result? A rich, silky Oat Milk Chocolate Pudding that tastes just like the original.
The modern take on the retro favourite is both lactose-free and vegan, and responds to growing demand for plant-based desserts. With milk allergies on the rise and a growing number of Americans identifying as lactose intolerant, it’s a nostalgic nod to childhood lunches and doesn’t stint on flavour.
Available in 4-pack snack cups at major US retailers nationwide for an RRP of $3.99-$4.49 per pack.
Sprinkles Chocolate debuts s’mores cupcake cups
The US bakery brand is bringing the campfire treat indoors with its new S’Mores Cupcake Cups. Sprinkles launched its CPG line last year, transforming fan-favourite cupcake flavours into shelf-stable chocolate creations. The S’Mores edition follows hits like Red Velvet and Birthday Cake, available in Costco and Albertsons locations nationwide.
Each S’Mores Cupcake Cup features a milk chocolate shell filled with marshmallow-flavoured frosting and topped with crunchy graham cracker crumbles. It’s a rich, nostalgic bite that evokes the sticky joy of s’mores: no fire required.
In addition to the new flavour, the brand is refreshing its packaging with bold, colourful designs that reflect each product’s playful personality. All products are gluten-free, Kosher, and Rainforest Alliance Certified, ensuring sustainable indulgence.
S’More Cupcake Cups are available exclusively at Kroger, Fred Meyer and King Soopers for an RRP of $4.99 per 2-pack: a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth on the go.
Wendy’s reinvents the frosty
Wendy’s is shaking up the frozen dessert game with two major innovations: Frosty Swirls and Frosty Fusions, reimagined with bold sauces and sweet mix-ins. The Frosty Swirls feature classic Frosty base swirled with one of three sauces: Strawberry, Caramel or Brownie Batter (available now). Then, from 12 May, Frosty Fusions add mix-ins like Oreo cookies, toffee bits and even Pop-Tarts Crunchy Poppers.
These customisable creations offer consumers a new way to enjoy a nostalgic classic, blending innovation with indulgence. Swirls start at $2.99, and prices vary for mix-in Fusions, available instore or via the Wendy’s mobile app.
Celebrating over 55 years on the menu, the Frosty is now more fun, personal and craveable than ever before. With these flavour-packed updates, Wendy’s is positioning itself as a serious dessert destination: just in time for warmer weather.
