Philadelphia Cream Cheese Launches Hot Honey Flavor

Kraft Heinz has launched Philadelphia Mike's Hot Honey Whipped Cream Cheese, marking the brand's first sweet heat flavor in the United States. The product combines the brand's whipped cream cheese with Mike's Hot Honey, which is infused with real chili peppers.

According to Datassential, nearly half of consumers have tried hot honey, with millennials and Gen Z leading the trend. Sweet-and-spicy flavors on menus have surged nearly 230% over the past four years. The new cream cheese is available exclusively at Walmart and will expand to additional retailers in January.

Portfolio Expansion with Familiar Flavors

Philadelphia is also introducing two more flavors to its portfolio. Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese will be available for a limited time, while Salted Caramel Cream Cheese is a permanent addition. Kraft Heinz stated these varieties tap into the comfort and familiarity people desire, citing Innova Market Insights data showing 85% of consumers say familiar flavors influence their food and drink choices.

Maddy Zingle, vice president of marketing at Philadelphia Cream Cheese, said the brand has set the standard for over 150 years and must evolve with consumer tastes. "These new products are proof points in how we're accelerating flavor innovation, with 10 new flavors joining our lineup in the last two years," Zingle stated.

The spreads are designed for use on items ranging from cinnamon rolls and cookies to salty snacks like pretzels. This launch follows recent introductions of a lactose-free version and a plant-based spread for vegans.

Old El Paso Enters Broth Category

Separately, General Mills' Old El Paso brand is launching its first line of broths. The move aims to bring Tex-Mex flavors to meals beyond traditional taco nights. The broths come in two gluten-free varieties with no artificial flavors.

Ben Bienert, business unit director for Old El Paso at General Mills, said consumers are looking for more ways to incorporate these flavors into everyday cooking. The 32-ounce broths are suggested for adding a punch of spice to grains, pastas, ramen, soups, sauces, and stews.

Shock Top's Halloween Collaboration

In a seasonal move, Tilray's Shock Top craft beer brand has collaborated with Spirit Halloween on a limited-edition Candy Corn Wheat ale. The beer contains 5% alcohol by volume and is positioned as a beverage for costume parties and haunted gatherings.

The collaboration also includes a Spirit Halloween costume that allows fans to dress as the Shock Top logo, which retails for $69.99. The candy corn beer will be available nationwide in six-packs priced between $9.99 and $12.99.

Jacob Neilson, senior brand manager at Shock Top, said partnering with Spirit Halloween allowed the brand to create something that celebrates the season. The launch aligns with fall beer flavor innovations, which often include Oktoberfest and pumpkin varieties from other brewers.