Reese’s Pieces has introduced its first new U.S. flavor in a decade, adding a chocolate cookie center to the classic peanut butter candy. The Reese’s Pieces with Chocolate Cookie features a crispy texture inside the iconic orb-shaped treats, aiming to meet rising consumer demand for multi-textural snacks. The launch is set for July 17 and will be available nationwide in pouches, with king-size versions planned for release later in 2026.
The new product plays into the current trend of adding crunch to popular sweets. Mars recently introduced M&M’s Pop’d Caramel to capitalize on similar desires for unexpected textures. Candy makers have been experimenting with freeze-dried varieties and crispy centers to capture attention on social media platforms like TikTok. The addition of a cookie core represents Hershey’s latest attempt to refresh a legacy brand.
Melissa Blette, senior brand manager for Reese’s, said in a statement that the new innovation creates an entirely new shareable snacking experience for the fan-favorite candy. While the rollout focuses on texture, the flavor profile remains anchored in the brand’s established identity.
Quaker is also updating its product lineup with a new convenience item designed for busy mornings. The Quaker Oat Shake & Go allows consumers to create oat shakes instantly by adding liquid to a bottle and shaking. The drinks come in cinnamon vanilla and strawberry and banana flavors and contain 23 grams of protein per serving when prepared with eight ounces of milk.
Consumers typically mix the powder with water, milk, or an alternative milk, creating what is essentially an instant overnight oats experience. The oats are currently making their way to hot cereal aisles at major U.S. retailers nationwide this month. PepsiCo cited research indicating that 65% of Americans prepare morning meals in under five minutes, with a lack of time often cited as a barrier to eating breakfast.
James Wade, chief marketing officer for Quaker Foods, noted in a statement that “today’s consumers want delicious and nutritious food and beverage options that fit into their busy routines.” The drink targets the 86% of Americans who actively add protein to their diet and the 73% who try to increase their fiber intake. While the product focuses on speed, it requires a liquid component, which means it does not eliminate the need for a refrigerator or pantry space for milk.
Brown-Forman is expanding its ready-to-drink portfolio with the El Jimador Tequila Spritz, a canned cocktail featuring Blanco tequila. The three varieties include lime, orange, and mango, with an alcohol by volume rate of 4.8%. This alcohol content is lower than many traditional spirits, positioning the drink as an easy-drinking option for summer.
The launch taps into a growing interest in canned cocktails, a category that has remained stable even as overall alcohol consumption declines. Mary Beth O’Mara, brand director of Brown-Forman’s RTD portfolio in the U.S. and Canada, said the spritz is “more than a spritz; it is an invitation to connect and refresh.” Brown-Forman, which also owns Jack Daniel’s and Buffalo Trace, has been aggressively building out this segment of its business.