Savory Social Media Listening

Listening Dates: January 1, 2019 – March 31, 2019

The Vegan Taco-ver

Fast-food giant Taco Bell is unveiling vegan and vegetarian items that might just have you saying no más to your meat-filled favorites. Many Taco Bell loyalists note the Mexican pit-stop already helps vegetarian and vegan customers avoid animal products with their “Make it Meatless” option. “We’ve always been a safe haven for vegetarians because we already have so many options,” said Taco Bell’s chief food innovation officer, Elizabeth Matthews. “Many people just don’t know it.” The move towards waistline-friendly options caters to fast casual dining defectors who are looking to follow diet-based eating trends. Hat’s off to T-Bell for making their menu more accessible to all types of eaters. At least someone is looking out for our waistlines.

This Chick Just Got a Bigger Coop

Hey all you chicken salad-lovin’ Texans…guess what? Chicken Salad Chick announced in early February that it will be expanding its Texas presence with a third Dallas-Fort Worth location in Irving. Founded in Auburn, Alabama in 2008, Chicken Salad Chick is the nation’s only southern-inspired, fast casual chicken salad restaurant. Co-founders Luis Ibarguengoytia and his wife Lesslie have plans to open 15 Chicken Salad Chick locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth area over the next several years. “While we’ve seen several restaurants pop up, we felt that there was a need for a unique concept with a welcoming environment and genuine hospitality. We knew that concept was Chicken Salad Chick,” said Luis. We have to agree with Luis on that one, clearly this chick is here to stay.

Brunch Just Got a Whole Lot Easier

It might sound like a late April Fools’ prank, but it’s not. On April 2^nd, Lunchables announced a new breakfast line called Brunchables, and it comes in three varieties: Bacon & Cheese, Breakfast Ham & Cheese and Breakfast Sausage & Cheese. Not to mention, after you enjoy your breakfast sandwich, don’t miss the blueberry muffin. From what started as a clever gag on Twitter, Brunchables are expected to arrive in select stores nationwide this month. And for all you Lunchables loyalists out there, this is just the beginning. Next stop… Dinnerables?

When in Okinawa, Eat as The Okinawans Do

Getting its name from the small Japanese island of Okinawa, this new diet trend is gaining serious traction in the wellness world. “On this island, there is an almost astonishing amount of people aged 100 and older.” As reported in National Geographic by Dan Bruettner, “It’s home to ‘the world’s longest-lived women,’ all with less heart disease, cancer, and dementia than women living in the United States.” Want to eat like an Okinawan? Start by adding their principles to your diet through the addition of plant-based foods like goya, radishes, mushrooms, carrots, and sweet potatoes (which are high in flavonoids, vitamin C, fiber, and cartenoids). Maybe start with flavoring, herbs like turmeric and mugwort, which are all staples of the diet. If you’re like us, (meaning you don’t want to spend a ton of time in the kitchen) start by eating less processed foods and opt for a bag of carrots instead.

Snack on Snap’d: New Line of Cheez-Its Hits the Shelf  

Love the cheese but hate the grease?  You’re in luck.  Kellogg’s has unveiled a new line of cheesy baked snacks called Cheez-It Snap’d.  Light, crisp, and airy, but delivering a formidable punch of familiar fromage flavor, these snackable crisps clock in at only 140 calories per 21-crisp serving. Debuting in four flavors – Double Cheese, Cheddar Sour Cream & Onion, Jalapeno Jack, and White Cheddar & Bacon – these bites will be your new best friend on TV binge night!

Egg Over Heals for New Jimmy Dean Egg’wich

Jimmy Dean Delights has introduced a new way to kick off your morning without all those heavy carbs. The new Egg’wich sandwiches Jimmy Dean’s traditional sausage patty and cheese between two egg frittatas, creating a filling, low-carb treat. These Delights currently come in three flavors: Broccoli & Cheese; Basil, Spinach, Caramelized Onion & Parmesan; and Ham, Bell Peppers, Mushroom, Bacon & Onion. They are sure to get your morning started right!

Mayo-We Tell You About Heinz’ New Sauce Mash-ups?

Heard of Mayochup? Us neither, but apparently this ketchup-mayo combination by Heinz took the Middle East by storm, causing them to roll it out in the United States to favorable reviews last September. Last month, the condiment giant decided to double-down on the double-dip and come out with two more combos for US consumption – Mayocue (mayonnaise + barbecue sauce + spice blend) and the controversially named Mayomust (mayonnaise + yellow mustard + spice blend). Now, Heinz is adding a new combo to the line – Kranch, a mix of ketchup, ranch dressing, and, again, a special spice blend.  The whole line is dubbed “Saucy Sauces”, and Heinz is loving the social media exposure they’ve produced.  We’re still a little unsure about this colorful new line, but what social media wants, social media gets. Bon Appetit?

Stack ‘n Snack with Pringles “Flavor Stacking”

Pringles has decided to reboot its “flavor stacking” initiative, where consumers can choose up to three of their favorite flavors, “stack” them, and experience them together as a single chip. A spokesman for the company noted that the public is already familiar with the wide variety of flavors offered by the company, but thinks that opening consumers to nearly endless flavor combinations (it’s estimated that there are a total of 318,000 different combinations with the current set of Pringles flavors) will keep them coming back for more.

In addition to their flavor stacking initiative, Pringles is now also offering ridged versions of a few of their classic flavors. This line of chips is designed to satisfy those who enjoy the “ridged” varieties of other chip brands, combined with the taste of their favorite Pringle. Some of the flavors available at retail are Applewood Smoked Cheddar, Fire Roasted Jalapeno, and their Classic Salted.

Tostitos Hint of Lime Enters Retirement

The Hint of Lime Scoops offered by Tostitos has officially been discontinued by the company. Hint of Lime loyalists, who have been enjoying the product for close to two decades now, can take solace in the fact that the flavor is still available in its original triangle-cut shape.

Chipotle-Away Unwanted Calories 

New “Lifestyle Bowls” are tailored to fit your diet parameters.

As if they weren’t already reading our minds, Chipotle has recently released their own line of “lifestyle bowls” that allow paleo, ketogenic, and Whole30 dieters to enjoy a quick bite without the guilt of breaking their new year’s resolutions! “Now more than ever, Americans are embracing new and varied approaches to healthy living and wellness,” said Chris Brandt, chief marketing officer at Chipotle. “We’ve watched guests custom create lifestyle-specific bowls when ordering in our restaurants, so it made sense to offer delicious options via our online channels that help people easily order bowls with real ingredients that fit their wellness goals.” If you like feeling full and meeting your weight-loss goals, go online and make your own Lifestyle Bowl…maybe you even throw in a side of queso guilt-free…

• • Whole30® Salad Bowl: Romaine lettuce, carnitas, fajita veggies, tomato salsa and guacamole
  • Paleo Salad Bowl: Romaine lettuce, barbacoa, fajita veggies, green salsa and guacamole
  • Keto Salad Bowl: Romaine lettuce, carnitas, red salsa, cheese and guacamole
  • Double Protein Bowl: White rice, black beans, chicken (full portion), steak (full portion), red salsa, romaine lettuce and sour cream

Content generated by monitoring and mining online social media channels for unsolicited consumer-generated discussions of categories, brands, and flavors. It’s purpose – to keep Givaudan and its partner clients on the forefront of emerging marketplace trends.

Kim Duncan

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