Dirty sodas are having a moment, in restaurants and convenience stores. That was just one highlight from the show floor at the National Restaurant Association Show, which took place Saturday through Tuesday in Chicago.
Suppliers also highlighted their technology, sweet treats and natural and organic products. Here are a few things that stood out to CSP editors while walking through McCormick Place.
Dirty Sodas Dominate
The “dirty soda,” which is a carbonated soft drink with added flavor syrups or creamers, is having a moment. At least that was the vibe at the National Restaurant Association Show. And for c-store retailers looking to offer a twist to classic soft drinks this trend seems to be growing.
Beverage giants Pepsi, Coca-Cola and Keurig Dr Pepper all offered their versions of “dirty soda” on the show floor.
Upside-Down Dr Pepper—featuring Dr. Pepper sweetened with caramel and pineapple syrups served over ice with a splash of cream and a cherry—was one of three “daytime treats” Keurig Dr Pepper featured as part of its lineup of dirty sodas.
Tapping into the growing trend of consumers creating unexpected twists on their favorite beverages, Drips by Pepsi gave attendees on the show floor a crafted experience.
With Pepsi as its base, attendees could choose to sample three Drips drinks, including Pepsi Zero Sugar Forever S’mores, which includes Pepsi zero sugar, coconut and lime finished with s’mores over whipped cream.
“Consumers, especially Gen Z, are increasingly looking for crafted beverages that provide new flavors, combinations and colors,” said Scott Finlow, chief marketing officer of PepsiCo Away From Home, in a statement announcing the Drips crafted beverages.
Coca-Cola offered attendees at the show an opportunity to sample a selection of “mixologist” beverages, including a drink with orange Fanta syrup and soft serve.
Megan Tallman, vice president of Coca-Cola Freestyle and foodservice innovation at the Coca-Cola Co., told CSP that she sees opportunity with mixology in the c-store channel especially as Gen Z enters the coffee category via cold.
“When I think about convenience stores, they have a high penetration when it comes to coffee,” she said. “It is another category where you can add a pump, sugar on top or a cold foam.” –Diane Adam
SoundHound Integrates AI Into Cars
SoundHound AI, a software development company based in Santa Clara, California, offers artificial intelligence software to the restaurant, retail and automotive industries, such as smart answering, smart ordering, dynamic drive-thru and AI agents.
The company has partnered with several car manufacturers to feature voice-controlled AI in vehicles. Along with being able to answer general questions and control the car’s temperature, SoundHound Chat AI can show the driver food along their route, take an order and place it so that it’s freshly ready when the driver arrives. This makes finding food destinations safer while driving, the company said.
Drivers can also locate grocery stores that use the same ordering platform, and soon, convenience stores, making it easier to find fuel and place foodservice orders in advance, SoundHound AI said. –Rachel Gignac
Think Sweet
People love their sweets, which were on display in force at the show—and companies sell items for the grab-and-go, single-serve c-store crowd. Some items that stood out include:
- Individually wrapped slices from Chicago-based Eli’s Cheesecake come in five flavors: Strawberry Swirl, Blueberry Swirl, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Chip and Original Plain.
- Chicago-based Chicago Sweet Connection Bakery’s products include a Caramel Cheesecake Slice, Chocolate Parfait, and Strawberry Shortcake Square.
- McKinney, Texas-based Cookies-n-Milk’s Edible Cookie Dough comes in Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, Double Chocolate and more.
- JJ’s Bakery, Erie, Pennsylvania, sells snack pies in flavors including peach, apple, cherry, chocolate and blueberry.
- Vernon Hills, Illinois-based Prairie City Bakery’s offerings include its Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. Flavors are Original, Cinnamon, Sea Salt Caramel, Chocolate Chip, Lemon, Key Lime, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip and Birthday Cake.
- Just Desserts, Richmond, California, sells single-serve cupcakes in flavors including Red Velvet, Carrot, Cookies & Cream, Strawberry Patch and Chocolate Fudge.
- Finally, for those with their own in-house bakery, Ghirardelli, San Leandro, California, was showing off its coating wafers, which come in dark and white, and can be used for dipping (such as strawberries), drizzling and decorating, and enrobing. The wafers mimic white and dark chocolate and also can be to coat doughnuts, cake pops and more. –Chuck Ulie
Go Natural
Iceburg Babies. Pea pasta. Kombucha on the go. These were among the items seen at the Organic and Natural Pavilion at the National Restaurant Association Show.
While geared at restaurants, all products could have applications in convenience stores as they continue to up their foodservice game and give their customers a range of food options to choose from.
One idea from Salinas, California-based Hitchcock Farms was a new take on a traditional item-the wedge salad. Their baby iceberg lettuce, or Iceberg Babies, could be used to make a single-serve wedge salad by topping the lettuce wedge with ranch, tomatoes, corn and more veggies.
Another way to add vegetables—Veggipasta, made 100% of peas. The product, from Canadian company AGT Foods, has the advantages of traditional wheat pastas with none of the allergens, the supplier said. It is made with no eggs, dairy or animal products. They also have versions including Red Lentil Rotini and High Protein Skinny Mac.
And for beverages, South Korean brand Kkokdam showed its Kombucha tea with flower packets, which are added to water. They come in flavors like Orange and Marigold and Lemon and Chrysanthemum. –Hannah Hammond
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