Dave’s Killer Bread slides into summer with sandwich rolls

Ahead of Memorial Day and Fourth of July, Dave’s Killer Bread is unveiling new rolls to bring to the barbecue.

The brand introduced two sandwich roll varieties to its portfolio: Sandwich Rolls Done Right and 21 Whole Grains and Seeds. Both rolls contain 11 grams of protein per serving; the products also contain 10 and 16 grams of whole grains, respectively.

The products can be used in a variety of applications including hot dogs and sub sandwiches, according to Dave’s.

“This addition to our product family presents a unique opportunity to attract new consumers and energize existing fans for DKB,” Cristina Watson, senior brand manager at Dave’s, said in a statement.

Dave’s Killer Bread emerged in the 2010s as a healthier alternative to shelf stable breads. Its products do not contain corn syrup or artificial preservatives or flavors. The company is also known for hiring workers who were once incarcerated as part of its Second Chance Employment program.

Outside of bread, Dave’s is also working to grow its presence in the snacking category, including protein bars and snack bites.

—Chris Casey

Warheads bursts into sour fizz candy

Impact Confections is blowing up the sour candy sector with its latest variation of Warheads, which contains a fizzy explosion in the center.

Warheads Atomic Fizz is a hard candy that dissolves into a fizz thanks to a combination of sodium bicarbonate mixed with acid. The candy comes in five flavors and is available in a reclosable plastic container at retailers nationwide. 

Even as consumers begin to shy away from sweets in favor of healthier snacks, the sour candy segment is seeing growing sales thanks to a combination of nostalgia and demand among younger consumers for more extreme taste experiences, according to the National Confectioners Association. Parents who grew up eating sour candy are making purchasing decisions for the next generation, giving the segment new life among Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

The Warheads launch is decidedly geared towards the younger generation, and includes an explosive digital marketing campaign. The brand will “blow up” its mascot, Wally, in “increasingly bigger and more entertaining ways” on TikTok and Instagram when it reaches key sales milestones, according to a release. 

“Eating Warheads Atomic Fizz takes you on a journey from the Extreme Sour coating, through the sweet fruity candy, ending with a fizzy explosion in the center,”Lindsay Karlin, vice president of marketing and development, said in a statement. “And we’re launching the product with a bang.”

Sara Lee slices the bread loaf in half

Bread maker Sara Lee is shrinking the venerable loaf of bread with its latest innovation.

The Bimbo Bakeries-owned brand is rolling out its new Sara Lee Half Loaf line aimed at consumers with smaller households, emphasizing portion control for individuals who want fresh bread without the waste. The offering comes in three flavors: White, Honey Butter and 9 Grain.

“At Sara Lee Bread, we understand that many customers in smaller households want to enjoy fresh, delicious bread without worrying about the waste,” Nick Pitone, senior brand manager at Sara Lee Bread, said in a statement. “With our new Half Loaves, we’re delivering just that – delicious, high-quality bread in a smaller, more convenient size.” 

The Sara Lee Bread Half Loaves are now available in major food retailers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $2.49.

As many consumers are looking to cut down on how much they eat, smaller portions have grown in popularity in categories such as soda, chips, candy and cookies. 

Increasingly, however, inflation has made smaller pack sizes attractive to shoppers who are looking to reduce their spending.

—Christopher Doering