KANSAS CITY — Nearly 33 million people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day every year, and 57% of Americans celebrated the holiday in 2020, according to data from the National Restaurant Association. In 2020, consumers spent approximately $6.1 billion on St Patrick’s Day.
To get their share of that green, restaurants and consumer packaged goods companies are offering limited-edition foods to help consumers celebrate the holiday.
General Mills, Inc. has introduced limited-edition Green Milk Turn Lucky Charms. The cereal includes clover-shaped marshmallow pieces that turn the milk green. The gluten-free, toasted oat cereal contains 140 calories and 12 grams of sugar per 1-cup serving.
“For generations, Lucky Charms has been synonymous with wonderment and fun, and this year we’re adding even more colorful magic for a special St. Patrick’s Day,” said Mindy Murray, senior brand experience manager for Lucky Charms. “We’re excited to bring many ways to celebrate at home … to help parents create magical memories with their children.”
Lucky Charms cereal appears in a spate of St. Patrick’s Day innovation. Cold Stone Creamery teamed with General Mills to launch Lucky Charms Ice Cream, available in a new Cold Stone Creation and milkshake that are topped with Lucky Charms marshmallows.
"Cold Stone Creamery is delighted to partner with General Mills this month to bring the magic beyond the cereal bowl and introduce this limited-time flavor," said Sara Schmillen, vice president of marketing at Kahala Brands, parent company of Cold Stone Creamery. "Guests of all ages will enjoy the nostalgia of this combination, and it's sure to bring some luck your way."
Pinkbox Doughnuts is offering the Lucky Charms Bar, a green frosted raised bar donut topped with Lucky Charms cereal.
Duck Donuts is offering the Lucky Duck Assortment for St. Patrick’s Day festivities, including three varieties topped with Lucky Charms: chocolate icing with Lucky Charms and marshmallow drizzle topping, strawberry icing with Lucky Charms and marshmallow drizzle topping, and glazed with Lucky Charms and marshmallow drizzle topping.
“We had an overwhelming positive reaction and excitement after we offered a cereal topping on our donuts for the first time; therefore the decision was easy to bring back the fan-favorite assortment for St. Patrick’s Day,” said Russ DiGilio, chief executive officer and founder of Duck Donuts. “As a company who prides itself on creating unique experiences, customers can create their own luck this year by adding magical charms to their customized donut.”
