CHICAGO — The Kraft Heinz Co. has expanded its retail brands with new introductions spanning plant-based macaroni and cheese to stuffed hot dogs.
In a Feb. 14 conference call with analysts, Carlos A. Abrams-Rivera, chief executive officer of The Kraft Heinz Co., said the company is taking steps to “reenergize” its macaroni and cheese business in an effort to adapt to a changing marketplace.
Kraft Heinz partnered with The Not Co., a meat and dairy alternative maker, in February 2022 to focus on plant-based innovation. The first products introduced from the joint venture included Kraft NotMayo and NotCheese slices. In November 2023, Kraft Heinz launched its first plant-based macaroni and cheese offering, which debuted in Kraft NotMac&Cheese Original and Kraft NotMac&Cheese White Cheddar varieties.
“The Kraft Heinz Not Co. creates plant-based versions of fan-favorite foods that taste like the real thing, yet don’t require people to drastically change their eating habits,” said Lucho Lopez-May, CEO of The Kraft Heinz Not Co. “Leveraging the strengths of both companies, we’re offering the creamy and comforting experience Kraft Mac & Cheese fans have loved for over 85 years — without the dairy.”
Oscar Mayer also is tapping into the plant-based category with its first foray into non-meat products. Now available as part of the Oscar Mayer brand are NotHotDogs and NotSausages, which come in Italian, bratwurst and hot dog flavors.
“We know people are hungry for plant-based meat options from brands they know and trust,” said Lopez-May. “In launching the joint venture’s first product in the plant-based meat category, we saw an opportunity to satisfy these consumer cravings, leveraging NotCo’s revolutionary AI technology and the power, equity and legacy of the Oscar Mayer brand.”
In another first for the Oscar Mayer brand and in response to consumer demand for bold and unique flavors, the brand launched its latest hot dog line: Stuffed Dogs.
The hot dogs, which are stuffed with cheese, come in cheese, chili cheese and jalapeño cheddar varieties.
“Whether seeking a spicy twist or pop of creamy cheese, we strive to feed fans’ appetite for category offerings that are currently only available from quick-service restaurants,” said Molly White, vice president of marketing for Oscar Mayer.