KANSAS CITY — Food and snack manufacturers are introducing a variety of new retail offerings and expanding existing product lines.

Vegetable brand Green Giant has debuted three new products: crispy smashed potatoes, corn cob bites and veggie ramen.

The smashed potatoes are designed in an easy-to-prepare format, with no washing, peeling or chopping required, and come in garlic Parmesan and sea salt and black pepper flavors. The corn cob product features 1-inch cuts of corn on the cob for side dish, snacking and appetizer applications, with flavors like butter, salt and pepper and Mexican-style street corn. Green Giant’s vegetable ramen combines a blend of vegetables, ramen noodles and broth in varieties like chicken flavored, beef flavored, garlic soy and spicy chicken flavored.

The company also has added broccoli pilaf and asparagus, pea and mushroom risotto to its Veggies & Rice line, along with tri-colored potatoes and broccoli and roasted red potatoes to its Roasting Veggies line.  

“Crispy smashed potatoes, corn cob bites and veggie ramen offer fun twists to classic favorites, while remaining a convenient, and affordable option that doesn't sacrifice taste,” said Kristen Thompson, president of frozen and vegetables and senior vice president of B&G Foods.

PepsiCo, Inc. has expanded its Gatorade product portfolio with a hydrating powder mix. Gatorade Hydration Booster is an electrolyte drink mix designed to aid all-day hydration for everyday lifestyles, according to the company. The powder is formulated from a blend of watermelon juice, sea salt, sodium citrate and potassium salt, and each packet contains 100% of the daily recommended intake of vitamins A, B3, B5, B6 and C. Flavors include strawberry watermelon, tropical mango and citrus berry.

“Gatorade Hydration Booster combines our history of superior science with the functional product attributes we know consumers are looking for,” said Marissa Pines, senior marketing director for the Gatorade portfolio. “Developed with an advanced blend of electrolytes, added vitamins and no added color, it was designed to deliver all-day, always-on hydration.”

Pennsylvania-based The Hershey Co. has added a new confectionery format to its Jolly Rancher brand. Jolly Rancher Ropes combine existing Jolly Rancher flavors and an elongated, chewy format, with dual flavor packs such as watermelon and green apple or blue raspberry and cherry.

“We know this new innovation will quickly become a fan favorite among younger consumers,” said Danielle Ford, senior brand manager of Jolly Rancher. “Bringing our impossibly fruity flavors to a deliciously chewy rope form delivers an unbeatable combination.”