New Products

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Mars will launch a new M&M flavor in May, M&M’s Brand Birthday Cake Chocolate Candies. The flavor “symbolizes family celebrations, so we think it’s a great fit with our M&M’s brand,” said Larry Lupo, Mars Chocolate North America’s VP sales for convenience and drug channels. The milk chocolate infused with birthday cake flavored candies will be available in a 1.4-oz. single pack for $1.09 and an 8-oz. stand-up-pouch for $2.99.

Probiotics have continued to rake in sales this fall, and it’s a product category that still has plenty of growth potential. According to a survey by Procter & Gamble, 53% of women still don’t know what probiotics are, but 74% are interested in how their digestive system works.

(For the full category review, including sales data, click here.)

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Core Science Medica has targeted consumers in need of a gluten-free lifestyle with its launch of Gluten Cutter, a dietary supplement to help gluten-sensitive consumers occasionally enjoy their favorite foods again. The supplement contains GCX50, a proprietary blend of enzymes, along with licorice, peppermint and ginger. The complex is designed to target and break down gluten, support intestinal health during gluten exposure and aid digestion.

DENVER — Following the BB cream craze in the face makeup category, these multitasking beauty balms are hitting the hair care aisle.

One of the newer entrants is Mineral Fusion, which has four formulations of  beauty balms: Curl Care, Hair Repair, Vibrant Shine and Volumizing. The leave-in formula is infused with anti-aging botanicals and minerals to revitalize and strengthen hair follicles. The beauty balms are priced at $12.99 each.

NEW YORK — SoftSheen-Carson in September introduced its Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Beyond Gentle & Sulfate-Free Wash.

Part of the Au Naturale Anti-Shrinkage line, the new wash is a gentle shampoo that is specifically formulated for naturalistas who frequently wash their hair. The wash is formulated with mango oil and bamboo milk for wash and go curls and coils. The suggested retail price is $9.99.

MIDDLETON, Wis. — Rayovac will showcase a new line of portable mobile charging devices at the upcoming 2014 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas from Jan. 7 to Jan. 10, 2014.  

In the late 1980s, “Star Trek: The Next Generation” introduced viewers to the replicator, which could make food, beverages and other items materialize out of thin air.

The idea of Captain Picard instantaneously getting his favorite brew by telling a machine “Tea, Earl Grey, hot” won’t happen any time soon. But with the advent of 3-D printing, it’s a lot closer to reality than one might think.

NEW YORK — ILEX Consumer Products Group last year launched amid the chaos of Black Friday its “Di-Gel Comfort Zone” — complementary, clean restrooms located in downtown Manhattan to help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with shopping the day after Thanksgiving. In the past year, the antacid, anti-gas combo has rocketed to the No. 5 spot of antacid liquid sales, generating $2.2 million on growth of 19,904.6%.