News Briefs

Snickers is bringing back a fan-favorite candy bar — Rockin’ Nut Road.

The bar contains roasted almonds, marshmallow-flavored nougat and caramel that is covered in a rich dark chocolate shell.

“At Mars, we are consumer obsessed. Fans have shared their love for Snickers Rockin’ Nut Road and called for the return of this delicious, one-of-a-kind flavor,” said Martin Terwilliger, senior director of marketing at Mars Wrigley. “There’s nothing like being able to excite our fans with the return of a product so many of them have requested. We are delighted to create moments of everyday happiness by bringing back Snickers Rockin’ Nut Road, a deeply satisfying treat, with the taste and texture only Snickers can provide.”

Consumers will be able to find Snickers Rockin’ Nut Road at retailers nationwide in various sizes.

A new Redcon1 product is launching on GNC shelves.

Total War Black Ops Extreme Pre-Workout is an ultra-dosed product formulated to support extreme and high-intensity workouts.

“Sports nutrition is a growing category and one in which we continue to see brands like REDCON1 delivering innovative products that support extreme readiness,” said Kevin Maloberti, vice president of merchandising at GNC. “With the launch of Total War Black Ops in great flavors, we’re building out GNC’s innovative portfolio while also adding an exciting new element to customers' routines.”

The high stimulant pre-workout contains 10 g of nitric oxide enhacning ingredients and a thermogenic complex. In addition, it has 400 mg of caffeine, nootropics and calorie-burning accelerants, the company said.

“Redcon1 is pumped to continue to grow our partnership with GNC. We know GNC consumers are always on the hunt for top-notch products that deliver strong results,” said Stefan Gatt, senior director of sales at Redcon1. “We know Redcon1 fans appreciate GNC's commitment to offering science-backed, high quality solutions and know they’ll love Total War Black Ops.”

Redcon1’s Total War Black Ops Extreme Pre-Workout is now available for purchase.

Unilever has shared its intent to sell its Suave brand in North American to Yellow Wood Partners.

Included in the Suave brand are hair care, skin care, skin cleansing and deodorant products.

“This is another step on our path to shift our portfolio towards strategic growth spaces. Suave has been a much-loved brand since the 1930s, and I am confident it will continue to thrive and serve consumers under its new ownership in North America,” said Esi Eggleston Bracey, president of Unilever USA and CEO of Unilever Personal Care North America. 

Outside of the United States and Canada, Suave will continue to be operated by Unilever, the companies shared.

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2023 and is subject to regulatory approvals and closing conditions.

COVID-19 vaccines are now included among the routine shots recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for children, adolescents and adults.

The 2023 list includes shots for the flu, measles, mumps, rubella, polio and other inoculations.

The vaccine schedule represents the current recommendations for people as a regular part of their vaccinations against common infectious diseases. It does not mean the CDC is requiring a COVID-19 shot for children or that schools will have to require that students receive the shot before enrolling, according to a report in The Hill.

The CDC does not have the authority to mandate vaccines; that decision is left up to states and local jurisdictions, the report noted. As an example, the report cited the flu vaccine, which has long been on the schedule of recommended childhood immunizations, but hardly any state actually mandates it for public schools.

Under the new guidelines, healthy children 6 months to 4 years old should receive a primary series of two doses of either the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech monovalent COVID-19 vaccine followed by a third dose of a bivalent vaccine. Children 5 to 11 years old should receive two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine followed by a bivalent shot, the report said.

There’s a new popcorn variety joining the Pillsbury family.

The latest innovation from the brand is Funfetti Popcorn, a sweet and crunchy popcorn with a Funfetti glaze and sprinkles.

Designed to be enjoyed at home or on the go, Pillsbury’s new Funfetti Popcorn is available exclusively at 7-Eleven for a suggested retail price of $2.29. The line will expand its distribution to convenience and grocery stores in the spring.

Ardell Beauty is catering to consumers who can’t live without their lashes, but may not have all the time in the world to put them on.

New from the brand is the Active Lash line, which is available at Ulta Beauty.

Created for active lifestyles, the line was designed to ensure that consumers who love to wear their lashes can do so when working out or doing an intense activity, the company said.

Inspired by the growing popularity of people looking for an easy and polished look before the gym or throughout a busy day, the collection includes six styles that come with a unique lash glue that has been formulated to be sweat resistant.