Taco Bell’s innovative and exciting releases have been part of Snackology since the start — seriously, Mountain Dew Baja Blast was the very first review I did for the site — so it was fun to read about Liz Matthews, the mastermind behind many of the chain’s new releases and its chief food innovation officer.
But more importantly, Saturday was the nation’s premiere sporting event: The Pop-Tarts Bowl.
This was the third year of Pop-Tarts being the sponsor of this college football bowl game, and it’s gotten better with each edition. Frosted Strawberry and Frosted Cinnamon, the two Edible Mascots sacrificed — “the ultimate pastry dream of being eaten” — in 2023 and 2024, were, um, honored before this year’s Pop-Tarts Bowl.
The @poptartsbowl.com "honored the legacy" of the previously eaten pop tarts at the last 2 bowl games by giving jackets to cardboard pictures of them, poorly.
Greatest thing ever streamed poorly to the internet. A+. Sports is back. www.instagram.com/poptartsbowl...
The 2025 game featured six Edible Mascots, with the promise of one team of three — either Team Sprinkles or Team Swirls — being toasted and eaten by the game’s winners. Team Sprinkles was led by the new Protein Slammin’ Strawberry Pop-Tart while Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, back on the shelves for the first time in a few years, was at the helm Team Swirls.
A fan vote sent Team Sprinkles to be sacrificed in a giant toaster after BYU’s Pop-Tarts Bowl — but there was a twist! Instead of accepting his fate and getting toasted, Protein Slammin’ Strawberry ran from his fate.
The Pop-Tarts Bowl already dominated social media on Saturday — the NFL even foolishly scheduled a game against it — and this moment added a twist to the brilliant marketing strategy that kept people talking about Pop-Tarts even after the game was over.
I mean, there are some serious ethical questions raised by Protein Slammin’ Strawberry bailing on this moment.
THE FACT THAT ONE OF THE POP-TARTS CHOSE TO LIVE MAKES THE WHOLE THING WORSE SOMEHOW
The renegade Edible Mascot revealed the next stage of its plan on Sunday. I’m not sure what it means for a Pop-Tart to go pro, but Kellanova wisely is ready to keep this entire bit going past the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
We should still take a moment to honor the Edible Mascots who were sacrificed at the third annual Pop-Tarts Bowl: Frosted Cherry and Frosted Cookies & Crème.
The buzz that Pop-Tarts have created around this random bowl game is truly impressive. Every other corporate sponsor should be taking notes from the Pop-Tarts Bowl. I can’t wait to see how next year’s edition builds on this level of hype.
I think we should make sacrificing Pop-Tarts our national religion
Taco Bell’s Beloved Cheesy Dipping Burritos Are Back — Now Featuring the Garlic Sauce Fans Made Famous(Taco Bell): “This craveable menu marks a milestone in Taco Bell’s flavor innovation, bringing together fan-favorite Cheesy Dipping Burritos and bold sauces inspired directly by fan creativity. It’s proof that Taco Bell listens, learns, and celebrates its community—taking fan-favorite hacks to the national stage.”
Taco Bell Brings Back the Quesarito With One Wish — That Nikola Jokić Will Finally Try It(PR Newswire): “Now, as the Quesarito returns, Taco Bell is embracing the clip that never left internet consciousness and issuing a call for Nikola Jokić to finally try the Quesarito that unintentionally stole his spotlight. This comeback’s for you, Jokić. When asked if he would try the Quesarito, Nikola Jokić said, ‘No. It’s nice they're finally apologizing. But no.’”
Pepsi Brought Back a Fan-Favorite Soda — and It’s Here To Stay(Bailey Fink, Allrecipes): “The new creamy cola cans are still here to stay, and they will be joined by the returning 20-ounce bottles, which were initially released for a limited time in January. The 20-ounce bottles will feature the same cherry-and-cream drip design and will now be included in the permanent lineup.”
🍪 Snackology Review: Pepsi Wild Cherry & Cream gets a holiday makeover: “The Zero Sugar version of Pepsi Wild Cherry & Cream was obviously going to be the winner when it came to my soda palate. This was a much more enjoyable and balanced drink. I still can’t quite figure out how to describe the cream flavor — it’s spiced but it’s not spiced? — but it works so much better in a less sugary format.”
Hershy’s Dubai-Inspired Chocolate Bar. / Hershey’s
Candy
Hershey’s Dubai-Inspired Chocolate Bar Just Made Your FYP Edible — Drops Dec. 4(The Hershey Company): “Not every trend gets the Hershey’streatment,’ said Megan Pantalone, senior manager, innovation at The Hershey Company. ‘When something takes over social media like this, we knew it deserved a one-of-a-kind release. That’s why we kept it exclusive — only 10,000 bars total. Once they’re gone, they’re gone forever. This is for collectors, trend hunters, and anyone who wants to say they got one.’”
🍪 Snackology Review: Only 10,000 Hershey’s Dubai-Inspired Chocolate Bars exist. And I ate one of them.: With only 10,000 Dubai-Inspired Chocolate Bars available, Hershey got to work its magic on a much smaller scale than the company usually produces on. That work paid off, with this candy bar being the perfect marriage between the Hershey’s bars that many of us have grown up and probably still snack on either as we’re making s’mores or borrowing some candy from our kids’ Halloween haul and that pistachio-and-kadayif filling that have made Dubai-style chocolate so popular.”
The current and upcoming wave of Oreo products. / Nabisco
Cookies
Oreo announces slate of new, returning treats(Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery): “Oreo, the Mondelēz International brand featuring cookies and snack cakes, is unveiling a score of new items, plus a few returning favorites. The mix of limited-time and permanent-addition items includes.”
🍪 Snackology Review: Muffins! Cakesters! Thins! Minis! This wave of Oreos has it all: “Our daughter actually asked us the other day why she couldn’t have a cookie for breakfast but she could have a chocolate muffin. It’s a good question. I don’t make the rules. You’re just allowed to eat a chocolate cupcake in the morning if everyone agrees that it’s not a cupcake but instead a muffin.”
Oreo is bringing zero-sugar cookies to the US(The Associated Press): “Mondelez said it spent four years developing no-sugar Oreos so it could ensure the cookies still tasted like the originals. For sweetening, the Oreos contain maltitol, a type of sugar alcohol that’s also found in some fruits and vegetables; polydextrose, a soluble fiber; sucralose, a sweetener derived from sugar; and acesulfame potassium, a synthetic sweetener.”
The two launch flavors of Goldfish Seasoned Pretzels. / Pepperidge Farm
And more!
Goldfish to launch first flavoured pretzels in 2026(Rafaela Sousa, FoodBev Media): “The baked, Goldfish-shaped pretzels will be available in Honey Mustard and Hot Buffalo. The Honey Mustard option is coated in a sweet-savoury seasoning, while the Hot Buffalo flavour offers a spicy, tangy profile.”
🍪 Snackology Review: 2026 is gonna be the year of Goldfish: “OK, I know this is sacrilege among Western New Yorkers, but hear me out ... what if we mixed the Hot Buffalo Seasoned Pretzel Goldfish with the Zesty Ranch Goldfish? I know — I KNOW! — that blue cheese is the proper dipping sauce for Buffalo wings, sanctioned by God and Josh Allen, but since Goldfish isn’t rolling out a blue cheese flavor at the moment, I’m going to say that introducing the Hot Buffalo Goldfish to the Zesty Ranch Goldfish is OK in this one scenario.”
7-Eleven, Inc. Introduces Japanese-Style Egg Salad Sandwich to U.S. Stores(PR Newswire): “Affectionately known as the ‘tamago sando,’ the widely adored product sold in 7-Eleven stores in Japan has been celebrated by fans both online and in person. Now, the flavor profile has landed in the U.S. aisles — featuring soft, pillowy milk bread and creamy egg salad made with KEWPIE Mayonnaise.”
🍪 Snackology Review: The viral 7-Eleven Japanese-Style Egg Salad Sandwich makes its debut in America. And in my mouth.: “It’s been a long time since I’ve had a meal that was cooked ... um, produced by 7-Eleven. When I was a kid, we’d ride our bikes outside of our neighborhood and cross the slightly busy main road to visit 7-Eleven. Back then the menu was definitely a Slurpee, probably some candy and maybe one of those hot dogs that had sat on the rollers way too long if it was a holiday like July 11. (You know, 7-Eleven Day.) But I’ve never eaten a sandwich sold by the chain. And, once again, I’ve never eaten an egg salad sandwich.”
Ritz introduces Drizzled Minis Crackers(Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery): “Ritz Drizzled Minis combines the classic Ritz cracker taste with a sweet drizzle and a coated base for added texture and premium appeal. The product is debuting in two different flavors, Fudge-Flavored and Caramel-Flavored, aligning with consumers’ continued demand for elevated snack formats and indulgent, multi-textural experiences, the brand says.”
Little Debbie Unveils Exciting New Flavor: Banana Puddin’ Creme Pie(PR Newswire): “Fans of Little Debbie know the brand for its beloved line of creme pies — think Oatmeal Creme Pies, Nutty Buddy Creme Pies and more. Building on that heritage, the Banana Puddin’ Creme Pie was developed to evoke the timeless dessert experience: layers of soft vanilla cookie, banana-flavored creme and a hint of sweet custard.”
Peepsfest 2025 Brings Sweet New Year’s Eve Traditions Back to Bethlehem(PR Newsire): “‘Peepsfest is such a special way to close out the year together,’ said Courtney Angle, Corporate Affairs Specialist at Just Born Quality Confections. ‘From the giant Peeps Chick Drop to all the sweet activities throughout the festival, the event truly captures the fun and creativity that make the Peeps Brand so loved. We’re especially excited to give fans a first look at what’s coming next for 2026.’”
The Omnicosm founder. Snackology, Popculturology and The Cold Open writer. A Rochester, N.Y., native now living in the Washington, D.C., area. Won’t pass up a Genny Cream Ale.
