Leftovers: Crystal Farms launches dill pickle shredded cheese | Peroni puts Italian Ice on tap

Post Holdings makes shredded cheese a big ‘dill’

Picklemania has taken over cheesemaker Crystal Farms.

The Post Holdings-owned brand announced the release of Dill Pickle flavored shredded cheese. The offering, a blend of Monterey Jack and the flavor of zesty dill pickles, will be available for a limited time in Target stores across the Upper Midwest.

“Our consumers have been asking for more unique and bold flavors — and they’re especially excited about anything pickle,” Andrew Cannon, associate director of marketing at Crystal Farms, said in a statement. “Through consumer research, kitchen visits and market analysis, it became clear that shoppers want bold, recipe-ready cheeses.”

Crystal Farms said it leveraged its in-house seasoning capabilities to develop the new flavor. The cheese can be used in recipes for foods such as wraps, dips, or mac and cheese.

Pickles have become the food of the moment on social media platforms, including TikTok, where more than 223 million videos are dedicated to the brined cucumber. Food companies are jumping on the pickle train, with brands such as Goldfish and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos incorporating the flavors into recent launches.

— Sarah Zimmerman

Italian ice on tap for Peroni beer

With record-high temperatures blanketing much of the country this week, consumers might need more than an ice-cold beer to cool down.

Italian beer Peroni Nastro Azzurro is partnering with chef Giada De Laurentiis and Tipsy to transform the popular beer into frozen form. Peroni Italian Beer Ice Scoop, with up to 5% alcohol by volume, is a lemon Italian ice creation with hints of citrus and the classic taste of the beer.

“Italian ice has always held a special place in my heart — it’s my favorite summer treat, and when you add a Peroni to the mix, I feel like I’m back in Italy,” De Laurentiis said in a statement. “Peroni Italian Beer Ice is a fun, refreshing combination to bring crisp taste and Italian style to your summer occasions.”

Peroni Italian Beer Ice became available online starting June 26 to fans 21 and older.

Italian ice is the latest creation between Peroni and De Laurentiis, who first partnered with the brand in April to find ways to bring the beer into different recipes, including pizza dough crust.

Frozen treats have proven to be a popular channel for alcohol. Blue Moon partnered last year with Rawlings on an ice cream that combines the bright and citrusy flavor of Blue Moon’s iconic Valencia Orange peel with Madagascar vanilla.

Diageo-owned Irish beverage giant Guinness also announced a collaboration in 2024 with Tipsy Scoop on a limited-time ice cream product, Lucky Sundaes Guinness Draught Ice Cream with Maple Pancake Crunch. 

— Christopher Doering

Oreo brings back blueberry pie flavor after 8 years

Mondēlez International is serving up a slice of summer with its latest Oreo launch.

The snack giant announced the return of Blueberry Pie Oreos, which will hit shelves July 7 for a limited time. Mondēlez introduced the flavor in 2017, and noted in a social media post that fans have since pushed for its re-release.

The graham-flavored cookies are filled with blueberry-flavored creme. Mondēlez said consumers can incorporate the treats into their own dessert recipes.

“Blueberry Pie Sandwich Cookies are a delightful combination of a classic American dessert and milk’s favorite sandwich cookie,” Mondēlez said on its website.

Berries are among the hottest flavors of summer, especially as consumers look for seasonal offerings that match the vibe of the weather. Around 60% of consumers said they most anticipate berry flavors for seasonal launches, followed by watermelon and tropical-flavored items, according to a survey commissioned by analytics firm NCS.

Fruity flavors have defined major launches in 2025, including Coca-Cola’s Orange Creamsicle offering and Dr. Pepper’s Blackberry.

— Sarah Zimmerman