Global Cuisine
Mezete Debuts Middle Eastern Food Products at IDDBA Show
Global demand for authentic international cuisine is booming—and Middle Eastern food is leading the way. Mezete, a Jordan-based brand transforming traditional recipes into convenient, clean-label products, is excited to debut at the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association Show, June 1–3 in New Orleans.
With a presence now in over 45 countries, Mezete’s U.S. expansion is fueled by growing consumer demand for bold, plant-based, preservative-free foods. At IDDBA, Mezete will showcase its full range of ready-to-eat dips, sauces, soups, and stews—all made with natural ingredients and no added oils.
“Middle Eastern cuisine is rich in flavor, culture, and nourishment,” said Khaled Kasih, CEO of KASIH Foods, Mezete’s parent company. “We’re proud to share authentic, ready-to-eat Middle Eastern foods crafted with care and integrity, just the way they’re made at home.”
We’re proud to share authentic, ready-to-eat Middle Eastern foods crafted with care and integrity, just the way they’re made at home.
What Makes Mezete Different?
- Mezete hummus is made with much higher levels of tahini vs U.S. made brands which provides a velvety smooth texture that you only experience when making it at home or in an authentic Middle Eastern restaurant.
- Clean-label, real food: All products are non-GMO Project Verified, vegan, halal, with many gluten-free options.
- No preservatives.
- No added oils: no cheap fillers or oils.
Not Just Hummus!
While known for its signature hummus, Mezete will present a wide variety of Middle Eastern staples, including:
Dips:
- Classic Hummus
- Red Hot Chili Hummus
- Zesty Za’atar Hummus
- Baba Ghanouj
- Muhammara
Sauces:
- Classic Tahini
- Shatta (spicy chili sauce)
- Toum (Garlic Sauce)
Soups & Stews:
- Adas Soup (Spiced Lentil Soup)
- Freekeh Soup (Smoked Wheat Kernel)
- Mulukhiyeh Stew (Vegan)
- Shakshouka Base Stew
Convenient single-serve hummus & dip cups paired with breadsticks, available in bold and exciting flavors.
- Classic Hummus with Breadsticks
- Roasted Red Pepper with Breadsticks
- Zesty Za’atar with Breadsticks
- Muhammara with Breadsticks
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Lunchables Launches Dippable, Crustless PB&J
Lunchables expanded its kid-loved and parent-approved offerings with the debut of Lunchables PB&J: the first dippable, no-thaw crustless PB&J. Grounded in kids’ love of dipping and the timeless debate between the perfect ratio of peanut butter and jelly in a PB&J — the new product gives kids the freedom to enjoy a PB&J exactly how they like it. Lunchables PB&J, a “remix” of a beloved lunchtime staple, includes two deliciously creamy, crustless peanut butter sandwiches per pack, complete with a side of delicious grape or strawberry flavored dip—perfectly crafted for optimal dipping and with no artificial colors.
“The launch of Lunchables PB&J is a continuation in our mission to reinvent the refrigerated category by providing high quality, delicious, affordable and convenient solutions for snack time and beyond,” said Danni Levin, Associate Director of Innovation, Lunchables. “We’re remixing a classic, delivering on parents’ desire for convenience and kids’ love of dipping and customizing – PB&Js will never be the same!”
Beyond equipping kids with the independence to customize, Lunchables PB&J also solves the number one pain point for parents: thaw time.2 Current PB&J category offerings are frozen, which require 30-60 minutes of thaw time before serving. Now, Lunchables is tackling this frustration head-on with the first-ever no-thaw, crustless PB&J that’s ready-to-eat straight from the refrigerator for any time hunger strikes. Kid meltdowns, no more!
To spread the excitement, the brand is reuniting GRAMMY Award-winning producer and artist Lil Jon and hip hop icon Twista for the first time in over a decade to remix a nostalgic, viral hit that many millennial parents can sing at the drop of a dime: “Peanut Butter Jelly Time.” Just as Lunchables is “remixing” kids’ #1 favorite sandwich variety,3 Lil Jon and Twista are putting a fresh spin on the nostalgic hit over 20 years after the original track’s debut. Dropping today, fans can listen to the song on Lunchables YouTube as well as download for their playlists via Spotify.
“It was cool to link back up with Twista on the Lunchables ‘Peanut Butter Jelly Time’ remix, cause I knew it would be fun, and we would make somethin’ fire,” said Lil Jon. “PB&J takes me back to my childhood days…YEAHHH!”
The debut of Lunchables PB&J reinforces the brand’s commitment to making bigger, more intentional bets to fuel growth and create new experiences for consumers. The innovation grows Lunchables’ presence in the sandwich category, following the brand’s first entrance with the debut of Grilled Cheesies in 2023. The launch of PB&J enables Lunchables to bring a convenient, kid-loved offering to the refrigerated section and reflects Kraft Heinz’s broader ambition to drive $2 billion in incremental sales through innovation by 2027.
Lunchables PB&J is rolling out to select retailers nationwide for $2.49/pack. To learn more about the “Peanut Butter Jelly Time” remix and new Lunchables PB&J, follow along on the Lunchables Instagram or TikTok.
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Boston Red Sox Taps Krispy Krunchy Chicken for Fenway
Get ready, Red Sox Nation, because Krispy Krunchy Chicken, one of the fastest growing hot food concepts in the country, has just been named the Official Fried Chicken of the Boston Red Sox. The fried chicken brand, best known for a national footprint in over 3200 convenience stores, will feature its fresh, hand-breaded chicken tenders and krispy chicken sandwich at Fenway Park as the ballpark’s official fried chicken offering.
Fenway Park, the oldest Major League Baseball ballpark still in use, has an impressive history of over 100 years. In addition to being home to the Boston Red Sox, it is also known for its trademark features like the “Green Monster,” the Pesky Pole, and the Lone Red Seat. The park is well and deservedly known as an icon of sports culture.
And, starting opening day, April 4, fans of both the Red Sox and great chicken have something else to celebrate as Krispy Krunchy Chicken joins the Fenway Park menu. Both jumbo chicken tenders and the all-breast meat chicken sandwich will be available throughout Fenway Park, in addition to other ballpark staples.
“Introducing Krispy Krunchy Chicken to one of Major League Baseball’s most beloved ballparks is a prestigious milestone for our brand,” said Jim Norberg, CEO of Krispy Krunchy Chicken. “This partnership reinforces that our fried chicken truly belongs in the major leagues and we’re proud to call Fenway Park home.”
The agreement with the Boston Red Sox marks the first MLB deal for Krispy Krunchy. With its dominance in convenience stores, the brand is now reaching out to new fans in new places, whether it be in Fenway Park, or universities or other non-traditional venues.
“The Boston Red Sox are excited to welcome Krispy Krunchy Chicken as the Official Fried Chicken of the Boston Red Sox,” said Troup Parkinson, Chief Marketing and Partnerships Officer, Boston Red Sox. “With bold flavors and high quality ingredients, Krispy Krunchy Chicken will elevate the gameday experience for our fans, providing a distinctive new offering to Fenway Park’s food lineup that the entire family can enjoy.”
For more information, visit www.krispykrunchy.com or follow the brand on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Krispy Krunchy Chicken®, founded in Louisiana in 1989, is a quick-serve solution for convenience stores, truck stops and universities across the U.S. The store-in-store concept allows licensees to serve hand-breaded, mildly Cajun-spiced fried chicken and all white meat tenders to its guests, to increase their in-store profitability and drive frequency. The full menu also includes an award-winning Cajun Chicken Sandwich, NEW all-white meat nuggets, a variety of sides and the brand’s trademark honey biscuits.
With a weekly chicken sales volume exceeding one million pounds, Krispy Krunchy Chicken operates more than 3,200 retail locations across 47 states in the United States and is rapidly expanding. To learn more about partnering with Krispy Krunchy Chicken, visit http://krispykrunchy.com/partnering.
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