Summer-Ready Convenience: Some Clever Innovations

Welcome to this week's edition of GRATE!

With summer right on our doorstep (even if the weather hasn’t quite caught up yet!), I’ve been looking at how brands are delivering added-value convenience—offering products that go beyond speed and ease to deliver seasonal fun, smart functionality, and playful new formats. We’re seeing trends like cross-category mashups, better-for-you snacking, hydration-boosting foods, and family-friendly kits that make everyday moments feel more exciting and indulgent, all while meeting the evolving needs of busy, health-conscious consumers.

From Mochi Boba Ready-to-Eat Pearls and Tesco’s Watermelon Pizza Kit to hot flavoured pickle salts, these innovations show how convenience can be seasonal, fun, and full of added value. In this week’s edition, I’m spotlighting some of the most exciting examples helping brands win over both new and loyal consumers this summer. Let’s dive in!

As always, enjoy the read and do drop me a line with any feedback, I love hearing how this newsletter is inspiring ideas in your food or drink business. 

Annie x

TWANG - HOT PICKLE FLAVOURED SALT

For consumers who want maximum flavour on the go, Twang’s Hot Pickle Flavoured Salt delivers a bold hit of briny pickle tang and jalapeño heat—all in a pocket-sized shaker designed for ultimate convenience. Whether sprinkled on popcorn, chips, veggies, or even fruit, it’s a simple way to upgrade snacks and drinks with a single shake. This launch taps into the trend of portable flavour customisation, where younger consumers are carrying their own sauces and seasonings to tailor every bite or sip to their personal taste. It’s a clever example of how brands are turning classic flavour cravings into fun, travel-friendly innovations.

LA FERMIERE - LIMITED EDITION SUMMER YOGURT COLLECTION

La Fermiere celebrating the season with a Limited-Edition Summer Collection—a beautifully crafted range of French-inspired yogurts that capture the essence of a Mediterranean summer. Housed in elegant sun-washed yellow and coastal blue terracotta pots, these indulgent yogurts are made with locally sourced Grade A whole milk and cream and come in sophisticated flavours like Yuzu Ginger, Orange Blossom Honey, Jasmine, Lavender, and Rose. This launch is a gorgeous example of how brands are blending seasonal storytelling, artisanal packaging, and gourmet flavours to elevate everyday products and offer consumers a taste of summer luxury.

MOCHI BOBA - READY-TO-EAT, NO MICROWAVE NEEDED

As a parent whose kids love boba, I know firsthand how popular this product is going to be amongst kids & teenagers. However, making those pearls is not for the faint hearted! That’s why I was so impressed by O’s Bubble’s Mochi Boba (Boba 3.0)—the industry’s first ready-to-eat, non-microwave boba. Moving beyond frozen or instant microwaveable versions, this shelf-stable innovation delivers perfect texture straight from the pack, making it easier than ever for families, cafes, and even airlines to serve up boba on demand. It’s a smart example of how convenience innovation isn’t just about speed—it’s about removing barriers and unlocking new ways to enjoy everyday treats.

M&S FOOD - CHILLI HALLOUMI KEBABS

Grillable cheese has become a major trend, offering a satisfying, protein-packed alternative for those wanting something beyond meat. M&S’s Chilli Halloumi Kebabs are a perfect example—pre-sliced and pre-marinated with extra virgin olive oil, roasted red peppers, chipotle, and chili spices, they take the hassle out of prepping halloumi, which can be notoriously tricky to slice at home. Even if the weather isn’t quite BBQ-friendly right now, these bold, sweet-and-spicy kebabs bring a taste of summer indoors, offering 17.5g of protein per 100g and a ready-to-cook solution that delivers all the indulgence of grilled cheese without the prep work. It’s a clever, convenience-driven innovation tapping into the growing demand for high-protein, vegetarian-friendly meal solutions.

TESCO - WATERMELON PIZZA KIT

Getting kids to hit their five-a-day can feel like an uphill battle, but Tesco has come up with a fun, hands-on solution: the Watermelon Pizza Kit. Designed for ages three to nine, the kit includes six wedges of fresh watermelon, plus sachets of Greek yoghurt and fruit berry coulis so kids can assemble their own playful, pizza-style snack. At just £3.75, it’s an affordable, ready-to-use product that makes fruit exciting—and with watermelon’s naturally high water content, it also helps support hydration alongside nutrition. It’s a great example of how convenience innovation isn’t just about speed, but about engaging families and making healthier choices genuinely enjoyable. Even when the weather’s grey, this bright idea brings a splash of summer fun to the table.