Spooky Specialties: Getting Inspired by Halloween

With consumers changing their preferences constantly, limited time offers (LTOs) are becoming more important than ever. In addition to allowing consumers to shake things up and try new food and beverage products on the regular, LTOs also help mark the passage of time, giving consumers something to get excited about. Each season – and the holidays celebrated during each season – have particular flavors, foods, and beverages associated with them that consumers look forward to year after year.

When it comes to fall, LTOs tend to lean toward pumpkin everything and the occasional Thanksgiving inspired flavor. With so many beloved flavors and dishes that are hallmarks of fall, brands are missing out on opportunities to introduce fall inspired flavors that go beyond what is basic and expected. One of those missed opportunities? Halloween inspired LTOs. Keep reading for our takes on how brands can get inspired by this spooky, beloved holiday.

Creative Candy Inspired Flavors

Candy is practically synonymous with Halloween. While it may seem like candy brands have a monopoly on this particular holiday, there are a multitude of possibilities for other brands to get in on the action and offer Halloween LTOs inspired by candy. Snacks, dairy, baked goods, and desserts are all ideally suited for candy inspired flavors. Think peppermint patty popcorn, salted licorice brownies, and candy corn creamer. Even sauce, marinade, and protein brands can capitalize on the excitement of Halloween by getting a little extra creative with candy flavors; think a chocolate BBQ or a maple candied bacon.

Co-branding opportunities with candy brands are another option for creating Halloween LTOs that are to die for. Consumers will appreciate being able to enjoy their favorite Halloween treats in new and different formats in anticipation of trick-or-treat night.

Get in on Ghost Pepper

Ghost pepper has been trending recently, thanks to its remarkable heat. Consumers in general have been growing increasingly tolerant of hot and spicy foods, and younger consumers in particular have been seeking out exotic peppers to bring the heat to their favorite dishes and products. Ghost pepper not only satisfies consumers’ cravings for all things spicy, but it is also aptly named for Halloween LTOs. Brands of all types can deliver spooky vibes by innovating with ghost pepper. Ghost pepper sour cream dip, ghost pepper BBQ, ghost pepper potato chips, ghost pepper and cinnamon hard candy…. The possibilities are seemingly endless! Another option? Look to the Carolina reaper pepper, which is hotter than the ghost pepper, but also appropriately named for spooky season, for inspiration.

What’s In a Name?

Although sweet flavors are typically expected around Halloween, that doesn’t mean that brands in more traditionally savory categories can’t offer Halloween inspired LTOs. Our suggestion? Pair fall flavors with spooky names to get in on the excitement. For example, our Spooky Season(ings) Collection features a stir fry seasoning called The Woking Dead, a bread seasoning called Rose from the Bread Pan, and a cornbread seasoning called Children of the Cornbread. Brands should not shy away from embracing all of the things that consumers love about Halloween to create products that will give them something to get excited about.

Interested in creating innovative seasonal and holiday LTOs? Check out our Reading the Season White Paper for more of our experts’ takes on how to innovate with the hallmark flavors and ingredients of each season.

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