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With autumn and winter driving seasonal product launches, and the continuing trends of convenience and functionality, there have been some interesting new additions to retail shelves over the last week. From ready-to-drink beverages that offer indulgence and functionality, to easy-to-prepare meals and snacks, convenience and flavour are among the trends that are shaping upcoming releases. FoodBev's Leah Smith takes a closer look at some of the latest launches driving consumer interest this season.

Jam doughnut-inspired canned cocktail

UK RTD cocktails brand The Drinks Bureau has added a new limited-edition offering to its portfolio: Jam Doughnut Daiquiri.

Combining white rum with strawberries and lime for a ‘jammy’ sweetness reminiscent of the classic bakery treat, the drink was developed following a surge in demand for jam doughnuts at Morrisons. Shoppers purchased more than 67 million doughnuts from Morrisons bakeries last year – amounting to over 336 tonnes.

Like The Drinks Bureau’s previous releases, the new cocktail will launch exclusively at Morrisons for a limited time.

The playful serve debuts in the brand’s new 200ml shaker-can format, which requires no cocktail shaker or ice and offers a mid-strength (8% ABV) option in a convenient, ready-to-serve format.

Irish liqueur dessert cream

Arla Foods has expanded its partnership with Baileys with the launch of a new Baileys Extra Thick Chocolate Cream product in the UK.

The indulgent product blends flavours of chocolate with the familiar taste of Diageo’s classic Baileys Irish cream liqueur.

It joins an existing UK portfolio of licensed Baileys treats, including Extra Thick Cream, Extra Thick Salted Caramel, Baileys Pouring Cream, Baileys Espresso and Baileys Squirty Cream, which debuted last year.

Baileys Extra Thick Chocolate Cream will roll out in a 250ml tub, launching exclusively in Lidl stores this month ahead of wider retail availability in November.

Protein+ Power pots

UK plant-based meal brand Bol has introduced a new sub-range under its Power Pots line: Protein+.

The nutrition-focused meals target growing demand for natural, high-protein and high-fibre options. Each pot combines globally inspired flavours with whole foods, providing 30g of protein, at least 19g of fibre and up to two of consumers’ recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables per day.

Designed for convenience, the range includes three variants – Thai Green Curry, Teriyaki Style Rice Bowl and Chickpea Jalfrezi – all ready to eat within five minutes.

CBD-infused cognitive performance drink

UK-based CBD brand, Goodrays, is making waves in the functional beverage sector with the launch of its first non-CBD drink, Re:Focus.

The new range will be available in two flavours – Zesty Lime & Kiwi and Wild Berry Mix – formulated to support mental clarity and hydration. Both are low in calories, contain no added sugars or artificial ingredients, and are designed to appeal to health-conscious consumers.

In addition, the key ingredients across the range include Lion’s Mane, magnesium and electrolytes.

Carb-free spinach-flavoured tortillas

Mission Foods has launched its latest innovation: Mission Zero Net Carbs Spinach Tortillas.

Made with real spinach and containing no added sugars or artificial flavours, each tortilla is packed with fibre, making them an appealing choice for health-conscious consumers looking to enhance their meals with nutritious ingredients.

The new product aligns with current dietary trends, including keto and GLP-1-friendly lifestyles that emphasise nutrient-dense foods.

Non-alcoholic RTD margaritas

Edna’s Non-Alcoholic Cocktail is poised to capture a larger share of the growing non-alcoholic beverage market with the introduction of its latest ready-to-drink (RTD) offering: a premium margarita.

The margarita features a distinct Anejo Tequila aroma complemented by refreshing citrus notes and a hint of salt, all encapsulated in a convenient RTD format. Edna’s products are crafted from all-natural ingredients, free from artificial flavours and preservatives, catering to the growing consumer preference for clean-label beverages.

The margarita is now available for purchase through online platforms, wholesale distributors and select speciality beverage partners across the US.

Zero-sugar oat milk

Carlsberg Britvic-owned plant-based drinks brand, Plenish, has introduced Plenish Zero Sugar Oat M*lk, made with four naturally sourced ingredients and no oils or additives.

The drink is produced using only water, gluten-free organic oats, plant-based calcium and salt. Unlike most oat drinks, it is not processed to break down oats into natural sugars – a method Plenish claims makes it a UK-first innovation that meets rising demand for sugar-free options without compromising on creaminess or taste.

Plenish Zero Sugar Oat M*lk began rolling out at Waitrose stores earlier this month for an RRP of £2.35, and is also available via the brand’s website.