Ben & Jerry’s Scratch’n S’NFTs, Sun-Maid Grape Jerky, Fluoride-free Kale Toothpaste and More New Product Prankery
Food makers have long viewed April Fool’s day as a time for some out of the box new product innovation. While it seems many brands have forgone lighthearted launch “announcements” this year, a select few have poked fun at emerging trends, mocked the personal care aisle and overall, had us raising a few eyebrows. Here’s a look at some of the pranks we fell for today.
Sun-Maid
No one does raisin innovation like Sun-Maid, so they claim. The century-old brand poked fun at jerky makers this year with the announcement of a “Extreme Flavor” Grape Jerky. Coupled with a “100% Shriveled By The Sun” callout, litany of “Extreme” use occasions and even a video documenting the product’s creation, Sun-maid has made one thing clear: they take “an extremely serious approach to snacking innovation.” Check out the video here.
Yasso
Greek yogurt maker Yasso said it was inspired by its haters this April Fool’s Day, teasing the launch of its “Mintiest Mint Toothpaste, Mouthwash and Floss.” The company said it’s flipping the script on those who say its mint product tastes like toothpaste, giving them an oral care line inspired by its Mint Chocolate Chip Greek Yogurt Bar. While the products won’t ever be available for purchase, Yasso is urging consumers to give its Mint Chocolate Chip Bar another bite instead.
Ben & Jerry’s
Web3 and NFTs have been creeping into the food space in recent weeks and for a minute there, we thought they may have captured ice cream maker Ben & Jerry’s too. Scratch and S’NFT – a scratchable NFT filled with waffle cone scent – simply sounded too good to be true. Available for “10 Chunk Bucks,” the brand’s dubious launch into the metaverse was met with laughs and relief from consumers on social media with one top commenter virtually begging “PLEASE LET THIS BE AN APRIL FOOLS.”
Graza
Bite-sized baguettes… as cereal? Squeezable olive oil brand Graza pranked consumers by announcing its Breadies concept, which is essentially tiny, toasted baguette pieces perfect for squeezing olive oil all over and packaged in a cereal box complete with a wordsearch on the back. While Graza may be laughing, some of its consumers aren’t, with many requesting in the comment section for Graza to bring Breadies to life.
Bobbies
If we are ranking which brand took it too far, well, Bobbies prank product might be vying for that top spot. The baby formula maker looked to pet products for its April Fool’s innovation, launching “Bobbies for Cats.” The company said the product is designed for “when your itty kitty titties don’t work out, you can feed the whole litter the best with Bobbie for Cats. They lap it, they love it! And even some dogs want to lick!” That’s really all we have to say about this one.
Natural Grocers
The fun isn’t just reserved for food brands. Natural grocer scared shoppers with the launch of its multi-use, fluoride-free Kale Toothpaste. The grocer marketed the organic green paste as “great for smoothies and pasta” too.
Yellowbird Sauce
Hot sauce brand Yellowbird Sauce turned its flagship product into Lava Floor Spray. Boasting attributes like ‘Certified Flame-Free’, made with the highest quality Organic Lava & Superhot Peppers and tough on stains, the use occasion remains a bit unclear, but one thing is for sure “One spray magmafies 5 square feet” (see review above for proof).
Banza
Just The Sauce is the product of an unconfirmed consumer demand to make all foods taste like Banza mac and cheese. The chickpea-centric food maker carried on its yearly April Fools tradition, a track record which includes co-branded mac and cheese cereal with Magic Spoon and pasta scented air fresheners, with single-serve cheese sauce packet line. Banza boasted about the ‘saucability’ of these cheesy packets on its social media, claiming they are perfect to “drizzle on salad, a granola bar, an apple or enjoy by the spoonful.”
