NEWPORT BEACH, CA - Side Delights® announces a fast, fresh way to jump on the newest/oldest global potato trend with no cleaning or peeling required. Triple-washed and ready to microwave in its own wrapper, shelf-stable Side Delights® Bakeables® makes baked potato preparation even easier as consumers seek creative ways to transform America’s favorite side dish into the star of the table.

A recent New York Times headline, “What Are Jacket Potatoes, and Why Are the English Waiting Hours for Them?” credited the culinary comeback of the baked potato to social media. The Philadelphia Inquirer Food section proclaimed “A star, not a side: The baked potato is back in a big way,” posting that loaded baked potatoes are the next potato trend.

“As a plain, nutritious canvas, baked potatoes are regaining notoriety as a quick, cost-effective solution for budget-conscious or creative college students, busy families, and foodies,” said Kathleen Triou, President & CEO of Fresh Solutions Network, in the recent release. “Side Delights non-GMO, all-natural Bakeables are the perfect solution for shoppers to quickly turn baked potatoes into an easy, gluten-free, versatile vegan (or not!) meal.”

While trending, the concept of topping baked potatoes isn’t new. Known as jacket potatoes for their crispy skins, baked potatoes emerged in London in the mid 1800s. Their popularity in the US began in 1908 when Northern Pacific Railway railroad workers were given baked potatoes and an array of topping choices to save cooks time¹.

“Available in No.1 russet and sweet potato varieties, Bakeables are pre-washed and individually wrapped for the microwave, ready to top and eat in eight minutes,” added Triou. “Since Bakeables save time and money, shoppers should think beyond bacon bits and get creative with their toppings!”

Wellness-focused food site EatingWell suggests topping baked potatoes with healthy choices like cottage cheese and roasted tomato, low-fat creamy chive, Italian veggie, or tomato-pesto as alternatives to traditional bacon, sour cream, cheddar, and ranch favorites. For additional inspiration, consumers can visit Side Delights Recipe page for Beef & Broccoli Baked Potatoes or Quick and Healthy Baked Pizza Potatoes for any time of day.

For retailers, Bakeables® deliver:

• Incremental category growth by expanding usage beyond traditional side dishes
• Premium, value-added pricing with strong margin potential
• Cross-merchandising opportunities with cheese, proteins, sauces, and fresh toppings
• High-impact merchandising with eye-catching packaging and turnkey promotional support

The line is designed to appeal to busy office or at-home workers, students, and on-the-go shoppers seeking fast, versatile meal solutions. Bakeables® are available nationwide, featuring an eye-catching color-block label design and premium label material, and are supported by merchandising and promotional assets to drive trial and repeat purchases.

With baked potatoes “back in a big way,” Bakeables® offer retailers a simple, scalable way to turn a classic into a modern, profitable meal solution.

Sources:

https://www.mashed.com/1223214/the-origins-of-the-loaded-baked-potato-have-ties-to-a-famous-railway/

SALINAS, CA - Taylor Farms has announced the launch of its new line of fresh snacks, salads, and vegetable kits inspired by Illumination’s beloved Minions.

As the leading global producer of salads and healthy fresh foods, this collaboration between Taylor Farms, Universal Products & Experiences and Illumination coincides with the riotous new chapter in Illumination’s joyful animated universe, Minions & Monsters, hitting theaters July 1, 2026.

“Illumination’s Minions are a global phenomenon with broad cross-generational appeal,” said Bryan Jaynes, Senior Vice President of Product, in the recent release. “With the new film’s release just around the corner, we’re thrilled to offer products that bring moments of joy and connection to families nationwide.”

The new product line includes eight licensed items designed to delight fans of all ages:

• Crunch Pak Minions Snack Tray – movie theater flavor inspired with sweet apples, tart apples, brown sugar caramel dip, and buttery half-popped popcorn bites.
• Crunch Pak Minions Snack Tray – sweet apples, butter flavored pretzel braids, and string cheese.
• Crunch Pak Sweet Apple Slices – sweet, sliced apples in a family-sized bag.
• Taylor Farms Minions Pesto Pastability with Chicken Ready-to-Eat Salad Bowl – rotini pasta, grilled white meat chicken, spinach, grape tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and creamy pesto dressing.
• Taylor Farms Minions Caribbean Crunch Salad Kit – baby greens, carrots, sliced almonds, diced banana bits, and creamy tropical dressing made with seed-oil-free olive oil.
• Taylor Farms Minions Caesar Mini Chopped Salad Kit– romaine lettuce, buttery half-popped popcorn bites with creamy Caesar dressing.
• Taylor Farms Minions Cauliflower n’ Cheese – fresh cauliflower florets with ready-to-prepare mac n’ cheese mix. Just add milk and butter of your choice for a delicious side dish in minutes.
• Taylor Farms Minions Broccoli n’ Cheese – broccoli florets with ready-to-prepare mac n’ cheese mix. Just add milk and butter of your choice for a delicious side dish in minutes.

“This initiative reflects years of strong collaboration between Taylor Farms and Crunch Pak,” said Brian Modena, Vice President of Snacks. “As the industry leader in fresh-produce licensing, Crunch Pak brings incredible expertise, and Taylor Farms is thrilled to collaborate with their exceptional team.”

“Crunch Pak’s Fresh Licensing platform is a leader in worldwide licensing that helps make fresh food more fun and accessible for children and families while driving growth for retailers,” said Ozgur Koc, Head of Licensing, Crunch Pak.

The new Minions line is a key component of Taylor Farms’ broader strategy to expand its licensed product portfolio and drive category excitement. Consumer testing has shown significant purchase intent. The launch will be supported by omnichannel marketing, including in-store promotions, digital campaigns, and studio tie-ins. Taylor Farms’ Minions products will be available nationwide May 2026.