Food fusion for taste confusion

Over the summer, I’ve seen launches of some increasingly curious combinations of food and drink offerings, but it seems some are not altogether new.

• In France, Coca-Cola has introduced Tumult – a sparkling non-alcoholic white beer containing juice and malt. This follows trials last year to take on Bionade in Germany.
• In Britain, Fitness Coffee has appeared with 16 herbs, spices and fruit to boost energy and help lose weight. It is produced in Italy and seems already active in a range of countries including the United States.
• In the United States, Mars is reported to be having early success with M&M’s Pretzel Chocolate Candies, launched last year as part of a flirtation with sweet and salty snacks.
• Back to France for an intriguing idea from another brand leader. It’s Lipton Sun Tea tea bags, which take 4 minutes with cold instead of hot water to produce iced tea. I haven’t made this up.