Innovations of the Week: U.S. Edition — Playful, Healthy, and Purpose-Built
Innovation shows up in many forms — bold mash-ups, healthier twists, or solutions built for a very specific consumer. Whether it’s a familiar brand stretching into new territory or a niche product designed for targeted needs, the real question is always the same: how do consumers respond?
This week, we tested three products that stood out for very different reasons: Caramel M&M’s Pop’d, Yasso Spoonable Frozen Yogurt, and JimmyBar’s Creatine Protein Bar.
Caramel M&M’s Pop’d: Experimentation Meets Trust
Star rating: 5.8
Emotion into Action score: 86
M&M’s has long championed playful indulgence. Caramel M&M’s Pop’d leans into that spirit with a familiar chocolate shell, a gooey caramel center, and a format made for snacking and sharing.
Consumers responded with enthusiasm — not just because it’s new, but because they trust the brand enough to try something unexpected. It’s a reminder that strong brand equity gives people permission to explore without fear of disappointment.
Lesson: Trusted brands can push boundaries. Equity is a launchpad for experimentation.
Yasso Spoonable Frozen Yogurt: Clarity and Healthy Indulgence
Star rating: 5.0
Emotion into Action score: 82
Yasso’s Spoonable Frozen Yogurt is a textbook example of a clear, meaningful benefit. Consumers immediately understood the proposition: a treat that delivers indulgence with a healthier halo.
Nothing about the concept is complicated — and that’s the point. When people “get it” instantly, confidence and purchase intent follow.
Lesson: Clarity wins. A familiar product with a better-for-you edge can stand out without reinventing the wheel.
JimmyBar Creatine Protein Bar: Built for a Purposeful Niche
Star rating: 1.4
Emotion into Action score: 68
JimmyBar’s Creatine Protein Bar sparked a different kind of reaction — one rooted in specificity. While it didn’t generate widespread appeal, consumers recognized its unique value for the right audience: people actively looking to hit both their creatine and protein goals in one convenient bar.
Shoppers noted the high protein content (20g+), the energy-boosting functional benefits, and the chocolate format. For everyday snackers, that combination felt more specialized. But for gym-goers or performance-focused consumers, it’s a targeted solution that fits their routine.
Lesson: Not every innovation needs mass appeal. Some products succeed by serving a precise, motivated niche.
Three Products, Three Different Paths to Relevance
- M&M’s Pop’d shows how brands can stretch into new territory when they’ve earned consumer trust.
- Yasso Spoonable proves the power of a clear, instantly understood benefit.
- JimmyBar Creatine highlights the importance of purpose-built offerings tailored to the needs of a specific audience.
Innovation isn’t one-size-fits-all — it’s about meeting consumers where they are, emotionally and functionally.
Looking Ahead
As we continue this series, we’ll spotlight more U.S. and international launches — from bold flavor experiments to better-for-you treats to highly functional products built for passionate niches. These are the innovations that reveal not just what consumers buy, but why they care.
Got a product you want tested? Book a demo here.
Let’s keep exploring, learning, and shaping smarter innovation — one product at a time.