The Most Memorable Food Collabs of 2023

We love to see brands coming together.

Today, anything is possible, especially when it comes to food, new flavors, and even fashion, with funky collabs between brands popping up everywhere. 2023 had its fair share of impressive items, ranging from sweet meets savory to shoes and apparel, and more.

There are a few noteworthy, some may say random, yet incredibly popular co-branded releases that have really stood out this year. Since they’re associated with major players and big names in the food industry, such as McDonald’s, Coke, and Pop-Tarts, it’s no surprise that when paired with popular, hot-selling merchandise, these products would be instant fan favorites.

Plus, when it comes to these kinds of partnerships, it seems that the funkier and weirder, the better. Here are some of the craziest, most unimaginable, and yet somehow still possible, food collaborations of 2023. And in case you missed it, you can still catch a few that are available to purchase.

Mustard Skittles

This collaboration between French’s Mustard and Skittles created a weird savory flavor in sharp contrast to classically sweet Skittles. The limited edition Mustard Skittles were released this past summer. The mustard-flavored Skittles come in a fun-size pack inside a fanny pack. It got some mixed feedback, with one user on YouTube claiming that they taste like “feet” in a video review. Of course, we couldn’t help but try the new flavor ourselves at the Allrecipes office—here’s our honest feedback.

The Pop-Tart Croc-Tarts Kit

Croc-Tarts took the internet by storm this summer, selling out of the fun, co-branded kits. The limited edition Pop-Tarts Croc-Tarts, included “one pair of custom Crocs Classic Clogs featuring Pop-Tarts-inspired Jibbitz charms and a box of Unfrosted Strawberry Pop-Tarts featuring—for the first time ever—Crocs-shaped candy Jibbitz charms to eat and decorate atop your pastry.”

Super fans loved the kit for adding vibrancy and a unique flair to a pair of Crocs with the Pop-Tarts Jibbitz charms, which featured Pop-Tarts (Frosted Strawberry and Frosted Wildberry flavors), a silver Pop-Tarts foil wrapper, the "Crazy Good" slogan, Pop-Tarts logo, and more. No word on if these will make a comeback.

Coca-Cola x Highsnobiety Workwear

A press release about the workwear line and collab between Coca-Cola and Highsnobiety back in September explained that the new limited edition line would feature 12 pieces designed with signature red Coca-Cola and Coke Zero Sugar graphics. “Highlights include a workwear jacket, gilet and dungarees; gloves, collectors' crates and other accessories; and graphic staples such as a crewneck, tank top, beanie and t-shirts featuring exclusively designed co-branded details in puff prints, woven patches and screen printing.” The collab has ended, but the items were a hit and very sleek and minimal in appearance and design.

If you missed out and still want the Coke gear, the good news is that Coca-Cola is partnering with Crocs next, so stay tuned for more info.

Limited Edition McDonald’s x Crocs Collection

Seems like Crocs are everywhere. In addition to the collab with Pop-Tarts earlier in the year, and the upcoming Coke partnership, the merch brand partnered with fast-food favorite McDonald’s recently as well, releasing a collection of Croc-themed McDonald’s shoes and socks. The new limited edition McDonald’s x Croc’s Collection is available to purchase now, so make sure to grab a pair while you can. According to McDonald’s reps, it’s “inspired by Crocs Stars and Mickey D’s loyalists,” featuring a collection of shoes, socks, and Jibbitz charms. The Classic Croc Clog gets a McDonald’s twist for a throwback collection designed with iconic McDonald’s characters, like Grimace, Birdie, and Hamburglar. Wear your favorite character on your feet or just rock your go-to fast food order with Chicken McNuggets, fries, and Big Mac Jibbitz charms. All Crocs come with matching socks to go all out.

Jet-Puffed & Kizik

Kizik shoes are known for being super comfortable and its latest collab with Jet-Puffed only helped enhance the brand’s easy style. Previously, you may have felt like you were walking on clouds after slipping a pair of these sneakers on, but with this updated hands-free Roamer, it has you believing you’re bouncing around on marshmallows thanks to the new Super Squish insole that molds to your feet. Plus, the exterior of the bright white marshmallow that gradually turns to a toasted brown gives off some serious s’mores vibes. The Mars Roamer Toasted Marshmallow first hit shelves back on August 10th to help celebrate National S’mores Day but you can still grab a pair for $119 while supplies last.

Pringles & The Caviar Co

Caviar-topped chips may not sound like the perfect combination, however, after seeing a cast member on Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of New York City” serve guests this snack, the internet went wild. This led Pringles to partner with The Caviar Co. to create the Crisps and Caviar Collection with three kits to try. Choose from the Smoky Shores kit with Pringles Sour Cream & Onion accompanied by Smoked Trout Roe and crème fraîche ($49), Salt of the Sea kit with Pringles Original crisps and Classic White Sturgeon Caviar and crème fraîche ($110), and Crisps and Caviar Flight that includes the Classic White Sturgeon Caviar and savory Smoked Trout Roe alongside a variety of Pringles flavors of Original, Sour Cream & Onion, and BBQ ($140).

Velveeta Truffles

What do you get when you mix that golden gooey Velveeta cheese with rich gourmet chocolate? Meet the TruffVels, Compartés Chocolatier, and Velveeta’s chocolate cheese truffle. This first-of-its-kind treat is shaped like a giant-sized shell from a box of Velveeta Shells and Cheese but is actually a truffle. Inside is where it gets really interesting. Chocolatier Jonathan Grahm infused Velveeta cheese sauce into white chocolate, creating a unique taste you’ll probably never forget—if you had a chance to try one. The special edition cheese truffles came out in May for $24.95 but are no longer available.

Nike and Ben & Jerry’s

Nike has its cool Dunks and Ben & Jerry's has its iconic ice cream flavors, so naturally, they should work together and make a funky sneaker, right? Well, they did back in May 2020 and it was called the Chunky Dunky, a play on Nike SB Dunk Low and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor Chunky Monkey. The blue and green colors give a nod to the ice cream’s infamous packaging, as do the fuzzy cow print trim and the tie-dye pattern found on the interior.

They were hard to get back then, but those lucky enough to nab a pair took them home in boxes reminiscent of large ice cream pints. While they are now sold out at Nike, these kicks can still be found at select online retailers but you’ll likely be shelling out well over $1000 for a pair.

Cheetos & Milk Bar

Back in September 2023, Cheetos celebrated its 75th anniversary with the help of Milk Bar to create a celebratory cake unlike you’ve seen or eaten before. The Cheetos x Milk Bar cake featured layers of Milk Bar’s birthday cake and festive sprinkles along with—wait for it—cheddar frosting. But that’s not even half of it. Cheetos were added to each cake layer and also graced the top of the cake for a crunch in each sweet and cheesy bite. The cake was only available for a limited time but is one that will surely not be forgotten anytime soon.

Old Spice & Arby’s

If you’ve ever been chowing down on a massive ribeye and suddenly starting perspiring, you probably had a case of the meat sweats. Old Spice and Arby’s teamed up to give, people, well men anyway, some help when this sweaty phenomenon occurs. To ensure perspiring does not get in the way of you enjoying a nice cut of beef or say, a meat-stuffed sandwich, the two companies created a limited-edition kit last summer of Old Spice Sweat Defense Dry Spray and a sweatshirt, sweatpants, and headband all decked out in a roast beef design. Because, sure. 

Read the original article on All Recipes.