Kraft expands with high-protein cheese sticks targeting on-the-go snack market

USA – Kraft Natural Cheese has introduced a new line of high-protein cheese sticks in the USA, as consumer demand for convenient, protein-rich snacks continues to drive category growth.

The Kraft Natural Cheese Protein Sticks, available in Mild Cheddar and Pepper Jack varieties, contain 17 grams of protein per serving and 50% less fat than the company’s traditional cheese stick products.

Amanda Vaal, director of brand marketing at Lactalis Heritage Dairy, stated the launch responds to consumers seeking snacks that combine familiar taste with functional benefits, including high protein content.

The move positions Kraft to compete in the fast-growing segment of protein-enriched and on-the-go dairy snacks, which has seen increasing uptake among health-conscious and active consumers.

Convenience formats such as individually packaged sticks are also appealing to retail and foodservice buyers seeking portable, single-serve offerings.

The protein sticks build on Kraft’s long-standing presence in the natural cheese market and reflect broader trends in the dairy sector, where manufacturers are reformulating products to deliver added nutritional benefits while meeting consumer preferences for taste, convenience and portion control.

Kraft Mac & Cheese unveils new apple pie flavor

In 2025, the company unveiled a limited-time apple pie flavour, merging two beloved American classics just in time for Thanksgiving.

To announce the new flavor, Kraft Mac & Cheese teamed up with the ultimate pie guy, Jason Biggs, in a partnership that’s just as unexpected as the flavor pairing.

For the partnership, Jason leans into his legendary pie persona to help bring the new Kraft Mac & Cheese Apple Pie flavor to life with self-aware humor and a slice of nostalgia. Jason embodies the unexpected, conversation-starting flavor, proving that some pairings are just meant to be.

Sweet-and-savory combinations have remained a consistent flavor trend, and classics like apple and cheese continue to captivate America.

More specifically, consumers have a long history of topping their apple pie with cheddar cheese.

Kraft Mac & Cheese Apple Pie flavor satisfies this consumer craving in a new way by marrying the familiar creaminess of Kraft Mac & Cheese with the cinnamon and tart green apple notes of apple pie for a flavor that feels both familiar and adventurous.

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