Brand collaborations have become a go-to strategy for companies looking to spark excitement, tap into nostalgia, and stand out in crowded grocery aisles.
From the Pepsi/Peeps collab to the Van Leeuwen/Kraft Macaroni & Cheese and the Sour Patch Kids and Post cereal, these partnerships — three of the best, according to Advertising Week — leveraged each brand’s strength to create something new that fans of both brands loved.
Over the years, limited-edition cereals inspired by childhood cartoons, soda flavors based on video games, and snacks tied to movie franchises have emerged. They all have one thing in common: They target loyal fans and generate buzz on social media.
People love these kinds of products because they’re relatively inexpensive (unlike the Disney/Gucci or Nike/Christian Dior collabs) and tap into a cherished childhood memory.
When the fandom is as massive and devoted as Harry Potter’s, the potential is enormous, at least that’s what Nestlé’s newest release is banking on.
Harry Potter fans will love the new Coffee Mate collab.
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Coffee Mate isn’t new to flavor experiments but this one is different
The first Harry Potter book was published 28 years ago, so fans of the books and the movies that followed are all of prime coffee drinking age.
Starting in August, Coffee Mate will roll out two limited-time creamers inspired by the Wizarding World: Cauldron Cake and White Chocolate Peppermint Toad (Zero Sugar). The flavors are the brand’s first-ever official tie-in with the Harry Potter franchise and promise to bring a little magic to your morning cup.
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Nestlé’s Coffee Mate (NESAF) brand is no stranger to wild flavor experiments — from basic sweet cream to indulgent Oreo collabs, the flavors make coffee anything but boring. But now, the company is tapping into one of the most powerful fandoms in pop culture with a new limited-time release that’s already stirring up major buzz.
For longtime fans, Cauldron Cake is a direct nod to a beloved treat sold at Honeydukes, the enchanted candy shop in the Harry Potter books and theme parks. Coffee Mate’s take is described as a buttery, vanilla-toffee creamer that turns your cup of coffee into a dessert-like experience — no spellcasting required.
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The second flavor, White Chocolate Peppermint Toad, takes inspiration from another whimsical sweet and adds a wintery twist. With a blend of cool peppermint and creamy white chocolate — and no sugar — it’s a bold choice for a summer launch, but one that plays into the fantasy feel.
Tapping into childhood memories is a winning strategy
This isn’t the first time a big brand has leaned into nostalgic crossovers. In recent months, Goldfish crackers introduced a Butterbeer flavor, and Universal theme parks have continued to expand their Harry Potter-themed food offerings. But Coffee Mate’s move stands out because it brings the magic into an everyday routine.
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It also comes at a time when brands are doubling down on nostalgia to boost grocery sales.
If you’re a die-hard Harry Potter fan, or are just tired of French vanilla and hazelnut, these magical mix-ins are sure to catch your eye — and they’re sure to fly off the shelves faster than a Nimbus 2000.
Both flavors will be available at major grocery retailers nationwide for a limited time starting in August 2025.
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