17 Limited-Edition Grocery Items for America’s 250th Birthday

When I was growing up, a family friend used to have a huge Fourth of July party. They lived across the street from the fire department, which meant we had front-row seats to the fireworks display. As a kid, I felt like a true VIP spreading a blanket out on my friend’s front yard to watch the show while eating patriotic desserts.

Though the fireworks were fun, I was always more excited about the party decorations. Seeing star-shaped paper plates, napkins emblazoned with firecrackers, and little American flag garlands everywhere made it a party unlike any other. I would think about my party outfit for weeks, weighing all my red, white and blue options to come up with the best combination.

While I still hold Independence Day in high esteem as a big summer celebration, that excitement of my youth has worn off a bit. My dog makes fireworks more of a nuisance than a marvel, and my closet seems to hold more black and beige and less red, white and blue. But something about America’s 250th anniversary has me excited again for the first time in a long time. After all, it’s my first semiquincentennial!

It probably also helps that seemingly every single brand on the planet has embraced the party. There are limited-edition flavors of classic grocery items, star-shaped foods, and even special packaging designed with bald eagles and American flags. Here, I’ve collected an assortment of products that have gotten me in that patriotic spirit again. It’s by no means an exhaustive list, but rather a highlighting of options available at your local grocery store. If you want a truly star-spangled celebration, then grab one or two of these for your shindig!

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Kingsford American Eagle Charcoal Briquettes

Get the grilling party started on a high note—as high as an American bald eagle, soaring across that majestic blue sky. This special-edition Kingsford Charcoal packaging is a little campy, sure, but this year is a perfect excuse to go all-out on Americana.

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Chobani American Blueberry Coffee Creamer

There is nothing better than eating fresh blueberries in the summer. This Chobani creamer is made with fresh, American-grown blueberries to make every cup of coffee a sweet little celebration. It should hit stores mid-June, so keep an eye out.

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Birthday Cake Cheerios

Keeping in that breakfast theme, pair your coffee with a big bowl of special Birthday Cake Cheerios. It’s a vanilla cake–flavored twist on the classic cereal, with red and blue sprinkles galore. The box also got a festive makeover, so it will look pretty patriotic sitting on your kitchen table.

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Velveeta USA- and Star-Shaped Mac and Cheese

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to eat pasta shaped like the United States, then you’re in luck. Velveeta is joining the festivities with the launch of its new limited-edition pasta, which features pieces shaped like stars and the outline of the United States. It’s a playful twist on the theme, and I can’t wait to savor every cheesy bite.

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Red, White and Blue Ring Pops

Feeling like dialing up the bling for the big fling? Look no further than this package of special red, white and blue Ring Pops. They will absolutely be a hit with any children at your Fourth of July parties—that includes inner children too.

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Welch’s Sparkling Blueberry Beverage

When it comes time to wash down all those hot dogs (hey, no judgment) you can reach for a bottle of this limited-edition Welch’s Sparkling Blueberry. This would be great on its own, but would also make a great mocktail over some ice. Maybe garnished with a little American flag?

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Pillsbury Strawberries & Cream Stripes Toaster Strudel

I have to confess something: I got a box of this limited-edition Toaster Strudel last week and I’ve already eaten them all. The flavor is great, obviously, but being able to draw stars on top with blueberry frosting was what really made them so much fun to eat.

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Ore-Ida Star Tater Tots

I can’t believe these didn’t exist until right now. Star-shaped tater tots are something that I, personally, would enjoy eating year-round. Thankfully, I just bought a new upright freezer, so I can stock up while they’re available!

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Tyson Star Chicken Nuggets

Imagine a plate that is just full of different star-shaped foods. First, there’s the tater tots, but then what? Well, Tyson star-shaped chicken nuggets, of course! You can use ranch and ketchup as festive red and white dipping sauces, too.

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Jet-Puffed Jumbo Star Marshmallows

Marshmallows are, without a doubt, a quintessential summer food. These jumbo star-shaped ones from Jet-Puffed can be eaten straight out of the bag or toasted for s’mores. The coolest thing about them, though, is that the bag glows in the dark. That way you’ll never misplace it around the fire pit.

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Cheez-It Flags and Stars Crackers

I’ve gone on record saying that Cheez-Its are my absolute favorite snack crackers of all time. This big, limited-edition box—with flag and star designs on the crackers—is an absolutely perfect addition to this celebratory list.

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Town House Star-Spangled Crackers

If you like the idea of a star-printed cracker but want a milder flavor base than a Cheez-It, might I suggest these Town House crackers? They’ll make the perfect addition to any dip or spread, or you can pile them high on your star-spangled charcuterie board.

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Oreo Firecracker Pop Cookies

I have to admit, I was not expecting to like these Firecracker Pop Oreos as much as I do. They taste exactly like classic firecracker ice pops—only in cookie form. The brightly-colored layers of filling inside each cookie are such a fun and festive addition to the classic Oreo format.

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Bush’s Rocket Pop Flavored Beans

If you like rocket pop flavor but want to live a little more on the edge, might I suggest a can of Bush’s rocket pop baked beans? I know, I know: the concept of cherry, lime and blue raspberry–flavored beans seems out there, but I bet that it’s secretly very good. Only one way to find out, eh?

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Hot Pockets Gooey Apple Pie Snack Breaks

Listen, it wouldn’t be a true celebration of America without some apple pie. Hot Pockets just launched a totally brand-new line called Snack Breaks, and one of the flavors was specifically designed for America’s 250th. This will be an excellent addition to any party!

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Korbel Limited-Edition Champagne Bottle

This understated limited-edition packaging might be the perfect foil to the American eagle charcoal bag, but I think they both deserve a place at the cookout. There is nothing more celebratory than a champagne toast, and Korbel Brut in a chic star-spangled bottle is just what your party needs.

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Johnsonville Original Bratwurst Cele-BRAT-ion Pack

Good things come to those who scroll all the way to the bottom of a listicle, because I saved the best item for last. Johnsonville is going all out with its limited-edition pack of 250 brats. Yes, you read that correcttly: 250 brats in one box. You can buy it for yourself exclusively at Sam’s Club. After all, you can’t spell sausage without USA.