Brand partnerships used to mean a co-branded sneaker drop or a limited-edition snack flavor. Now, they're getting stranger-and more viral. Soda-and-cookie mashups, beer-infused soups, and hot honey beans have all hit store shelves in recent months, sparking a mix of curiosity, confusion, and clicks. At first glance, these collaborations might feel like stunts with little connection between the products. But marketing experts and brand leaders argue they serve a bigger purpose: keeping legacy names relevant in a crowded, attention-driven marketplace.