Candy

Unreal Snacks Launches Peanut Butter Drops at Whole Foods

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Unreal Snacks introduced Peanut Butter Drops exclusively at Whole Foods Markets nationwide. The new product taps into growing consumer interest in peanut butter flavors with a nostalgic sweet-and-salty profile, real ingredients and reduced sugar, offering product developers insight into how brands are reimagining familiar treats for health-conscious consumers.

Sweets & Snacks Expo Honors Innovation

Thu, 21 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

The Sweets & Snacks Expo recognized the year’s most innovative confectionery and snack launches, highlighting trends ranging from nostalgic flavors to premium formats and experiential snacking. Organizers say the record number of entries reflects continued momentum in consumer-driven product innovation.

Strategies for Crafting Products with Multi-Sensory Indulgence

luann.williams@innovami.com (Lu Ann Williams) — Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Innova Market Insights’ “Layers of Delight” trend reveals how indulgence is evolving beyond simple treats to include mood support, sensory appeal and health-conscious features. From Dubai chocolate to premium dairy desserts, brands are balancing comfort, texture and flavor innovation with consumer demand for emotional wellness and better-for-you ingredients.

5 Gum Launches Flavor-Changing EVOLUTION Innovation

Sat, 16 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400

5 gum is introducing EVOLUTION, the brand’s first flavor-changing gum designed to deliver a shifting sensory experience with every chew. The innovation begins with tangy sour notes before evolving into sweeter berry flavors, adding a new twist to the gum category’s flavor innovation pipeline.

YumEarth Launches Freeze-Dried Giggles Candy

Wed, 13 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400

YumEarth is expanding its candy portfolio with Organic Freeze Dried Giggles, a new crunchy version of its Organic Giggles candy. The launch reflects growing interest in freeze-dried snacks and cleaner-label confectionery innovations.

Ferrero Opens Nutella Peanut Production Line

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400

The $75M investment in the company's Franklin Park, IL plant creates 50 new jobs, marking its first-ever new flavor.

TWIX Launches New Bits Format

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400

TWIX is expanding its portfolio with TWIX Bits, a poppable format combining chocolate, caramel and cookie in a single bite. The launch reinforces the brand’s focus on “duality” across product and marketing. The brand is also partnering with LiAngelo Ball to support the rollout. For product developers, the move highlights how format innovation and cultural tie-ins can refresh legacy brands and drive engagement.

Hershey Unifies Portfolio Under ONE Model

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Hershey is combining its snack portfolios under a single commercial model to streamline strategy and execution. The move aims to strengthen retail partnerships and accelerate innovation across categories.

NCA Announces Senior Leadership Promotions

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400

The National Confectioners Association is restructuring its leadership team to strengthen advocacy and industry engagement. The changes reflect a growing focus on regulatory complexity and coordinated policy and communications strategy.

Confectionery Sales Reach $55 Billion in 2025

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400

US confectionery sales reached a record $55 billion in 2025, according to the National Confectioners Association. Growth is supported by seasonal occasions, nostalgic products and innovation in flavors and textures.

Twizzlers Straws Tap Into Dirty Soda Trend

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0400

The Twizzlers brand is launching a limited-edition Twizzlers Straws flavor inspired by the Dirty Soda trend, blending vanilla, lime and coconut notes. The product is designed to be used as both an edible straw for soda mix-ins and a sweet treat.

BonBon Debuts First Chocolate Bar

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0500

BonBon Swedish Candy Co. is entering the chocolate category with the launch of its first-ever Chocolate Wafer Bar. The move brings a staple of Swedish confectionery culture to US shelves, signaling how texture-driven formats are shaping the next wave of candy innovation.

Hershey, Shaq Launch Shaq-A-Licious SLAMS

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0500

Shaquille O’Neal and The Hershey Company have debuted Shaq-A-Licious SLAMS, a new gummy candy offering a mix of crunchy and chewy textures. The interactive format encourages playful engagement while delivering fruit-forward and sour flavor combinations.

Smood Sweets Debuts Candy Dates at Target Nationwide

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 08:00:00 -0500

Smood Sweets has launched Candy Dates, candy-coated California dates that merge indulgence with wellness. Backed by experienced CPG founders and investors, the brand hits Target this November with a playful, plant-based take on guilt-free candy.

Chocolove Brings Back Holiday Tree-Shaped Bites

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0500

Chocolove is reviving its festive Tree-Shaped Bites for the holidays, adding two new filled chocolates to the limited-time lineup. The treats feature premium ingredients, traceable cocoa and Rainforest Alliance certification, available online and at major retailers.

Barry Callebaut, NotCo Partner on AI Chocolate R&D

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Barry Callebaut and NotCo AI have formed a first-of-its-kind partnership to infuse artificial intelligence into chocolate recipe development. The collaboration aims to speed innovation, strengthen supply resilience and deliver more tailored customer solutions.

California Natural Color: Navigating Color Bans

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0500

California Natural Color products deliver bright, stable hues derived from natural sources, helping manufacturers achieve a clean label with both liquid and crystal formats available.

Sour Punch Expands Pickle Portfolio with All Pickle Straws

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0500

Sour Punch is doubling down on the pickle craze with its latest limited-edition All Pickle Straws, blending tangy dill flavor with the brand’s signature sour sugar coating. The online-exclusive launch follows fan buzz from its playful Pickle Roulette release.

Oterra: Natural Purple

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

“It is flavor neutral and has enviable stability when exposed to heat, light and low pH conditions, and its recognizable ingredients appeal to customers as well,” says Phil Cook, Head of Strategic Marketing at Oterra.

Bon Bon Bum and Tajín Team Up for Spicy-Sweet Lollipop

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Colombina’s Bon Bon Bum has partnered with Tajín for a mashup that pairs fruit-filled lollipops with a chile-lime dip pouch. The 20-count packs are available online and at select retailers for $11.99.

M&M’s Debuts Freeze-Dried Caramel Candy

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Mars is launching M&M’s POP’d Caramel, its first freeze-dried candy, with a crisp, airy texture and familiar caramel taste. The product will roll out online in November and hit retailers nationwide in January 2026.

NERDS Rolls Out Juicy Gummy Clusters Candy

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0400

NERDS is expanding its candy legacy with Juicy Gummy Clusters — double the size, packed with crunch, and filled with a juicy strawberry center. The launch also ushers in two limited-edition football season flavors: Cherry Lemonade Blitz and Berry Punch Rush.

Candy Makers Roll Out Seasonal, Nostalgic and Co-Branded Chocolate Innovations

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Seasonal launches and brand collaborations bring new flavors and formats to the candy aisle, from PB&J M&M’S to Oreo Reese’s Cookies.

Chocolate and Collaboration Lead New Snack and Dessert Launches

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

From protein bars to ice cream, new launches spotlight chocolate flavors, brand collaborations and innovative formats across snacks and desserts.

Sour Patch Kids Introduces Strips in Five Classic Flavors

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Sour Patch Kids continues to bring excitement to the candy aisle with the latest Strips innovation, striking a balance of sour and sweet in an iconic, beloved format.

Huer Foods Launches Peels, Peelable Gummies Made for Play

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 10:00:00 -0400

Available in mango and banana flavors, Peels feature a peelable outer layer and a soft, squishy center, mimicking the fun of peeling real fruit.

Skittles Turns Up the Heat with Gummies Fuego

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 10:00:00 -0400

Available in a 5.8oz pack, each pack is a remix of five bold Skittles flavors—Mango, Watermelon, Strawberry, Raspberry, and Lemon—now coated in a tangy chili layer that adds a spicy twist.

Ferrara Debuts Freeze-Dried Versions of SweeTARTS, Lemonhead and Spree

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0400

The products maintain the original flavor profiles of each brand but replace the chewy or hard textures with a light, crunchy bite created through freeze-drying.

Sweden’s Viral Candy Brand BUBS Lands in US Retail Nationwide

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 08:00:00 -0400

TikTok videos of BUB's unique chewy-meets-marshmallow texture and playful oval and skull shapes generated billions of views, sparking demand among US candy lovers.

Trolli and Mountain Dew Launch Limited-Edition Sour Brite Collaboration

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 08:00:00 -0400

The collaboration unites two brands known for their willingness to push creative boundaries and deliver unexpected flavor experiences, aligning with Gen Z's appetite for authentic, adventurous products.