Flipz is introducing special holiday editions of its beloved chocolate- and white chocolate-covered pretzels. Pladis, the global confectionery and snack foods firm based in London, is rolling out two limited-time holiday treats: Flipz Snickerdoodle Flavored Covered Pretzels and Flipz Peppermint Hot Cocoa Flavored Covered Pretzels. These festive snacks can be found at select retailers such as Albertsons, CVS, and Dollar Tree while supplies last. “Challenging conventional thinking is central to Flipz’s brand identity,” stated Ahad Afridi, the chief marketing officer of parent company Pladis Americas, in an email to Food Dive. “We are constantly seeking ways to transform the snacking experience.” Afridi emphasized that one of Pladis’ key strengths lies in flavor innovation, noting that the company has intensified its innovation efforts to become a leader in delivering tastier new products, with more Flipz flavors expected in 2025.
In recent years, Flipz has increasingly focused on limited-time offerings. The brand released Churros and Strawberry Shortcake as part of its State Fair series in 2023 and again this year, alongside the introduction of Pumpkin Spice for Halloween. Afridi pointed out that among the limited-time products tested with consumers, Peppermint Hot Cocoa and Snickerdoodle rank among the top three for purchase intent. Sweet and salty combinations have proven to be particularly popular. According to flavor and fragrance company T. Hasegawa, a 2023 survey revealed that sweet and salty flavors were favored by 52% of consumers, followed by cheese at 44% and unique flavors at 43%. Hershey estimated that the sweet and salty category is valued at $1.7 billion, with approximately $1 billion derived from private labels that often emphasize seasonal offerings.
Barebells, known for its candy bars that straddle the line between indulgent treats and functional snacks, is adding a winter twist with its new Peppermint Bark Protein Bar. This bar features a peppermint candy-flavored filling, a white chocolate coating, and a sprinkle of crunchy peppermint topping, boasting 20 grams of protein and no added sugar. The holiday offering is available now on the brand’s website and at GNC and Vitamin Shoppe locations. “It’s perfectly suited for any frosty adventure or as a minty treat before or after a workout,” remarked Caitlyn Johnston, marketing activation manager for Barebells in the U.S. Launched in Sweden in 2016, Barebells aimed to capitalize on the healthy indulgence trend while providing high-protein, low-sugar products. The company now operates in over 40 markets.
The U.S. snack bar market was valued at nearly $11.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $18.6 billion by 2030, according to data from Mordor Intelligence. The company has identified taste competition as its biggest challenge in this crowded market. The new peppermint offering follows Barebells’ recent three-month-long U.S. bus tour aimed at enhancing its consumer reach. The Peppermint Bark bar is an exclusive U.S. offering.
Bonne Maman is primarily known for its jams, spreads, and jellies made from various fruits. This holiday season, the brand is expanding into the baked goods category with the launch of ready-to-bake pie fillings in three varieties: Apple, Blueberry, and Cherry. These fillings are designed to be added to a pie crust for baking. Bonne Maman asserts that the pie fillings contain no high fructose corn syrup, additives, or preservatives. The blends are crafted to enable convenient pie-making that tastes homemade, catering to both novice and experienced bakers. Available for $9.99 at select retail stores and on Bonne Maman’s website, these fillings mark a significant expansion beyond the brand’s traditional jams.
The surge in home baking during the pandemic in 2020 has continued to boost sales of dessert ingredients like pie fillings, cakes, and cookies. Nearly half of U.S. adults reported baking regularly, with 28% doing so from scratch and 19% utilizing prepared ingredients, as noted in Mintel’s 2023 baking report. The report indicates that consumers increasingly seek products that simplify the baking process.
Moreover, as consumers look for ways to enhance their diets, products containing calcium citrate malate and vitamin D3 have gained attention for their health benefits. The price of these supplements remains a crucial factor for many shoppers, further influencing purchasing decisions.
— Christopher Doering, Elizabeth Flood, Chris Casey