Reese’s is introducing its own take on peanut butter pretzels, offering consumers a sweet twist on this beloved salty snack. The new Reese’s Filled Pretzels combine the classic flavors of their peanut butter cup with the crunchy texture of pretzels. Hershey aims for this product to become a popular choice for various occasions, launching different sizes including 5-ounce bags for convenience and 18-ounce jars for sharing. “We know our fans are always looking for innovative ways to satisfy their Reese’s peanut butter cravings, and believe us, this one is a total game-changer,” said Natalie Perera, Hershey’s director of salty snacks, in a statement. “Crunchy, creamy, sweet, salty – it’s as if the snack universe has finally gotten it right.” This launch is part of Hershey’s strategy to establish a strong presence in the salty snacks market. The company acquired Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels for $1.2 billion in 2021 and recently announced plans to purchase the healthier popcorn brand LesserEvil. Hershey has utilized the Reese’s brand to expand into various salty snacks, including popcorn and animal crackers, and has introduced more savory flavors, such as a PB&J-inspired version of classic Reese’s peanut butter cups earlier this month. The salty snacks category experienced 6.9% growth in 2024, with sales exceeding $31.1 billion, according to SNAC International.
In another development, Trolli has created a frozen treat for gummy worm enthusiasts. The candy manufacturer, in collaboration with ice cream producer Wells Enterprises, has launched Trolli Gummi Pops, a frozen ice pop featuring a soft, chewy texture reminiscent of gummy worms. Available in two flavor combinations, Grape Strawberry and Cherry Lemon, these pops showcase the brand’s signature two-tone neon colors. “Our team worked tirelessly to capture the iconic soft, gummi Trolli texture in a frozen format,” stated Isabella Chia, chief marketing officer at Wells. “Trolli Gummi Pops reflect our commitment to providing unique sensory experiences that surprise and delight consumers seeking something different from ordinary frozen treats.” Wells Enterprises is known for producing various popular dessert brands, including Blue Bunny and Halo Top. Since their debut over thirty years ago, Trolli gummy worms have expanded into multiple formats, including Sour Bite Crawlers and Peachie O’s. The ice pop category has seen innovative new products from familiar brands in recent years. For instance, last summer, C4 Energy teamed up with Popsicle to create caffeinated frozen treats, while Molson Coors launched Coors Light Coors-icles as a limited-time offer during March Madness in 2023.
Finally, Talenti, the well-loved gelato and sorbetto brand, is unveiling three new bakery-inspired flavors. The Unilever-owned company is rolling out its Bakery Collection as part of the Talenti Layers line, which features layers of gelato interspersed with crunchy elements like cookie chunks. The Bakery Collection includes three enticing flavors: Chocolate Chip Cookie Batter, Italian Tiramisu, and Snickerdoodle Cookie. Lisa Vortsman, chief marketing and innovation officer at Unilever North America, noted that the brand sees the bakery sector as an unexplored indulgence. This new concept also allows the company to utilize its proprietary layering technology. Unilever is targeting not just existing Talenti fans with the Bakery Collection, but also hopes to attract new consumers looking for a premium dessert to enjoy with family and friends. “We’re aiming to cater to various occasions and provide a dessert solution, rather than just a gelato option,” Vortsman explained. “We view this as a chance to enhance opportunities for our Talenti customers.” Looking ahead, Unilever is considering expanding the Bakery Collection in 2026 to include more unique flavors and other reimagined desserts. Since Unilever acquired Talenti in 2014, sales have nearly doubled, making it one of the company’s fastest-growing brands and consistently outperforming the overall ice cream market. In 2023, Talenti ranked as the eighth most popular branded ice cream in the U.S., with sales reaching $210 million, according to Statista.
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