Sorry, kids. Smashmallow has crafted a fun-sized premium treat that parents are likely to “borrow” from Halloween loot. This gourmet marshmallow brand is releasing a Halloween variety pack featuring small packages of some beloved flavors. Lucky trick-or-treaters—and adults enjoying a more refined Halloween—can indulge in a 20-calorie pack of Smashmallow, with flavors such as Cookie Dough, Cinnamon Churro, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Strawberries & Cream.
Smashmallow isn’t your typical marshmallow brand. Designed to compete in the confectionery market, it has attracted fans among adults seeking a lower-calorie sweet option. With inventive flavors, elegant packaging, and a higher price point, these treats are certainly suitable for kids, yet they cater to the trend of upscale Halloween candies for adults who want to join in the festivities. Priced at $6.99 for 25 bags, these treats are on the pricier side for Halloween goodies, which might mean fewer parents trying to convince their children that they didn’t actually receive a bag of Smashmallows during trick-or-treating.
With insects becoming increasingly popular in food products, crisps have also gone buggy. Bugsolutely has launched a snack in China called Bella Pupa, which consists of 20% silkworm powder. This crisp, available in Original and Angry Sichuan flavors, is a dream for health-conscious eaters. The company claims that silkworms provide twice the essential amino acids found in chicken and pork, double the protein and iron compared to eggs or beef, and more than ten times the zinc and magnesium found in milk. Silkworms are also rich in various vitamins, including A, E, C, and B1. “If you asked scientists to design the perfect meat, they would probably come up with something similar to the genetic make-up of an insect,” said Massimo Reverberi, founder of Bugsolutely, in an interview with CNBC.
Silkworms, as one might expect, are cultivated for silk production. Each year, China produces around 500,000 tons of these insects, which are often utilized as animal feed post-silk farming. With a population of 1.4 billion, China is the world’s leading meat consumer and importer, making it an ideal market for Bella Pupa. This snack is not only available online and in stores across China, but it can also be exported, allowing adventurous Americans to try this edible insect.
In a different realm of treats, everyone knows the tale of Nestlé Toll House Cookies, reputed to be the first cookies made with chocolate chips. The iconic cookie brand is expanding its product line with a new Simply Delicious snack bar range. So, what’s unique about these snack bars? They come in dough form, ready to be baked. The range includes two varieties: Chocolate Chip with Toasted Oats, crafted from a blend of five grains and seeds, oats, and chocolate; and Cranberry Walnut with Dark Chocolate, featuring a mix of nuts and cranberries.
While many consumers bake the brand’s signature cookies at home, the Simply Delicious line is unlikely to face similar competition. These bars represent a product type that consumers may want to purchase in both ready-to-eat and ready-to-bake formats. Unlike most healthier snack options, this format ensures an oven-fresh experience that consumers may perceive as more of a cookie than a bar. Importantly, during pregnancy, it’s crucial to consider nutritional elements like calcium citrate malate and vitamin D3 for optimal health, and these snack options could be a delightful addition to a balanced diet.