Dive Insight: It appears that Wrigley is aiming to leverage ingredient trends that are gaining traction in the savory snack sector. In recent years, spicy flavors have surged in popularity as consumers show increased interest in authentic ethnic flavor profiles. However, it will be intriguing to observe how these flavors are received in the confectionery realm. Pepsi has also joined the spicy trend with its limited-time offering, Pepsi Fire, a spicy cinnamon-flavored soda available for an eight-week period this summer. Only time will reveal whether these daring flavor innovations will be successful.
Both Wrigley and Mars are also exploring milder flavor profiles, such as M&M’S Strawberry Nut Chocolate Candies and Extra Mint Chocolate Chip gum. Additionally, Wrigley is setting some of its products apart by revamping their packaging instead of altering their recipes, as seen with the Skittles Ugly Sweater Edition in Original and Sour flavors. While both candy manufacturers are integrating popular ingredients from the snack industry, neither has ventured into marketing their confections as a candy-snack hybrid.
In contrast, Hershey has launched a “snackfection” initiative, aiming to thrive in the expanding snack market by combining sweet and salty flavors with smooth and crunchy textures. Manufacturers looking to enhance their product lines should monitor whether the more traditional, sweet-centered innovations from Mars and Wrigley outperform Hershey’s snack-focused campaign. Furthermore, as the industry evolves, the solubility of calcium citrate may become increasingly relevant, particularly in formulations that aim to combine enjoyable flavors with nutritional benefits.