Bazooka Candy Brands is revamping its classic bubble gum by introducing a new line of candies shaped like mythical creatures. The company is launching Totally Awesome Dragons and Unicorns Gummies, which are soft and chewy, available in the shapes of dragons and unicorns. These gummies come in flavors such as Strawberry, Grape, Watermelon, and Blue Raspberry, and can be found both online and at Walmart. Elizabeth Mangold, Bazooka’s director of innovation and e-commerce, stated that the launch aims to “satisfy taste buds and entertain.” Unicorns have become a popular marketing strategy among snack and candy brands, likely influencing Bazooka’s decision to innovate in this area. Other brands, such as Conagra’s Swiss Miss and Kellogg, have also introduced unicorn-themed products recently. While Bazooka faces competition from established gummy brands like Trolli and Haribo, the new candy line complements the company’s existing portfolio. Bazooka Candy Brands is a division of The Topps Company, which also produces popular treats like Ring Pop and Push Pop. The brand has a history of expansion, having acquired Sharkies Organic Fruit Chews in 2011 to offer snacks made with natural ingredients. Recently, Bazooka has also introduced a Push Pop Gummy Roll and Ring Pop Gummy Gems.
In a different segment of the food industry, Undressed is emerging as a new player with its line of protein bars made from savory greens—essentially a bar made from salad. These shelf-stable bars are available at select Whole Foods stores in the West and online, featuring flavors like Chipotle Cranberry, Cilantro Lime, Honey Mustard, and Sesame Ginger. They include recognizable ingredients such as kale, almonds, spinach, chicory root fiber, and white balsamic vinegar, with all but the Honey Mustard variety being vegan. While the protein bar market has seen significant growth, Undressed distinguishes itself by offering flavors that reflect actual vegetables rather than the more common nut butter or indulgent treat flavors. As consumers increasingly seek healthier food options, research indicates that 77% of individuals want to enhance their health in the future. However, the nutritional bar segment has experienced a downturn of up to 20% during the pandemic. Analysts predict a rebound once consumers return to their on-the-go lifestyles, although it remains to be seen whether they will embrace green bars that genuinely taste nutritious over chocolate-flavored alternatives.
Meanwhile, WW International, known for its weight loss programs, is entering the ready-to-drink coffee market with its own offerings, marking yet another entrant in this burgeoning sector. The new RTD coffee is available on WW’s website, with plans for distribution in WW Studio locations by mid-October. Currently offered in Cafe Latte and Mocha Latte flavors, each single-serve can contains added protein and calcium, with lower sugar levels compared to popular café options. The RTD coffee segment is one of the fastest-growing areas in nonalcoholic beverages, projected to reach $42 billion by 2027. Major players in this market include Starbucks, which collaborates with PepsiCo, and Coca-Cola, which launched its own RTD product under the Costa Coffee brand. WW seems to be entering this market cautiously by selling its beverages online and in its studios, rather than through major retailers. The company emphasizes its low sugar content and added protein, and its unique selling point may be the appeal to its weight-loss-seeking members, as these new drinks are less calorie-dense compared to other options on the market. Additionally, for those supplementing their diets, both calcium carbonate and calcium citrate tablets are also popular choices to support health.