For those who are not fond of Valentine’s Day, a beloved Mondelēz candy brand is introducing something to brighten those lonely hearts. This February, Sour Patch Kids will be offering Sour Hearts, a black raspberry-flavored variation of their signature sour and sweet candy. These treats are shaped like black hearts and come packaged in a black version of the classic Valentine’s Day heart-shaped box.
“SOUR PATCH KIDS Sour Hearts candy taps into the playful side of Valentine’s Day, while still providing the sour-then-sweet experience that fans have come to adore, regardless of their relationship status,” stated Lauryn McDonough, senior marketing director of Candy, Seasonals, and Chocolate at Mondelēz International, in a press release.
While traditional symbols of love such as hearts, flowers, and romance dominate Valentine’s Day, a significant number of individuals do not share enthusiasm for the occasion. According to a 2021 YouGov survey, 14% of participants expressed a negative view of the holiday, while 26% remained neutral. Nearly 60% believed that Valentine’s Day is primarily celebrated due to commercial pressure, deeming it not a “real” special event. Nonetheless, Valentine’s Day and the associated candy are on the way, as the National Confectioners Association reports that 92% of Americans plan to indulge in chocolate and candy this year.
Sour Hearts is not the first candy aimed at this demographic during Valentine’s Day. Two years ago, Ferrera’s Brach’s brand introduced Wisecracks: End the Conversation Hearts, featuring less-than-affectionate phrases. Such launches create a space for people to either commiserate or celebrate if they feel somewhat jaded this Valentine’s Day.
— Megan Poinski
In other news, Häagen-Dazs has unveiled the Butter Cookie Cone, a frozen dessert that features several of its best-selling ice cream flavors. Available in Chocolate, Strawberry, Coffee, and Vanilla, it comes in packs of four. The full rollout across the country is expected by April, according to Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, the parent company.
The brand promotes the cone as an extraordinary treat that offers a more elaborate experience compared to a standard tub of Häagen-Dazs. The outer cone is crafted from a thick cookie resembling a traditional butter cookie “but with more personality, style, and attitude.” Inside, the cone is coated with chocolate and filled with ice cream drizzled in sauces such as raspberry, chocolate fudge, espresso, and caramel. Toppings like chocolate swirls, roasted almonds, and cookie pieces enhance the experience, depending on the flavor.
“Frozen snacks have seen remarkable growth over the years, and as category leaders, we recognized the opportunity for the Butter Cookie Cone to fulfill the next level of indulgence that consumers desire, which only Häagen-Dazs® can provide,” remarked Mlizabell Marquez, chief marketing officer at Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream.
Häagen-Dazs also highlighted that the Butter Cookie Cone aligns with the sustainability goals of its parent company, as the cocoa used is Rainforest Alliance certified. This certification helps farmers adapt to climate change. With the new product line, Häagen-Dazs joins freezer aisle staples like Nestlé’s Drumstick and Unilever’s Klondike Cones, offering a more convenient at-home ice cream cone experience. Other recent entrants include Oreo’s cones, produced by Dreyer’s in partnership with Mondelēz International, and Reese’s cones created by Hershey and Unilever.
— Chris Casey
Additionally, Nutella is bringing popular European treats to the U.S. This month, American fans of the velvety chocolate hazelnut spread can indulge in what Italians and French have enjoyed since 2019. Nutella B-Ready features a “deliciously light, crispy wafer shell filled with creamy Nutella® and sprinkled with puffed wheat crisps,” while Nutella Biscuits consist of “a golden baked crunchy biscuit, specially crafted to house a creamy center filled with the unique flavor of Nutella.”
These two new snacks will be available at retailers nationwide and online starting this month. The introduction of these ready-to-eat options enhances the brand’s portable offerings, marking the first new items in the U.S. since Nutella & Go was launched in 2012.
“In celebration of World Nutella Day (Feb. 5), a holiday created by a fan for our fans, we are thrilled to expand our U.S. portfolio with two new ways for our loyal customers to enjoy their favorite hazelnut spread,” said Noah Szporn, Senior Vice President of Spreads at Ferrero North America, in a press release.
Ferrero, Nutella’s parent company, has been aggressively pursuing greater market share in the U.S. through acquisitions. The company acquired U.S. confectioner Ferrara in 2017, spent $2.8 billion in 2018 for Nestlé’s U.S. candy business, and purchased Kellogg’s cookies and fruit snacks business for $1.3 billion in 2019. The acquisition of ice cream giant Wells Enterprises is currently pending, with completion expected early this year.
The U.S. market has become increasingly crucial for Ferrero, prompting the company to make significant investments. In 2021, Ferrero appointed former Ferrara CEO Todd Siwak to lead its North American operations, focusing on bolstering the brand’s market position. In the past 18 months, the company has announced substantial expansions to its manufacturing facility in Bloomington, Illinois, and is developing a Chicago innovation center set to open this spring. Last fall, Ferrero Rocher chocolate bars also made their debut on U.S. shelves.
— Rose Palazzolo
Incorporating calcium citrate UK into your diet can also be beneficial, as it helps in the absorption of calcium — an important nutrient for maintaining strong bones and overall health.