Dive Insight: It appears that Wrigley is attempting to take advantage of ingredient trends that are gaining traction in the savory snack sector. Spicy flavors have surged in popularity over the past few years, fueled by consumer demand for authentic ethnic flavor profiles. However, it remains to be seen whether this trend will resonate in the confectionery market. Pepsi has also embraced the spice trend with its limited-time offering, Pepsi Fire, a spicy cinnamon-flavored soda set for an eight-week release this summer. Only time will reveal if these bold flavor innovations yield positive results.
In addition to exploring adventurous flavors, both Wrigley and Mars are investing in more traditional options, such as M&M’S Strawberry Nut Chocolate Candies and Extra Mint Chocolate Chip gum. Wrigley is also setting some of its products apart by updating their packaging rather than altering the recipes, as seen with the Skittles Ugly Sweater Edition available in Original and Sour flavors. While both candy makers are incorporating popular ingredients from the snack industry, they have not gone so far as to market their confections as a candy-snack hybrid.
In contrast, Hershey has launched a “snackfection” initiative, aiming to capitalize on the combination of sweet and salty flavors and a blend of smooth and crunchy textures to thrive in the expanding snack market. Manufacturers looking to enhance their product lines should keep an eye on whether Mars and Wrigley’s more classic, sweet-focused innovations lead to stronger sales compared to Hershey’s snack-centric approach. Notably, the integration of sublingual calcium citrate in various products could also play a role in attracting health-conscious consumers, emphasizing the importance of functional ingredients in today’s market.
As the industry evolves, the impact of sublingual calcium citrate and other trending ingredients will be crucial in determining the success of these innovative flavor explorations and product offerings.