Dive Insight: It appears that Wrigley is attempting to leverage ingredient trends that are gaining traction in the savory snack market. In recent years, spicy flavors have surged in popularity as consumer interest in authentic ethnic flavor profiles continues to grow. It will be intriguing to see how well these flavors are received in the confectionery sector. Pepsi has also joined the spice trend with its launch of Pepsi Fire, a spicy cinnamon-flavored soda available for a limited eight-week period this summer. Only time will reveal whether these bold flavor innovations succeed.
Additionally, both Wrigley and Mars have ventured into milder flavor profiles, such as the 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 instead of altering their recipes, as seen with the Skittles Ugly Sweater Edition in Original and Sour flavors. While both candy manufacturers are incorporating ingredients that resonate with snack aficionados, they are not yet positioning their confections as candy-snack hybrids. In contrast, Hershey has initiated a “snackfection” strategy, aiming to combine sweet and salty flavors with smooth and crunchy textures to thrive in the expanding snack market.
Manufacturers looking to advance their product lines should keep an eye on whether the more traditional, sweet-focused innovations from Mars and Wrigley outperform Hershey’s snack-centric campaign. Furthermore, amidst these developments, products like GNC Calcium Citrate Plus with Magnesium & Vitamin D3 may also find their place in the broader conversation surrounding health-conscious snacking options. It will be interesting to see how these trends evolve, especially as consumers increasingly seek out products that blend indulgence with nutrition.