Starting this fall, there’s an exciting new way to experience the rainbow. Mars has unveiled Skittles Pop’d, a freeze-dried variant of the iconic candy that boasts a crunchy texture. These treats will be offered in both original and sour flavors, packaged in 5.5-ounce bags. “At Mars, we’re always exploring innovative methods to provide fresh experiences for our fans, focusing on flavor profiles and texture trends that resonate with consumers,” stated Ro Cheng, Mars Wrigley’s vice president of marketing for North America. Although the candy will be available in stores nationwide in early 2025, eager fans can purchase Skittles Pop’d early on TikTok Shop starting October 21, just in time for Halloween, the biggest candy holiday of the year. Mars, a candy giant with reported annual sales exceeding $47 billion, has recently revitalized the Skittles brand with unique product launches, including Skittles Gummies, miniature Skittles Littles, and even a mustard-flavored variety last year.
Meanwhile, Kraft Heinz’s Delimex brand is branching out from taquitos with its new Crispy Quesadillas. This launch marks one of the brand’s first new products in over five years, featuring flavors like Char-Grilled Chicken and Chipotle Chicken. Utilizing Kraft Heinz’s innovative 360Crisp technology, these quesadillas promise restaurant-quality crispiness straight from the microwave. Available in the frozen aisle at retailers nationwide, this new offering aims to elevate Mexican-style frozen foods beyond the traditional taquito. “As we look to redefine Mexican-style frozen foods through innovative technology, we see potential in meeting consumer expectations,” remarked Maryana Dluzniewski, Delimex’s marketing director. Kraft Heinz has recognized that while quesadillas are popular, many consumers are dissatisfied with existing frozen options, often finding them soggy and lacking the desired crunch. The Delimex Crispy Quesadillas represent the second innovation utilizing the 360Crisp technology, which employs strategic venting and varied heat points for optimal cooking. The first product featuring this technology was the 2023 launch of Lunchables Grilled Cheesies, which offer a crispy exterior and melty cheese ready in just a minute. Kraft Heinz has identified innovation as a key focus to increase net sales by $2 billion by 2027, with 360Crisp viewed as a significant advancement toward achieving this target.
As autumn leaves begin to change, Campbell Soup Co.’s cookie brand, Pepperidge Farm, is already gearing up for the winter season. The brand has introduced a new addition to its holiday lineup: Thin & Crispy peppermint cocoa cookies, marking its first thin and crispy style in the holiday cookie selection. These festive treats feature a chocolate cookie adorned with crisp peppermint chips. Over the years, Pepperidge Farm has released various holiday offerings, including Snowballs, Gingerman, and Raspberry Linzer cookies. The new holiday cookies will be available for a limited time at retailers starting in November. With companies rolling out seasonal flavors earlier each year, such as pumpkin spiced lattes in August and holiday offerings in October, it’s clear they are adapting to consumer demand. Whole Foods Market is also launching its festive collections weeks before the November 1 start of the holiday shopping season, already offering limited edition eggnog, for instance.
Additionally, for those looking to boost their calcium intake during the holiday season, consider incorporating Citracal Slow Release 1200 Calcium into your routine to support your health while enjoying these festive treats.