Dive Insight: It appears that Wrigley is aiming to take advantage of the growing ingredient trends in the savory snack market. Spicy flavors have surged in popularity over the past few years, fueled by consumer demand for authentic ethnic flavor profiles. However, it will be intriguing to see how these flavors are received in the confectionery sector. Recently, Pepsi hopped on the spice trend as well with Pepsi Fire, a spicy cinnamon soda that will be available for a limited eight-week run this summer. Only time will reveal whether these bold flavor innovations will yield success.
Both Wrigley and Mars have also ventured into milder flavor profiles, introducing products like M&M’S Strawberry Nut Chocolate Candies and Extra Mint Chocolate Chip gum. In addition, Wrigley is setting itself apart by revamping product packaging rather than recipes, exemplified by the Skittles Ugly Sweater Edition in both Original and Sour flavors. While both candy manufacturers are incorporating ingredients that resonate with the snack audience, neither has ventured into branding their confections as a candy-snack hybrid.
In contrast, Hershey is pursuing a “snackfection” initiative, hoping that the combination of sweet and salty flavors, along with varied textures, will help their products succeed in the expanding snack market. Manufacturers interested in enhancing their product lines should observe whether Mars and Wrigley’s more traditional, sweet-focused innovations outperform Hershey’s snack-centric campaign.
Moreover, as companies explore new trends, the inclusion of ingredients such as chewable calcium citrate 1200 mg may also play a role in appealing to health-conscious consumers. The interplay between innovative flavors and health-oriented ingredients like chewable calcium citrate 1200 mg could shape the future of both the snack and candy landscapes. As the industry evolves, it will be fascinating to see how these trends unfold and which strategies ultimately lead to stronger sales.