ON THE SHELF NOW
US - M&M's Honey Roasted Peanut joins permanent lineup
Mars launches M&M's first permanent new peanut variety since 1954, featuring honey-glazed peanuts wrapped in milk chocolate. Available in single, share, and stand-up pouch formats nationwide and on MMS.com.
Why we care: When Mars makes a "permanent" flavor addition after 70+ years, it's not a whim—it's a calculated bet on sweet-salty dominance. Watch this space closely for supply chain implications.
Read more (PR Newswire)
US - Airheads sodas debut in four classic flavors
Perfetti Van Melle brings the iconic taffy brand to beverages with Blue Raspberry, Strawberry, Orange, and Watermelon carbonated drinks hitting stores this September. The sour-and-sweet balance translates from solid to liquid format.
Why we care: Candy-to-beverage brand extensions are having a moment. If Airheads can crack the sour-sweet soda code, expect every nostalgic candy brand to follow suit.
Read more (Sporked)US - Mentos Discovery Roll features 14 flavors in single pack
Perfetti Van Melle breaks from traditional single-flavor format with orange, lemon, strawberry, lime, grapefruit, raspberry, watermelon, grape, cherry, banana, passion fruit, pineapple, blueberry, and black currant all in one roll.
Why we care: When brands that have stuck religiously to tried-and-true formats suddenly go rogue with 14-flavor variety packs, it signals either desperation or genius. Given Mentos' track record, we're betting on the latter.
Read more (Sporked)- US - Dum-Dums flavor vault unleashes eight adventurous varieties including Pickle and Spicy Pineapple exclusively at Five Below ($1.50-$5.00).
- US - Werther's Original Gingerbread Soft Caramels arrive early at Walmart and Dollar Tree despite still being summer.
- US - Butterfinger Marshmallow replaces Salted Caramel variety with marshmallow-flavored coating.
- US - Crunch White Bars return after 20-year absence, swapping milk for white chocolate.
- US - General Mills Apple Pie Toast Crunch returns as limited edition combining dessert flavors with signature Cinnadust.
- US - Zevia Salted Caramel Soda adds indulgent flavor to zero-calorie stevia lineup.
- US - Slice Soda new Root Beer variant joins the revived brand's flavor portfolio.
- Global - Restaurant-candy crossovers expand as KFC gummy combo meals hit Five Below, following Dunkin' jelly beans trend.
- US - Twix Snickerdoodle debuts with cookie dough-inspired coating, targeting dessert comfort trend.
COMING SOON
US - Cheez-It Crunch launches October 2025 with national rollout January 2026
Kellanova debuts its biggest innovation in three years: 3D hollow-grid crackers in Kick'n Nacho Cheese and Zesty Jalapeño Cheddar. Single-serve bags hit 7-Eleven ($2.79) in October, full-size nationwide January 2026 ($4.49).
Why we care: When Kellanova calls something their "biggest innovation in three years" and backs it with a two-phase national rollout, they're expecting significant volume. The snack category's 55% surge in crunchy content suggests perfect timing.
Read more (PR Newswire)
US - Monster Energy 2026 lineup reveals strawberry and grape innovations
Monster Energy Strawberry Shot launches January 2026 as new subline adding strawberry to classic Monster formula, followed by Monster Voodoo Grape Juice in February 2026. March brings new Ultra flavor with "mean punch" profile.
Why we care: Monster's aggressive 2026 roadmap shows they're not yielding market share to anyone. Three major launches in three months suggests they're either supremely confident or desperately fighting off competitors.
Read more (Sporked)US - Sour Patch Kids Strips target sour belt market this month
Mondelez launches five-flavor strip lineup (Lemon, Lime, Orange, Red Berry, Blue Raspberry) at Target this month, expanding nationwide 2026. Direct challenge to Airheads Xtremes and Sour Strips dominance.
Why we care: When Sour Patch Kids enters the sour belt wars, it's not just about market share, it's about defending their sour credibility.
Read more (Sporked)- UK - Red Bull Winter Edition Fuji Apple & Ginger launching October 2025 following successful Iced Vanilla Berry.
- UK - Kettle Krinkle Lightly Salted expanding to convenience stores October 2025 after Co-op trial.
- US - Alani Nu Cherry Bomb Energy expected January 2026 with maroon packaging suggesting cherry cola positioning.
TREND ALERT
US - Mike's Hot Honey collaboration explosion continues with AriZona partnership
AriZona launches three Mike's Hot Honey variants: Green Tea, Mucho Mango, and Watermelon Juice Cocktail through different retail channels (nationwide, Sheetz-exclusive, and gopuff-only respectively).
Why we care: Mike's Hot Honey is becoming the sriracha of 2025—appearing in every possible food category. When even green tea gets the spicy treatment, we've reached peak collaboration saturation.
Read more (Sporked)US - Freeze-dried candy trend reaches mainstream as Ferrara expands lineup
Ferrara Candy launches freeze-dried LemonHeads, Sprees, and SweetTarts nationally following Sweets & Snacks Expo preview. Process intensifies existing flavors while creating unique texture experience.
Why we care: When a major manufacturer like Ferrara commits to freeze-drying technology for national rollout, it validates what TikTok has been telling us for months. Texture innovation is the new flavor innovation.
Read more (Sporked)UK - Natural energy segment hits £156m by 2027 as Purdey's undergoes major refresh
Purdey's launches Berry & Dragon Fruit and Orange & Mango alongside reformulated Apple & Grape, targeting 71% of consumers seeking artificial-free energy options. Premium positioning with sleek new packaging design.
Why we care: Natural energy is the fastest-growing soft drinks segment over five years. When established players like Purdey's invest in complete rebrands, it signals mainstream acceptance of premium functional beverages.
Read more (Better Retailing)INDUSTRY NEWS
UK - KitKat celebrates 90th anniversary with York facility producing 4 million bars daily
Nestlé's iconic brand marks nine decades since 1935 launch, now offered in 300+ global flavors from UK's hazelnut to Japan's wasabi varieties. York factory employs 2,000+ people maintaining continuous innovation pipeline.
Why we care: Four million daily units from a single facility demonstrates the scale required for true global confectionery dominance. The 300-flavor portfolio shows how localization drives international expansion, key lessons for any brand with global ambitions.
Read more (Better Retailing)
