ON THE SHELF NOW
US - Crunch White Chocolate Bar returns after 20-year hiatus
Ferrero brings back the fan-favorite white chocolate version of its iconic crispy rice bar, available nationwide through December 2025 in single-serve and share pack formats after two decades of customer demands.
Why we care: Two decades of pent-up demand suggests this limited run will shift quickly. White chocolate variants often command premium pricing and create urgency amongst nostalgic consumers.
Read more (PR Newswire)
US - Hostess Suzy Q's make third comeback attempt
The "biggest Hostess Snack Cake" returns to limited retail after disappearing in late 2020, promising the original recipe that fans have demanded since the 2016 reformulation disappointment. Currently spotted at Walmart and select regional chains.
Why we care: Third time's the charm? Hostess has learned that recipe changes anger vocal fan bases. Success here could signal broader retro snack cake opportunities.
Read more (Sporked)
US - Ben Stiller launches better-for-you soda line
The actor debuts Stiller's Soda with three flavors (Root Beer, Lemon Lime, and Shirley Temple), featuring 30 calories, 7g of sugar, and added vitamins. Available in NYC retail and nationwide on Amazon with 1980s-parodying marketing campaign.
Why we care: Celebrity beverage brands flood the market, but Stiller's self-aware marketing approach and competitive pricing could differentiate. Functional soda space remains crowded but profitable.
Read more (Food Dive)
US - Poppi Cream Soda transitions from LTO to permanent line
The prebiotic soda brand elevates its January Target exclusive to permanent status following strong sales performance, now available at major retailers nationwide for $2.49 per can.
Why we care: LTO-to-permanent transitions indicate genuine consumer demand beyond novelty. Functional sodas continue expanding from niche to mainstream positioning.
Read more (BevNET)- UK - Natural energy drink Tenzing launches Peach & Honey Melon flavor (£1.99 single/£6.40 4-pack) targeting London universities and climbing gyms.
- UK - Carlsberg Britvic refreshes Aqua Libra with new Blueberry & Pomegranate flavor (£3.50) targeting Gen Z hydration trends with recyclable cans.
- UK - Premium breakfast positioning continues as Weetabix introduces £3.89 PMP for Crispy Minis Caramelised Biscuit through controlled pricing strategy.
- UK - Wellness drink space evolves rapidly as Jamu unveils complete rebrand with new flavors and updated visual identity.
- US - Iconic snack cake transforms as Hostess collaborates with R.M. Palmer on segmented Twinkies Candy Bar with creamy filling format.
- US - Seasoned pretzel category expands as Dot's Pretzels introduces Buffalo flavor variety inspired by wing seasonings.
- US - Seasonal crossover continues as Oreo Halloween Cookie Pop popcorn makes return bridging cookie and snack categories.
- US - Sweet-heat trend penetrates traditional categories as Cheez-Its launches Hot Honey flavor in cheese cracker segment.
- US - Premium chocolate competition intensifies as Ferrero introduces Rocher Squares format for bite-sized luxury market.
- US - Swiss chocolatier bridges categories as Lindt creates Lindor Truffle Shortbread hybrid combining truffle and biscuit elements.
- US - Theatre box candy expands textures as Ferrara launches Nerds Juicy Gummy Clusters into gummy territory.
- US - Real fruit sparkling water grows as Spindrift expands with Cranberry Punch and Cranberry Raspberry seasonal flavor portfolio.
- US - Zero-calorie brand adds energy positioning as Sparkling Ice launches Caffeine+ Cherry Cola combining classic soda flavors with stimulants.
- US - Winter comfort flavors capture breakfast as Pop-Tarts brings back Frosted Marshmallow Hot Cocoa seasonal pastry variety.
COMING SOON
US - Twix Bits launching Spring 2026
Mars transforms the iconic twin bar into bite-sized pieces featuring "crunchy bite-sized cookie center with caramel essence coated in chocolate," available in Share Size, Treating Size, and Sharing Size formats.
Why we care: Bite-sized formats consistently outperform full-size bars in impulse categories. Mars is clever to test this before competitors flood the poppable chocolate market.
Read more (Parade)US - M&M's Bakery Collection debuts January 2026
Mars launches three dessert-inspired flavors, Cherry Chocolate Cupcake, Peanut Butter Cinnamon Roll, and Lemon Meringue Pie, with consumer voting determining which flavor joins the permanent lineup.
Why we care: Vote-to-stay campaigns generate sustained engagement beyond initial launch. Mars is gamifying product development while outsourcing market research to consumers.
Read more (The Kitchn)
Global - Red Bull Winter Edition Fuji Apple & Ginger launching October 2025
The energy drink giant introduces its winter seasonal flavor combining crisp Fuji apple with ginger spice, available with and without sugar across multiple formats.
Why we care: Red Bull's seasonal strategy drives consistent category excitement. Apple-ginger profiles appeal across demographics while trial pricing indicates confidence in broad market acceptance.
Read more (Talking Retail)
US - Monster Energy 2026 lineup reveals three new flavors
Internal calendar leaks show Monster Voodoo Grape Juice (February), Monster Energy Strawberry Shot (January), and Ultra Punk Punch (March) joining the permanent range, plus Lando Norris Zero Sugar arriving from UK markets.
Why we care: Monster's aggressive innovation pace forces competitors to accelerate development cycles. The strawberry-infused classic Monster represents bold flavor experimentation in their core line.
Read more (Sporked)TREND ALERT
Global - Stranger Things collaborations spanning Doritos, Walkers, and entertainment snacks
PepsiCo launches Doritos Black Garlic Dip with themed packaging across Walkers Snacks brands (Monster Munch, Wotsits, Quavers, Squares), with party-sized bags expand from 180g to 270g. Collaboration runs through November ahead of the show's final season.
Why we care: Entertainment partnerships are proliferating beyond single SKUs to entire brand ecosystems. The 79% of shoppers attracted to themed products represents serious volume potential.
Read more (Talking Retail)
US - Bubly Apple partners with Nelly's Apple Bottoms for Y2K fashion collab
PepsiCo's sparkling water brand resurrects seasonal apple flavor alongside limited-edition denim featuring apple-shaped pockets sized for beverage cans, complete with remixed "Low" featuring Flo Rida and T-Pain replacing "Apple Bottom jeans" with "Apple Bubly jeans."
Why we care: Cross-category collaborations are becoming more elaborate and culturally reference-heavy. When nostalgia meets functional product design, the Gen Z/Millennial crossover market responds enthusiastically.
Read more (Parade)
US - Red Bull Advent Calendar launches November 2025
The energy drink brand debuts its first official US advent calendar featuring 24 different flavors in 8.4oz cans, retailing for $44.99 at major retailers including Costco, Sam's Club, and Target. Calendar includes classic and limited-edition varieties.
Why we care: Collectible seasonal packaging creates artificial scarcity while commanding premium pricing. Red Bull's calendar success in Europe proves American FOMO translates directly into revenue.
Read more (Sporked)- US - Craft soda brand Jones Soda taps into Marvel Zombies universe with "Undead Heroes" collection featuring horror twist positioning.
INDUSTRY NEWS
US - Former White Claw executive launches "grown-up" energy drink brand
Industry veteran leverages hard seltzer expertise to enter energy category with premium positioning targeting adult consumers seeking sophisticated alternatives to traditional energy drinks.
Why we care: Executive migration between categories signals market opportunity. White Claw's adult-focused approach could translate well to energy drinks where most brands skew younger.
Read more (BevNET)
US - Waku Tea raising $1.5M seed funding as brand hits retail inflection point
The functional tea brand secures growth capital to expand retail presence across major chains, positioning for scaled distribution as consumer demand for adaptogenic beverages accelerates in mainstream channels.
Why we care: Seed funding in functional beverages signals investor confidence in the category's continued growth. Retail "inflection points" often precede major distribution wins worth monitoring.
Read more (BevNET)
1 comment
Do you have a price list to share for Norway?