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Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Candy Tease: Mars 2014

I usually wait until a trade show rolls around to introduce new candy product notes, but I was really excited about the new products set to be presented at the The Association for Convenience & Fuel Retailing show (NACS) in Atlanta from 12-15 October by Mars. So, I decided to roll out the announcement for these a little early. Sadly, nothing comes out this year, the earliest new release is January:

MMs Birthday CakeName: M&Ms Birthday Cake
Brand: Mars
Description: Delicious milk chocolate infused with birthday cake flavor creates an exciting new treat worth celebrating. Available in single serve bags and 8 ounce packages.
Introduction Date: May 2014
Notes: There’s no word whether this is a limited edition or if it’s a permanent addition to the M&M varieties. Also, no indication what birthday cake flavor is, I think it’s something like vanilla poundcake. (Personally, my birthday cake has usually been chocolate devil’s food with peppermint whipped cream.)

UPDATE: Here’s the review of Milk Chocolate flavored Birthday Cake M&Ms which started showing up in CVS stores in February.

Mega MMsName: Mega M&Ms Milk Chocolate & Peanut
Brand: Mars
Description: Featuring 3x the chocolate of regular M&Ms. The peanut variety uses larger peanuts in the center. Available in single serve bags and 11 ounce packages.
Introduction Date: May 2014
Notes: This is at least the third time Mega M&Ms have been introduced, if you include the Shrek version. The limited edition and flavored varieties, such as Coconut and Pumpkin Spice are already using this larger format, so it seems like Mars already has the equipment in place for this new/rebooted line.

Dove Sea Salt CaramelName: Dove Promises Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel
Brand: Dove
Description: offers a decadent blend of creamy caramel mixed with savory sea salt and wrapped in silky smooth dark chocolate. Will retail for $3.49 for a 8.5 ounce bag.
Introduction Date: January 2014
Notes: These have been a Target exclusive for over a year now, and I can attest that they are quite good. With their upcoming sustainable sourcing certification, these might just be the best mass-produced dark chocolate caramel in the big box stores.

Twix BitesName: Twix Bites
Brand: Mars
Description: Unwrapped, bite-sized cubes that are a miniature version of the iconic bar brand, ideal for consumers looking for the full taste experience of a TWIX Bar in a smaller portion. Available in 2.83 ounce king size and stand up, resealable pouches.
Introduction Date: April 2014
Notes: Twix is strange for me. Conceptually, I should love it, but I never like them when I try them, they’re not ideal for the ratios I prefer. So this version, which I suspect will have more chocolate, might hit that perfectly. I’m quite excited about this, especially if they decide to make the Triple Chocolate or Java version.

Milky Way Caramel BitesName: Milky Way Simply Caramel Bites
Brand: Mars
Description: Gives consumers more of what they love in the MILKY WAY Simply Caramel Bar – rich, creamy caramel coated in irresistible MILKY WAY chocolate – in sharable bite-size pieces. Available in 2.83 ounce king size and stand up, resealable pouches.
Introduction Date: January 2014
Notes: I’d be curious to try these head to head with the Rolo Minis, as they’re a similar product. (Rolo are molded, Milky Way Caramel are enrobed.) The Milky Way Simply Caramel has become far more popular than I would have thought, and I think the brand is ripe now for its own new versions, such as new flavors.

3 Musketeers BitesName: 3 Musketeers Bites
Brand: Mars
Description: Offers the same taste experience as the full-size bar—light and fluffy nougat covered in delicious chocolate – in unwrapped, bite-sized cubes. Available in 2.83 ounce king size and stand up, resealable pouches.
Introduction Date: January 2014
Notes: I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the Milky Way Bites, as they seemed to have more malt flavor and a fresher overall taste. So, now I’m looking forward to the 3 Musketeers, which is a brand that has slipped away from me as something I might eat. These sound like they would be great with those flavor extensions they do for the different holidays (though I wonder how you’d be able to tell if they did mixes).

Snickers Rockin Nut RoadName: Snickers Rockin Nut Road
Brand: Mars
Description: Packed with marshmallow flavored nougat covered with crunchy almonds and smothered in dark chocolate.
Introduction Date: January 2014
Notes: This bar also came out back in 2008 (original review) during a time when Snickers was trying out a lot of different limited editions. I liked this one the best, as it seemed less sweet and the marshmallow-cream style nougat was smoother. I’m looking forward to this return.

Related Candies

  1. Candy Tease: Mars 2012 Announcements
  2. Candy Tease: Mars 2011 Announcements
  3. Candy Tease: Mars 2010
  4. Candy Tease: All Candy Expo 2009 - Mars

POSTED BY Cybele AT 9:36 am     CandyNew Product AnnouncementMarsM&MsHighlightFeatured News

Monday, May 20, 2013

Candy Tease: Sweets & Snacks Expo - Part 1

Each year the National Confectioners Association hosts the Sweets & Snacks Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago. Confectioners from all over the world exhibit their sweetest wares and many introduce new products at the show. Here are a few previews of candies that you’ll be seeing in stores this year:

Sour PunchiesName: Sour Punch PUNCHIES
Brand: American Licorice Company
Description: The sour, chewy, bite-size candy packs the perfect punch of fruity-sweet and sour and each of the five delicious Punchies® flavors is stamped with a whimsical Punchi face!
Introduction Date: 06/01/2013
Notes: I have a package of these and have sampled exactly one so far, mostly because I didn’t know what they meant by a soft shell, it’s kind of like a jelly bean coating with a sour licorice center. I’ll have a review next week.

Lindt DiamondName: Lindt EXCELLENCE Diamonds
Brand: Lindt & Sprungli
Description: EXCELLENCE Diamonds individually wrapped chocolate pieces. EXCELLENCE 70%, Sea Salt, Intense Orange and Chili.
Introduction Date: 05/01/2013
Notes: I like smaller bites of chocolate. It could be that I have a short attention span or that I’d like to fill the landfills with wrappers, but an appropriately sized mini portion of chocolate actually feels more decadent sometimes than a full bar. So I’m happy to see that Lindt is working on creating some nice little bites with a bit more design to them. Their Excellence line is quite good, and because it’s Lindt, it’s pretty easy to find.

Name: Smurf Candy
Brand: Haribo USA
Description: In preparation for the highly anticipated Smurfs 2 movie in July, Haribo has released its first licenced product in the U.S.: Haribo Smurfs gummies. Already popular in Germany and France, Haribo Smurfs are strawberry and raspberry-flavored gummi candies in the shape of popular Smurf characters, like Papa Smurf and Smurfette. The gummies are the classic Smurf blue, with different characters wearing red, white and yellow caps. The candies are also gluten and fat free.
Introduction Date: June 2013
Notes: I tried a version of these when I was in Germany and liked them, it’s a good, well rounded raspberry flavor.

Rocky Road SmoresName: Annabelle’s Rocky Road S’MORES
Brand: Annabelle Candy Co Inc
Description: - Handmade Milk Chocolate Coated Marshmallow with Real Graham Cracker and Cashews.
Introduction Date: 01/01/2013
Notes: It’s a natural sort of product extension to make a marshmallow and chocolate bar version with graham crackers. I’m looking forward to finding this, though I know that Annabelle Candies are hard to find when you get east of the Rockies. So not all areas may be able to get a hold of these. 

Cold Stone BarsName: Cold Stone Creamery Bars
Brand: The Cacao Group, Inc
Description: Five flavors will be available nationwide starting June 1 of this year. They are: Chocolate Devotion, Mmmmmint Chocolate Chip, Cookies & Creamery, Coffee Lovers Only and Cherry Almond Sundae. The chocolate is available in 1.8-oz. bars or 5.4-oz. stand-up bags.
Introduction Date: June 1, 2013
Notes: Cold Stone has done some hard candy and jelly bean varieties to date, so it’s only natural for them to get into chocolate bars. The flavor list sounds like they’re going to make bars in flavor combinations that aren’t usually seen like the Coffee Lovers and Cherry Almond Sundae, so that will set them apart from the already crowded bar field.

All images courtesy of their respective manufacturer

Related Candies

  1. Candy Tease: Bar None, Reed’s and Regal Crown Sours
  2. Candy Tease: April 2013
  3. Candy Tease: October 2012
  4. Candy Tease: August 2012
  5. Candy Tease: Sweets & Snacks Expo 2012 - Part 3

POSTED BY Cybele AT 12:35 pm     All Candy ExpoCandyNew Product AnnouncementHighlightFeatured News

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Candy Tease: Bar None, Reed’s and Regal Crown Sours

Lately in the world of candy, the most exciting news has not been new candies but the reintroduction of discontinued candies. I’m talking about things like Astro Pops and Bonomo’s Turkish Taffy. So it’s not surprising to see a few more favorites coming back. Here are three that we might see later this year:

Regal Crown Revival
Name: Regal Crown Sours
Brand: Iconic Candy Brands (Vista Marketing)
Description: Regal Crown is a 9-Piece hard candy roll with individually wrapped pieces which comes in 4 flavors: Sour Cherry, Sour Lemon, Sour Orange and Sour Grape.
Introduction Date: 8/1/2013
Notes: Regal Crown Sours were lovely little candies, thicker than a Life Saver and with no hole. They came in single flavor rolls and each piece was individually wrapped in white waxed paper. I recall purchasing Sour Lemon almost exclusively and even though I was a huge candy fiend, I would always turn down any offer of a Sour Cherry since I didn’t like that flavor.

Reed's Revival

Name: Reed’s Hard Candies
Brand: Iconic Candy Brands (Vista Marketing)
Description: Reed’s is a 7-Piece hard candy roll with individually wrapped pieces which comes in 4 flavors: Butter Scotch, Root Beer, Cinnamon and Caramel
Introduction Date: 8/1/2013
Notes: Reed’s have not been gone for very long, I still have a few rolls left (not that I would eat them). Cinnamon and Root Beer were always my favorite. They were kettle boiled sweets with virtually no bubbles or voids in them. Like the Regal Crown sours, these are also individually wrapped, though in clear cellophane.

Bar None Revival

Name: BarNone
Brand: Iconic Candy Brands (Vista Marketing)
Description: BarNone is Back! It is a Chocolate wafer, enrobed in milk chocolate, cascaded with chopped peanuts and finally enrobed in milk chocolate.
Introduction Date: 8/1/2013
Notes: This is one of those lamented candy bars that was ruined before it was discontinued. Hershey’s brought it on the market with great fanfare, and then without any explanation, they changed the wide plank of a candy bar into two sticks and added caramel while taking away the crushed peanuts. Though that was still a candy bar with merit, it wasn’t nearly as spectacular or decadent as the original. My understand is that the original bar had some flaws in the design that made it hard to produce and even harder to get into stores in a sellable condition. The bars were too wide and the filling too soft and slippery; the chocolate coating wasn’t thick enough to give it the structural integrity it needed for its height. Hopefully the new version surmounts those issues while keeping the flavor and texture profile intact. More about the original Hershey’s Bar None here.

Here’s the review of the new Bar None.

What are you waiting to see revived?

Related Candies

  1. Astro Pop (Original Flavor)
  2. Bonomo’s Turkish Taffy - Chocolate, Vanilla & Strawberry
  3. Goodbye Tart n Tinys
  4. I Miss: Bar None
  5. Goodbye Reed’s
  6. Pink Grapefruit Mentos
  7. I Miss: Marathon
  8. Wonka’s Oompas

POSTED BY Cybele AT 2:18 pm     CandyNew Product AnnouncementHighlightFeatured News

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Candy Tease: April 2013

Bubble Gum Flavored PeepsName: Bubble Gum Flavored Peeps Marshmallow
Brand: Just Born
Description: Introducing 10 ct PARTY CAKE Flavored PEEPS® Marshmallow; 10 ct BUBBLE GUM Flavored PEEPS® Marshmallow; 2 ct LEMONADE Flavored PEEPS® Marshmallow and Marshmallow Chick in a Chocolate Egg.
Introduction Date: 04/30/13
Notes: Bubble Gum is a good flavor match for the delicate texture of a marshmallow. I find the whole idea a little odd, but I know myself well enough that I’ll probably be scouring the stores at the end of the month for them. I think the blue Party Cake Peeps have already been spotted in the wild. I’m less interested in Lemonade, but I am curious if they’ll be tangy or sweet like a meringue.

Smarties GummiesName: Smarties Gummies
Brand: Smarties
Description: Each chewy piece is two-toned with a creamy white paired with a colorful fruit-themed side. The medley of fruit flavors is inspired by the classic Smarties roll with a few twists! Strawberry, Orange, Lemon, Green Apple, Grape. Smarties Gummies are gluten-free, free of animal products and vegan. However, because they are made in a facility that processes other ingredients, they may contain traces of peanut, milk, wheat and soy.
Introduction Date: 1/1/2013
Note: Since they’re vegan, I have to note that they’re not really gummis, which contain gelatin or some other protein. These use starch as a gelling agent, which is great and all, but creates a different texture.

Gimbal's Cinnamon LoversName: Cinnamon Lovers
Brand: Gimbal’s Fine Candies
Description: These shiny red adorable heart-shaped candies are made with Real Cinnamon Oil and absolutely burst with scrumptious cinnamon heat. Cinnamon Lovers fun 9 oz laydown bags come packed 12 bags per convenient ready-to-display case. Founded in 1898, all Gimbal’s candies are free of major food allergens and made with pride in U.S.A.
Introduction Date: 09/15/2013
Notes: Gimbal’s made another awesome product called Lava Balls, I’m wondering how similar these will be. I’m also downright obsessed with the See’s Red Hot Hearts, which I’ve often suspected were made by Gimbal’s, so I’d say with wider distribution they’ll be a hit.

Alert Caffeine GumName: ALERT™ Energy Caffeine Gum
Brand: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
Description: A portable and approachable tailored energy solution. Contains: SORBITOL MALTITOL, GUM BASE, GLYCEROL, CAFFEINE LESS THAN 2% OF: NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS, ACACIA, SOY LECITHIN, MALIC ACID, ASPARTAME, COLORS (TITANIUM DIOXIDE, BLUE 2 LAKE, RED 40 LAKE), SUCRALOSE, ASPARTAME-ACESULFAME, CITRIC ACID, ACESULFAME K, CONFECTIONER’S GLAZE, BHT (TO MAINTAIN FRESHNESS), CARNAUBA WAX. PHENYLKETONURICS: CONTAINS PHENYLALANINE.
Introduction Date: 4/1/2013
Notes: If you’re looking for a caffeinated gum, this one contains 40 mg per piece, which is about a half of a cup of coffee. It also contains a lot of non-sugar sweeteners, including sugar alcohols like sorbitol and artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose and AceK. Wrigley’s has been making a different version called Stay Alert for the US Military for years, but that one contains 100 mg per piece and doesn’t have such a fussy package.

CinnamoSticksName: Cinnamo Sticks
Brand: Atkinson Candy Company
Description: We proudly introduce our brand new 0.7 oz Cinnamo Sticks. This great tasting candy is bursting with cinnamon flavor and has wide appeal to kids of all ages. The clever box design features the Cinnamo Bandit character and the delicious taste will keep you coming back for more!
Introduction Date: 01/01/2013
Notes: I can’t decide if this is a cinnamon version of a Chick-o-Stick or just an aerated stick candy. I game to try it.

All images are courtesy of the respective manufacturers.

POSTED BY Cybele AT 5:19 pm     CandyNew Product AnnouncementAtkinson'sCe De CandiesGimbal's CandyJust BornHighlightFeatured News

Monday, February 25, 2013

Skittles replace Lime with Green Apple

Skittles Now With Green AppleBREAKING NEWS: The Original Fruits Skittles are no longer original.

The green Skittle, which has always been Lime in the United States (except for a brief replacement in 2001), has been replaced with Green Apple.

I noticed the new packages on shelves last week here in Southern California (but they’re probably rolling out all over the country on different timetables). Haley, a reader, mentioned in the comments on the Darkside Skittles review that Midnight Lime in the Darkside mix is now the new home of the much-maligned citrus.

Skittles - Now with Green Apple

The Green Apple Skittle is a fine tasting Skittle. It’s a mix of actual apple juice flavor, with that sort of peel note to it and the artificial Jolly Rancher. It has a good mix of tartness and sweetness, but it’s actually less tangy than I would have hoped.

The perfection that was the Original Fruits Skittles is now gone. The best feature of Skittles is their combine-ability. Every flavor went with every other flavor in a surprisingly versatile way.

Strawberry & Lime was a daiquiri. Lemon & Lime was a soda. Grape & Lime was a great fruit punch. Orange & Lime was a citrus cooler.

As nice as Green Apple is, it doesn’t play well with others. It’s too head strong. Green Apple and Grape is a wreck. Green Apple and Lemon is passable, but only because Lemon is making up for Apple’s failings. Green Apple and Strawberry is a battle in my mouth, the floral notes of the berry are quite strong, but the plastic note of the Green Apple just steamrolls it. Green Apple and Orange is, well, just fine.

Skittles Facebook Page

Reaction on Facebook, since I’ve been glancing at the page, isn’t generally positive. More than half of the new messages posted there are negative about the Green Apple (the other posts are general comments with only one I saw that was positive about the flavor).

I’m not sure if this is a publicity stunt and Wrigley’s is planning for a backlash and then will, with much fanfare, return Lime ... or if it’s really a sign of the times, that Lime has had its day, that it’s a 20th century fruit living in a 21st century candy bag. This was mostly an American phenomenon, anyway, Australia went Green Apple more than 10 years ago.

For me, this ruins Skittles perfection. I liked every single flavor in the package. I would eat them all, sure I would rank them but I didn’t pick around a certain flavor. (I give the cherry Starburst away instead of eating them myself.) I still like Skittles ... but I’m far less likely to buy them with the new flavor swap.

Note: The Easter Pastel Skittles still have Lime for 2013.

Related Candies

  1. Skittles Darkside
  2. Skittles Crazy Sours (Europe)
  3. New Flavors: Skittles Sour & Wonka Runts
  4. Skittles from the UK
  5. Skittles (Fruits, Wild Berry, Tropical, Smoothies & Sour)
  6. What Made Hershey’s Want to Change Chocolate?

POSTED BY Cybele AT 11:31 am     CandySkittlesMarsWrigley'sChewsUnited StatesHighlightFeatured News

Friday, October 19, 2012

Candy Tease: October 2012

The big announcements for new candies came out earlier this year, but there are still some new products hitting shelves and on the horizon.

Hershey Kandy KakesName: Kandy Bar Kake:S’mores, Peanut Butter & Peppermint
Brand: Tastykake
Description: Tastykake Baking Co. is joining forces with The Hershey Co. to introduce Kandy Bar Kakes, a blend of cake and candy featuring Hershey’s most popular flavors. Kandy Bar Kake varieties include S’mores Kandy Bar Kake made with Hershey’s Cocoa, Peanut Butter Kandy Bar Kake made with Reese’s Peanut Butter and Peppermint Kandy Bar Kake made with York Peppermint Flavor.
Introduction Date: October 2012
Notes: I was just in Philadelphia and did pick up some Peanut Butter Kandy Kakes ... and I actually did meet with a rep from Hershey’s but I had no idea these were coming out. Unfortunately they are a regional, limited edition item and not available on the Tastykake.com webstore.   

Jelly Belly TabascoName: TABASCO Jelly Belly Jelly Beans
Brand: Jelly Belly Candy Company
Description: Hot sauce enthusiasts will immediately recognize the pungent taste of red peppers, Avery Island salt and distilled vinegar, coupled with a subtle sweetness – but not too sweet – undertone from the jelly bean itself.
Introduction Date: October 2012 in bulk - December 2012 in packages
Notes: According to John Pola, the VP of specialty sales for Jelly Belly,  “Hot is the new licorice.” I really don’t know what that means ... that hot is the new polarizing flavor that only some people will like? Hot candy actually is a pretty hot trend the past 5 years, and Tabasco already has a chocolate, so a jelly bean makes sense.

Milky Way BitesName: Milky Way Bites
Brand: Mars
Description: These unwrapped, pop ‘em-in-your-mouth, bite-sized cubes are a convenient and easier-to-eat format of consumers’ favorite candy bar brands.  MILKY WAY Bites are available in two convenient sizes: 2.83-ounce sharing size and 7.0-ounce and 8.0-ounce resealable stand-up pouches.
Introduction Date: May 2013
Notes: The promo info didn’t mention the actual size of these pieces and it’s unclear if they’re a molded item (like the Reese’s Minis are) or if they’re teensy little enrobed nuggets.

Snickers BitesName: Snickers Bites
Brand: Mars
Description: These unwrapped, pop ‘em-in-your-mouth, bite-sized cubes are a convenient and easier-to-eat format of consumers’ favorite candy bar brands. Bites are available in two convenient sizes: 2.83-ounce sharing size and 7.0-ounce and 8.0-ounce resealable stand-up pouches.
Introduction Date: May 2013
Notes: I’m actually eager to try these, as I often find a full Snickers bar a little too much, and as they description mentions, they’re easier to eat, especially in situations like snacking at movies or perhaps making a trail mix with nuts and pretzels.

Dove Mint SwirlName: Dove Mint & Dark Chocolate Swirl
Brand: Dove Chocolate (Mars)
Description: Dark chocolate lovers will adore the flavor sensations in the new Dove Brand Mint & Dark Chocolate Swirl. Combining Dove Brand rich, silky smooth dark chocolate with the sensation of cool, fresh mint, this new item delivers an irresistible flavor duo.
Introduction Date: May 2013
Notes: I really like the Dove Peppermint Bar, this sounds similar but without any crunchy bits and hopefully available year round.

Valrhona DulceyName: Dulcey
Brand: Valrhona
Description: Dulcey has a blond color and a smooth, enveloping texture. Its lightly sweetened biscuity flavor gives way to lush notes of shortbread with a hint of salt.
Introduction Date: September 2012 in UK, Early 2013 for North America
Notes: The bar contains 32% cacao content (cocoa butter) and is packaged for eating as well as ingredient use (sold in bulk as callets). It’s like a toasted white chocolate, less sweet - a caramel chocolate. An early review from Chocablog gives it high marks for quality, but not necessarily something for all chocolate lovers.

POSTED BY Cybele AT 1:14 pm     CandyNew Product AnnouncementHighlightFeatured News

Friday, August 17, 2012

Candy Tease: August 2012

Here are some new confections that are coming in the future or may have already hit stores near you.

Milky Way VanillaName: Milky Way French Vanilla and Caramel Bar
Brand: Mars
Description: This bar combines caramel, French vanilla-flavored nougat and milk chocolate for a rich, smooth and creamy taste sensation consumers will love.
Introduction Date: February 2013
Notes: Limited Edition. I wonder if this nougat will be like the vanilla nougat they use in the Milky Way Dark. I’ll probably give it a try, but would love to see a Coffee Milky Way sometime in the future instead.

twix sugar cookieName: Twix Sugar Cookie Minis
Brand: Mars
Description: With the combination of Twix chocolate and caramel paired with the nostalgic goodness of sugar cookies, the new Twix Sugar Cookie Minis could easily become Santa’s new favorite snack.
Introduction Date: November 2012
Notes: I’m often baffled at Mars for introducing all these limited edition flavors when I hear from so many people that they miss the Cookies n’ Creme variety. Anyway, I don’t see much difference between a shortbread and sugar cookie when it comes to including caramel and chocolate. I’d much prefer a Gingerbread Twix or maybe a SnickerdoodleTwix.

Toblerone Crunchy AlmondName: Toblerone Crunchy Salted Almond
Brand: Toblerone (Kraft)
Description: Crunchy, salty and sweet elements combine in Toblerone Crunchy Salted Almond bars, which are new from Kraft Foods, Inc. Containing caramelized almond pieces, as well as honey and almond nougat, the 3.52-ounce bars ship four 20-ct displays per case.
Introduction Date: June 2012
Notes: This sounds like a great idea. Check out Rosa’s early review.

White BaciName: Perugina Baci White
Brand: Perugina (Nestle)
Description: The newest product in Perugina’s Baci line has a “kiss” of white chocolate. Just like traditional Baci, Baci White is filled with with gianduia — a whipped chocolate filling blended with finely chopped hazelnuts — crowned by a crunchy whole hazelnut and then enrobed in a vanilla scented layer of creamy white chocolate made with the finest quality cocoa butter and milk solids.
Introduction Date: September 2012
Notes: I actually tried these in January at the Fancy Food Show and found it all too sweet. I can see that maybe unwrapped these would be better for decorating in some instances. But if you’re a white chocolate and hazelnut fan, this might be the thing for you.

Warheads CoolersName: Warheads Sour Coolers
Brand: Impact Confections
Description: Warheads Sour Coolers, a pressed dextrose tablet with sour flavor and a key differentiator, offers a unique cooling effect to combat the summer’s heat. This convenient, small format roll pack contains 24 pieces in five assorted flavors: cherry, blue raspberry, watermelon, green apple and lemon.
Introduction Date: July 2012
Notes: I’m not sure how different they are from SweeTarts, except that they have that “cool” thing ... which may just be menthol. They contain sucralose, an artificial sweetener, so I won’t be reviewing them.

Smarties TaffyName: Smarties Taffy
Brand: Ford Gum (Licensed from Smarties)
Description: Taffy has now gotten a bit smarter. In the new Smarties taffy bars, there are Smarties candy bits in every bite. The 6 inch long bars are available in Strawberry and Blue-Raspberry flavors.
Introduction Date: unknown
Notes: This reminds me of the Tangy Taffy that used to have little crunchy bits in it. (And I think some Laffy Taffy bars still do.)

Tic Tac FruitName: Tic Tac Fruit Adventure
Brand: Tic Tac (Ferrero)
Description: Wild Cherry, Orange, Passion Fruit and Green Apple
Introduction Date: Summer 2012
Notes: I know some folks are huge fans of the orange Tic Tacs, and their fruit flavors in general are rather different from other “mint” styles. So it’s fun to see a mix like this. I haven’t seen this one in stores, but did spot the Strawberry Fields one a few weeks ago. The ingredients also list real fruit juice (in addition to artificial stuff including colors).

Astro PopsName: Astro Pops
Brand: Leaf Brands
Description: Leaf Brands is relaunching Astro Pops, a product Spangler Candy discontinued in 2004 and they’re making the treat exactly the way people remember it. Known for its long-lasting quality, the candy will be available in its three original flavors of passion fruit, cherry and pineapple.
Introduction Date: May 2012
Notes: There have been a couple of attempts at relaunching this product, but this one is for real, they’re actually available in stores now (though internet seems to have them, I haven’t seen them in brick & mortar retailers). It’s been such a long time since I’ve had one. The retail price is a bit steep at $2.50 each for 1.5 ounces, but of course time traveling through candy is far cheaper than actual time travel.

POSTED BY Cybele AT 1:46 pm     CandyNew Product AnnouncementHighlightFeatured News

Thursday, August 2, 2012

This Week in Candy Blog History: August Week 1

I’m still on a lighter schedule here at Candy Blog central. But here are a few posts that you may have missed over the years in previous Augusts.

Easter Dots

2011

Russell Stover Marshmallow & CaramelI’m always in search of classic candies that can be easily located when I get a craving. One of those candies is the classic marshmallow and caramel combo found in the See’s Scotchmallow.

Unfortunately the Russell Stover version just doesn’t measure up, but that shouldn’t stop you from giving them a try, especially if you’ve been looking for a milk chocolate version or a non-holiday fix on their novelty items.

Name: Marshmallow & Caramel in Fine Milk Chocolate
Brand: Russell Stover
Place Purchased: RiteAid (Echo Park)
Price: $1.99
Size: 2.95 ounces
Calories per ounce: 115
Type: Chocolate/Caramel/Marshmallow
Rating: 7 out of 10

Read the full and original review of Russell Stover Marshmallow Caramel.

2010

Switzer's Chewy Licorice BitesSwitzer’s Licorice popped back up after years of being off the market when it was bought out by Hershey’s (who has quite a few licorice brands already).

It didn’t quite live up to my hopes, though I don’t recall being a huge fan of the flavor profile if I had it as a kid.

Name: Chewy Licorice Bits
Brand: Switzer Candy Company
Place Purchased: Giant Eagle (Liberty, OH)
Price: $2.29
Size: 10 ounces
Calories per ounce: 88
Type: Licorice
Rating: 7 out of 10

Read the full and original review of Switzer’s Licorice.

2009

Haribo Cola BottlesHaribo in particular loves to make their candies in fanciful shapes that evoke their flavor. The Cola Bottles are one of those, and an excellent example of cola candy. It seems like Germany and Japan have embraced the American creation within their confectionery in a way that we just can’t seem to muster here in the States.

Name: Happy Cola Gummi Candy
Brand: Haribo
Place Purchased: Cost Plus World Market (Farmers Market)
Price: $1.59
Size: 5 ounces
Calories per ounce: 90
Type: Gummi
Rating: 6 out of 10

Read the full and original review of Haribo Happy Cola Gummis.

2008

Old and new KissablesThe Kissables debacle was a strange time in Hershey’s history. The little candy coated kisses were a huge launch for the company and came as Hershey’s was also trying to dilute the accepted ingredient definition for chocolate itself in the United States. Even though the definition for chocolate remained pure, Hershey’s still altered the formula for Kissables to include vegetable oils, so it was no longer chocolate. At the same time Hershey’s also launched a Pure Chocolate promotional campaign, confusing the matter even further.

The issue and change brought national attention to Hershey’s and shortly after this Kissables disappeared from shelves (though I do see them at the discounters from time to time).

Name: Kissables (2008 formula)
Brand: Hershey’s
Place Purchased: 99 Cent Only Store (Wilshire Blvd.)
Price: $.39
Size: 1.5 ounces
Calories per ounce: 133
Type: Mockolate
Rating: 5 out of 10

Read the full and original review of the Old & New Hershey’s Kissables.

2007

imageThe Ferrero Rocher line got a new variety in 2007 with the Rondnoir, a dark chocolate version of the crunchy hazelnut paste chocolate. It was also an opportunity for me to review everything Ferrero had on American shelves at the time.

Name: Raffaello & Rondnoir
Brand: >Ferrero
Place Purchased: RiteAid (Vermonica)
Price: $.69
Size: 1 ounce
Calories per ounce: 180 & 160
Type: Chocolate/Cookie/Nuts/Coconut
Rating: 6 out of 10 & 8 out of 10

Read the full and original review of Ferrero Raffaello & Rondnoir.

2006

Reed's ... so sad, the last of the Reed'sIt’s rare to be able to document a discontinued candy, as it’s happening. Especially when it’s a brand that I loved so dearly and continued to buy whenever I could right up until they disappeared. Reed’s were unlike any other hard candy rolls on the market, and it’s sad that the new owner, Mars, hasn’t found a way to bring them back in limited production like Cadbury Adams does with the classic Clove and Black Jack gums.

Name: Reed’s Cinnamon, Butterscotch & Root Beer
Brand: Reed’s (Amurol/Wrigley)
Place Purchased: Powell’s (Windsor, CA)
Price: $.89
Size: .90 ounces
Calories per ounce: unknown
Type: Hard Candy
Rating: 10 out of 10

Read the farewell post for Reed’s Candy Rolls.

2005

Hershey's Twosomes Whoppers BarUsually a candy company trying to cross promote their candies will end up making a weird abomination, but in this case, Hershey’s made something that was actually better than the source products. They made a malted milk candy bar with crisped rice in it. It was wonderful. I bought expired ones and ate them long after the limited edition faded away.

Name: Twosomes - Whoppers
Brand: Hershey’s
Place Purchased: 7-11
Price: $.85
Size: 1.4 oz
Calories per ounce: 150
Type: Malt/Milk Chocolate
Rating: 10 out of 10

Read the full and original review of the Hershey’s Whoppers Twosomes Bar.

POSTED BY Cybele AT 4:58 pm     CandyCANDY BLOGHighlightFeatured News

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Meticulously photographed and documented reviews of candy from around the world. And the occasional other sweet adventures. Open your mouth, expand your mind.

 

 

 

 

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