ABOUT

FEEDS

CONTACT

  • .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
  • Here are some frequently asked questions emailed to me you might want to read first.

EMAIL DIGEST

    For a daily update of Candy Blog reviews, enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner

CANDY RATINGS

TYPE

BRAND

COUNTRY

ARCHIVES

New Product Announcement

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Candy Tease: Sweets & Snacks Part 1

The Sweets & Snacks Expo started today in Chicago, with 650 exhibitors profiling thousands of candy products. Here are a few highlight of the new products announced.

tic tac mixersName: Tic Tac® Mixers
Brand: Ferrero U.S.A.
Description: Introducing new Tic Tac Mixers, the newest addition to the Tic Tac family of products. Two exciting flavors in every piece. The first delicious flavor layer of Tic Tac Mixers delights you as it touches your tongue. As you let it melt in your mouth, Tic Tac Mixers transitions to a great tasting flavor combination that will surprise your senses.
Introduction Date: 05/01/2015

Notes: It’s a fascinating idea, though not original. Layering flavors so that the product experience changes over time. The two flavors (Cherry + Cola and Peach + Lemonade) aren’t quite up my alley, but I’m curious how vivid the flavor definition is.

russell stover freeze itName: Russell Stover Freeze-it Big Bites
Brand: Russell Stover Candies
Description: A new twist on a classic favorite, ice cream! The Freeze-It candy bars are signature ice cream flavors in convenient and ready-to-go packaging. We offer two classic flavors; smooth vanilla bean or crisp mint chocolate chip both smothered in rich dark chocolate. You can enjoy them immediately after purchasing or place them in your freezer for just 30 minutes to enjoy a frozen ice cream flavored treat.
Introduction Date: Summer 2015

Notes: I like the idea of a mint chocolate chip ice cream candy treat, though I find it hard to believe that it will taste better frozen than actual ice cream.

Goetze PopName: Caramel Creams® Pop
Brand: Goetze’s Candy Company
Description: Caramel Creams® Pop features the unique flavor of a nostalgic Caramel Creams®, but now in a lollipop format.
Introduction Date: 06/01/2015

Notes: I’m a huge fan of Goetze’s Caramel Creams and really enjoy eating the parts separately. But the proportions on this, based on the image, look completely odd. But I’m willing to give it a try.


Flipz BDay CakeName: FLIPZ® Birthday Cake Covered Pretzels
Brand: DeMet’s Candy Company
Description: Introducing New Flipz® Birthday Cake Covered Pretzels! The perfect combination of sweet, creamy cake frosting, and the salty crunch of a pretzel. Flipz®, the most flippin’ awesome snack ever!
Introduction Date: 05/15/2015

Notes: This sounds dreadful. The only thing that sounds good is the salt. I don’t even understand the obsession with birthday cake, let alone making it into a candy that covers a snack.


lindt hello bitesName: Lindt HELLO Bites
Brand: Lindt & Sprungli
Description: HELLO Bites chocolate covered bite sized pieces available in three flavors, packaged in re-sealable stand-up pouches. Pretzel Bites, Toffee Bites and Minty Bites
Introduction Date: 08/01/2015

Notes: Lindt does great chocolate, but this foray into panned candies and the morselization trend is a little odd. For Christmas they do make some panned nuts, but I don’t recall anything along these lines before. The descriptions for the individual products are a little vague.

All images courtesy of their respective makers.

Related Candies

  1. Candy Tease Fall 2014
  2. Candy Tease - Sweets & Snacks Part 2
  3. Candy Tease - Sweets & Snacks Part 1
  4. Birthday Cake M&Ms
  5. Lindt Holiday Almonds
  6. Zitrone Honig Tic Tac

POSTED BY Cybele AT 10:52 pm     All Candy ExpoCandyNew Product AnnouncementHighlight

Monday, October 13, 2014

Candy Tease Fall 2014

Crispy M&MsName: M&Ms Crispy
Brand: Mars
Description: New M&M’S® Crispy Chocolate Candies feature a unique, crispy center covered in creamy milk chocolate, enclosed in a colorful candy shell. This crispy, crunchy and delicious treat is the texture and flavor variety consumers seek in their snack repertoire. Mars Chocolate first introduced this flavor variant as a limited-edition item in 1998, and consumers have been asking for its return via Facebook, online petitions and phone calls.
Introduction Date: January 2015
Notes: This is one of those instances where people have said they want a product to return, and now a lot of other brands are going to check back to see if the sales will support its permanent return. With lower-calorie snacking in vogue, this crispy version is filled with air and less fat, so it may get more snackers who weren’t even buying chocolate snacks.

3 Musketeers Mint MinisName: 3 Musketeers Mint Bites
Brand: Mars
Description: Each bite-sized piece features dark chocolate enrobing mint-flavored nougat, with the classic fluffiness consumers love about 3 MUSKETEERS® Bar.
Introduction Date: November 2014
Notes: I’ve been waiting for this. Nope, correction, I’ve been waiting for them to discontinue the mint bar, I’m glad to see they’re doubling down with the Bites version.

Name: TWIX Creamy Peanut Butter Cookie Bars
Brand: Mars
Description: The #1 consumer request among TWIX® Brand fans was to “bring back the classic cookie” - so the new recipe includes a traditional crunchy, flavorful TWIX® Cookie Bar instead of a chocolate cookie.
Introduction Date: January 2015
Notes: Back in 2007 Mars changed the Peanut Butter Twix a bit, by taking out the standard cookie and putting in a chocolate cookie. Both were good, but apparently, like the Crispy M&Ms, the die hard fans of the original wanted it back. (I’m wondering where the Cookies ‘n Creme Twix is, then.)

Snickers Mixed NutsName: Snickers Mixed Nuts Bar
Brand: Mars
Description: Mix it up with SNICKERS® Brand Mixed Nuts Bar—a satisfying mix of peanuts, almonds and hazelnuts combined with SNICKERS® Brand caramel and nougat, all coated with creamy milk chocolate.
Introduction Date: November 2015
Notes: Why is this taking so long! 2015? ... I want it now! (It will also be a limited edition item.)

Name: Toblerone Crushed Corn
Brand: Mondelez (Kraft)
Description: Aimed at strengthening Toblerone’s position in the confectionery category, Toblerone Crushed Corn is said to deliver a new taste and texture experience. The 400g bar combines Swiss milk chocolate with almond and honey nougat and pieces of crunchy roasted corn. It will be introduced to travel retail locations in October following an exclusive pre-launch in Gebr Heinemann’s stores, including Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Vienna and Oslo airports. 
Introduction Date: October 2014
Notes: The name is certainly unique, but perhaps not enticing. Still, I enjoy the combination of corn flakes and even corn nuts with chocolate.

Name: Temple Run Gummies
Brand: Mount Franklin Foods LLC dba Sunrise Confections
Description: This new gummy treat ties into the popular mobile game. It features six delicious Temple Run gummy icons in a variety of colors and fruity flavors including: apple, cherry, lemon, orange, pineapple, and blue raspberry.
Introduction Date: September 2014
Notes: It’s not a new trend, by any stretch, for candy companies to make versions of popular products in shapes to tie into a video game. In this case the little shapes fit well with gummi production technology. But aside from the box and the little shapes, I don’t see why I’d pay extra for a licensing fee when I could just buy really good gummis.

Haribo Sour Gold BearsName: Haribo Sour Gold-Bears
Brand: Haribo of America, Inc
Description: The number one selling Gummi Bear in America now SOUR!
Introduction Date: October 2014
Notes: It’s so odd that Haribo hasn’t introduced sour sanded bears since just about every other gummi brand does make them. I’m looking forward to seeing them in stores, since the texture of Haribo is so different from the American “juicy” style.

Name: Taffy Flipstick Bars
Brand: The Warrell Corp
Description:
The original Flipstick Taffy now comes in a bar! It’s available in four delicious flavors, including: Wild Cherry, Sour Apple, Sour Blue Raspberry, and Watermelon. .5 ounce each, 25 cents per bar.

Introduction Date: September 2014
Notes: Taffy seems to be back in vogue, and a lot of companies are going for the bar format instead of the hunks that are twisted at the ends.

POSTED BY Cybele AT 9:07 am     CandyNew Product AnnouncementHighlightNews

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Candy Tease - Sweets & Snacks Part 2

Pissa Candy BlocksName: Candy Blocks
Brand: PISSA
Description: Build, Imagine, Taste!! Multicolored Building Blocks of pressed dextrose and the kids imagination is all you need to take full advantage of the new generation of didactic candies. Candy Blocks do not only taste great but make a new and fun experience every time. Each pouch contains up to 50g of pressed dextrose candy in 3 different shapes and 6 mixed flavors.
Introduction Date: 6/6/2013
Notes: The announcement says that they’re already available, though I haven’t seen them in stores anywhere. Concord already makes a Lego-style candy block, which I appreciate aesthetically but don’t find them very tasty. These pieces look rounded, and narrow, which may be better for eating instead of the pointy ends of the other variety.

Demet's Dark TurtleName: Dark Chocolate Almond Turtles
Brand: Demet’s Candy
Description: Made with 60% cocoa dark chocolate, salted almonds and homemade caramel, the item joins original, cashew, sea salt caramel and hazelnut varieties.
Introduction Date: October 2014
Notes: It’s about time turtles came in dark chocolate. Though it’s not a very dark chocolate, I’d love to be able to pick up a caramel nut patty with nuts that’s just a little less sweet.

Starburst FaveRed MiniName: Starburst FaveREDs Minis
Brand: Wrigley’s (Mars)
Description:
Starburst Minis are being extended to include Starburst FaveREDs Minis, which means all the best Starburst red juicy flavors will be available in smaller and unwrapped chews for a perfect sweet snack. Starburst FaveREDs Minis include: strawberry, fruit-punch, watermelon and cherry.

Introduction Date: December 2014
Notes: The unwrapped minis were introduced over a year ago. They’re interesting, like some sort of uncoated Skittles, but lack the flavor intensity of the classic Starburst.
     
Name: Starburst Superfruit
Brand: Wrigley’s (Mars)
Description: Superfruit flavors combines your favorite juicy Starburst® flavors with delicious Superfruit flavors. Each pack contains mouthwatering Raspberry Pomegranate, Strawberry Starfruit, Passionfruit Punch and Blueberry Acai
Introduction Date: December 2014
Notes: I think jumping on the superfruit flavors now is a little behind the trend line ... and I don’t see any really interesting flavors in this list that aren’t just slight shifts or tweaks of already available flavors that Starburst has put out over years.

Name: Skittles Orchards
Brand: Wrigley’s (Mars)
Description: New Skittles® Orchards contain a delicious mix of fruit flavors that you might find on an Orchard. Each pack of Skittles® Orchards pack contains Red Apple, Cherry, Lime, Peach, & Orange fruit flavors
Introduction Date: December 2014
Notes: So lime is back in another mix. I wonder if this means that Darkside is going away.

Name: Skittles Mash-Ups
Brand: Wrigley’s (Mars)
Description: Skittles® will launch new Mash-Ups, combining two favorites flavors, Tropical and Wildberry, in one pack.
Introduction Date: December 2014
Notes: This is kind of confusing ... instead of 5 flavors, it’s actually 10 flavors? Are they going to do away with Tropical and Wildberry and just sell this combo pack?

York MinisName: York Minis
Brand: York Minis
Description: The uniquely refreshing taste of cool peppermint and smooth dark chocolate is now bite-sized.
Introduction Date: May 2014
Notes: These are just teeny, tiny peppermint patties. It’s a great idea, kind of like Junior Mints. I’d buy them.

All images courtesy of the respective company

POSTED BY Cybele AT 5:29 am     All Candy ExpoCandyNew Product AnnouncementDemet's Candy CompanyHershey'sWrigley'sHighlightNews

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Candy Tease - Sweets & Snacks Part 1

Next week is the annual Candy and Snack Expo in Chicago. It’s the even of the year for candy companies, as they introduce their new products. Here are a few new items that caught my eye with some already hitting shelves. There’s lots more in store, so I’ll be posting a few over the next two weeks.

Peeps MinisName: PEEPS Minis
Brand: Just Born
Description: This brand new item is available in flavors of Sour Watermelon, Strawberry Creme and Chocolate Creme. PEEPS® Mini’s available in 3.4 oz. Stand-Up Bags and Trial Size Packages.
Introduction Date: 05/15/14
Notes: Some folks are seeing these in stores already. It will be interesting to see how well they stand up to being tossed in a bag together. Peeps are generally more moist and easily squished than Campfire. A Christmas version featuring the Despicable Me Minions will also be on shelves in November.

Ferrero Golden GalleryName: Ferrero Golden Gallery
Brand: Ferrero
Description: A refined gallery of confectionery masterpieces expertly crafted by Ferrero. An assortment of exclusive recipes, a series of unique and irresistible flavors. The gift that makes every occasion feel special. Flavor Descriptions: • Manderly: A crunchy specialty with a velvety hazelnut cream filling, a sweet prelude to the unmistakeable taste of almond. • Cappuccino: A creamy, luscious filling combining the intense flavor of coffee and the delicate taste of milk. A surprising delight encased within a crunchy shell. • Rocher: ROCHER® chocolates are a tempting combination of luscious, creamy, chocolaty filling surrounding a whole hazelnut, within a delicate crisp wafer… all enveloped in milk chocolate and finely chopped hazelnuts. • Rondnoir: Rondnoir® fine dark chocolates are a unique combination of a creamy dark chocolate surrounding a hazelnut within a delicate, crisp wafer…topped with crunchy dark chocolate morsels. • Tenderly Nougat: A creamy nougat filling with a hint of citrusy notes meets the intense crunchiness of a whole hazelnut encased in milk chocolate. • Tenderly White: The smoothness of white chocolate and a whole hazelnut combine to create a perfect harmony.
Introduction Date: November 2014
Notes: I enjoy Ferrero Rond Noir and I’m happy to see some more expansion of their items. Most of these are available in Europe, though under different names, so it’s nice to finally see them here.

Queen Anne Cola CordialName: Queen Anne Cherry Cola - Cordial Black Cherries
Brand: World’s Finest Chocolate
Description: Traditional cola flavor with cherry essence along with a blend of citrus and spice with sweet, black cherry flavor.
Introduction Date: November 2014
Notes: This sounds completely odd, but I’m actually curious to see if it’s successful. In a market where everyone is putting in bacon or srirarcha, this actually sounds unique. Personally, I don’t think much of the quality of the Queen Anne line, but it still might work.

Apple Pie Candy CornName: Brach’s Apple Pie Candy Corn
Brand: Brach’s (Ferrara Candy Company)
Description: Apple pie flavored candy corn, made with real honey.
Introduction Date: September 2014
Notes: What’s as American as Apple Pie? Must be candy corn flavored like apple pie, but made in Mexico. My guess for new flavors: Root Beer Float, Creme Brulee and Peanut Butter Banana.

Wonka RandomsName: Wonka Randoms
Brand: Wonka (Nestle)
Description: A mix of soft, jam-filled, and dual-layered gummies in delicious fruity flavors in a variety of random fun shapes and colors! Millions of possible combinations, so you will never get the same bag twice!
Introduction Date: April 2014
Notes: This is another extension of the morselization process, where everything can now be mixed together. Wonka Randoms are already available in the UK and come in gummi mixes as well as chocolate and gummi combos. Many of the Wonka gummi items are also made with natural colorings, but there’s no word whether that’s the case with these.

All images courtesy of the respective manufacturer

POSTED BY Cybele AT 8:44 am     All Candy ExpoCandyNew Product AnnouncementHighlightFeatured News

Friday, October 25, 2013

Candy Tease: Wild Ophelia + Hunger Games: Catching Fire

There are often movie tie ins with candy, but they are most often just a packaging change. For the second of The Hunger Games trilogy, Catching Fire, Vosges Chocolate has released an interesting set of products themed with the movies characters and settings.

Hunger Games TrufflesThe Capitol Truffle Collection - $225.00

A ritual of degustation, this truffle collection is curated to guide your palate through opulence and ritual. The 18 different truffles in sets of two are an exploration of shape, texture, color and flavor. Rosemary with a touch of pink peppercorn is encased in pure, white chocolate. Coconut and banana are combined with dark chocolate and rolled in coconut charcoal ash. Candied walnuts and milk chocolate are thick and chunky, rolled in cocoa powder– to name a few…

Underneath the colorful truffles, 16 compartments await, each cradling a treasure to forward the degustation. Small vials of crushed violet petals, pearl dust, gold leaf and matcha tea are accompanied by detailed mixology instructions to create decadent libations. Trinkets and objects of desire dictate social rules and traditions.

The Capitol Truffle Collection includes: 36 truffles, accoutrements, and a menu of etiquette and recipes to serve an extravagant 18 course chocolate tasting

As a point of reference, a 32 piece truffle collection is $75.00. I don’t know what these other menus and recipes and accoutrements add to this, but it appears that it nearly triples the price. There is no smaller version of this either ... you just have to be willing to plop down the full $225 to get Catching Fire truffles.

Hunger Games Katniss BarThe Hunger Games Katniss Chocolate Bar

Quiet your mind and engage each of your senses in preparation for this unique, cinematic chocolate experience. Breathe in the deep, smoky aroma of the bar before taking a bite. Let the rich milk chocolate melt on your palate, and savor the subtle, salty crunch of hickory smoked bacon accented by sweet, crisp apples.

Katniss chocolate bar parfum includes: apples pierced uncured hickory smoked bacon + alderwood smoked sea salt + 44% cacao milk chocolate.(Retail $7.50)

Contains: milk, soy, gluten free (not all the bars are). Manufactured in a facility that handles tree nuts, peanuts, sesame seeds, milk, wheat and soy.

I have to say, these are not flavors I would have quite picked out to represent Katniss ... but she’s definitely an unconventional girl. So an unconventional bunch of flavors would suit her. I have to say that it seems a bit fussy for her though.

Hunger Games Snow BarThe Hunger Games President Snow Chocolate Bar

Breathe in the aromatic tartness of the orange and chocolate before taking your first bite. Allow the chocolate to melt in your mouth, while the release of the bittersweet citrus caramel punctuated by nips of blistering pepper permeates your palate.

President Snow chocolate bar parfum contains: Blood orange & tellicherry peppercorns caramel + 72% cacao dark chocolate

Again, I’m not an expert on The Hunger Games at all, but if I understand this bar, it’s supposed to emulate the damaged feeling of the President’s mouth since he poisoned his political opponents?

Hunger Games Effie BarThe Hunger Games Effie Chocolate Bar

Breathe in the fragrant aroma of sweet strawberries before taking your first bite. Allow the bittersweet chocolate to melt on your palate, and savor the bar’s fruity bouquet and the pleasing crunch of candied French violet flowers.

Effie chocolate bar parfum includes: dried strawberries + candied violet flowers + 62% cacao dark chocolate

This bar actually seemed quite suitable for the character. Some light touches of excess but an undercurrent of seriousness with the dark chocolate.

Hunger Games Wild Ophelia

This is the most interesting of the bunch of the bars, I actually saw these at Walgreen’s priced at $3.99, though they’re $4.99 on the Vosges website. You can get the full “book” of bars shown above or buy the bars individually. Each is themed for a different district. The inclusions and flavor profiles are ... well, quite a stretch.

Hunger Games Mined SaltWild Ophelia Bars - retail $3.99
DISTRICT 12 - Mining: mined salt + 41% cacao milk chocolate
DISTRICT 11 - Agriculture: harvest cherry + 70% cacao dark chocolate
DISTRICT 10 - Livestock: beef jerky + smoked mesquite + 41% cacao milk chocolate
DISTRICT 9 - Grain: milled oats + vanilla hemp seeds + 70% cacao dark chocolate
DISTRICT 8 - Textiles: caramelized crispy rice +70% cacao dark chocolate
DISTRICT 7 - Lumber: smoked chipotle chili + 41% cacao milk chocolate
DISTRICT 6 - Transportation: crunchy runner peanuts in peanut butter + 41% cacao milk chocolate
DISTRICT 5 - Power: crispy crunchy caramel corn +70% cacao dark chocolate
DISTRICT 4 - Fishing: sea salt + coconut + 70% cacao dark chocolate
DISTRICT 3 - Technology: arabica coffee + crystal salt + 70% cacao dark chocolate
DISTRICT 2 - Masonry: caramel + pecan + 41% cacao milk chocolate
DISTRICT 1 - Luxury: rare harvest cashews + 41% cacao milk chocolate

You may now commence your rants or analyses of how this licensing seems more like District 1 partnering/exploiting the kids than anything faithful to Katniss and her friends.

Related Candies

  1. Haribo The Smurfs Gummi
  2. Wild Ophelia Milk Chocolate Bar Peanut Butter & Banana
  3. Sky Bar Twilight Saga - Eclipse
  4. Vosges Bombalinas - Black Pearl Cashews
  5. Vosges Haut Chocolate Skulls
  6. Snickers Nougabot Bar & Transformer M&Ms
  7. Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Bats (Dark Knight)
  8. Snickers Shrek
  9. Vosges Truffles - Fall 2006

POSTED BY Cybele AT 4:05 pm     CandyNew Product AnnouncementVosgesHighlightFeatured News

Friday, October 18, 2013

Candy Tease October 2013

Butterfinger CupsName: Butterfinger Peanut Butter Cups
Brand: Nestle
Description: The cup just got crunchy!
Introduction Date: January 2014
Notes: I have no doubt that Butterfinger can make a good peanut butter filling, but I have to wonder if the chocolate cups will be any good. Their actual Butterfinger Bar is pretty waxy and tasteless. But the package says something about being part of Nestle’s Cocoa Plan for certified sustainable cocoa, that would certainly set them apart from Hershey’s which is still not using cocoa that is certified to come from slave-free sources. The product launch will get a commercial during the Superbowl, which is pretty wild since Mars has the official sponsor spot with their Snickers & M&Ms spots.

Lancaster CaramelName: Lancaster Caramels
Brand: Hershey’s
Description: The surprisingly soft, rich and creamy Lancaster Soft Cremes provide a modern caramel taste experience to meet a growing consumer demand. The soft cremes were inspired by similar candies that company founder, Milton Hershey, made more than 120 years ago in his original candy company located in Lancaster, Pa. Three flavors at launch: Caramel, Vanilla and Caramel and Vanilla and Raspberry.
Introduction Date: January 2014
Notes: This brand was launched in parts of China earlier this year that went well enough that they’re going to bring them out here. (No word if they’re making them in China, but I have my doubts they would.)

Werther's PopcornName: Werther’s Original Caramel Popcorn
Brand: Werther’s Original (Storck)
Description: Perfectly popped corn wrapped with rich and creamy Werther’s Original Caramel. The Caramel Popcorn for Caramel Lovers!
Introduction Date: 7/1/2013
Notes: I’m really curious if these are made in Germany like the other Storck products. Which might mean that this uses non-GMO corn, which would be an intriguing prospect for some folks who eschew many candies because of the GMO corn products used in them (mostly corn syrup). Ultimately, I’m never sure if caramel coated popcorn is a snack or a candy.

Name: Werther’s Original Baking Caramel
Brand: Werther’s Original (Storck)
Description: Rich and Creamy Caramels great for baking making delicious caramel apples! Easy to unwrap!
Introduction Date: 7/1/2013
Notes: I like that they feature the statement that they’re easy to unwrap, it looks like they’re twisted like the regular Werther’s caramels. I can attest that those Kraft caramels in their clear plastic are a devil to unwrap.

JB Camo BeansName: Jelly Belly Camo Beans
Brand: Jelly Belly Candy Co
Description: The new Jelly Belly Camo Beans were inspired by the art of camouflage. Sportsmen, military and outdoor enthusiasts will discover seven Jelly Belly bean flavors in a camo-colored mix: Chocolate Pudding, Green Apple, Licorice, Juicy Pear, Orange Sherbet, Toasted Marshmallow and Watermelon. With Jelly Belly Camo Beans, the company continues its initiative of supporting U.S. troops. For every bag of Camo Beans sold, Jelly Belly Charities will donate $0.25 to support U.S. veterans and their families.
Introduction Date: 10/1/2013
Notes: It’s a strange assortment of flavors, with watermelon and orange sherbet right next to chocolate pudding and licorice ... so many things could go wrong.

Fruit VinesName: Fruit Vines Bites
Brand: American Licorice
Description: Building off decades of loyal followers of the Red Vines brand, American Licorice Company is helping candy lovers “live on the sweet side” with the launch of Fruit Vines Bites – soft, chewy bite size candy packed with fruit flavors designed to give everyone a new candy experience.
Introduction Date: Early 2014
Notes: I’m not sure what the difference between Fruit Vines will be and the Grape Vines that have already come out ... unless these are more like the Natural Vines.

Ovation Mint OrangeName: Ovation Mint Filled Break-A-Part
Brand: SweetWorks
Description: SweetWorks is introducing a new flavor to the Ovation Break-A-Part family: Mint Filled! It’s an all-natural dark chocolate sphere that breaks into 20 individual slices and each segment is filled with a cool mint center. The 6.17 ounce sphere will retail for $3.99
Introduction Date: November 2013
Notes: This sounds like an After Eight mint formed into a break-apart orange. It’s a great idea, though I wonder how messy it might end up if the center is flowing like a Junior Mint.

Ovation Pumpkin OrangeName: Ovation Milk Pumpkin Spice Break-A-Part
Brand: SweetWorks
Description: Milk Chocolate Sphere infused with all-natural pumpkin flavoring. “Breaks apart” into 20 slices The 6.17 ounce sphere will retail for $3.99
Introduction Date: September 2013
Notes: I was surprised to see the ingredients listed not only spices like ginger and nutmeg but also natural pumpkin flavoring. Pumpkin Spice is all the rage, and this one sounds like it’s actually made with good ingredients, so I hoping to find one soon for review.

Images courtesy of the respective candy company

Update 10/31/2013 - An earlier version of this post listed Welch’s PB&J Snacks, but I was just informed that the information is not accurate, so I have removed it.

Related Candies

  1. Candy Tease: Mars 2014
  2. Candy Tease: Sweets & Snacks Expo - Part 2
  3. Candy Tease: Sweets & Snacks Expo - Part 1
  4. Candy Tease: Bar None, Reed’s and Regal Crown Sours
  5. Candy Tease: October 2012

POSTED BY Cybele AT 12:52 pm     CandyNew Product AnnouncementAmerican LicoriceJelly BellyNestleStorckSweetWorks, IncHighlightNews

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

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Candy Tease: Sweets & Snacks Expo - Part 2

More new product introductions were announced at Sweets & Snacks Expo in Chicago.It’s interesting to watch new versions of tried and true brands being created.

Mint Circus PeanutsName: Peppermint Spangler Peanuts
Brand: Spangler Candy
Description: Spangler Circus Peanuts have been a favorite for decades and now they come in a delicious peppermint flavor! Fat free, and free of the most common allergens, they’re perfect for a new generation and those who grew up loving them! Fat free and are free of the top common allergens.
Introduction Date: November 1, 2013
Notes: I have a soft spot for the sheer incongruity of Circus Peanuts, a candy shaped like a peanut, tinted like a Malibu Tan Barbie and flavored like fingernail polish remover (or perhaps it’s banana) so this new flavored version of the strange confectionery chimera also intrigues me. I hope I can find them this Christmas.,

Klondike CaramelName: Klondike Candy
Brand: Flix Candy
Description: This new treat is sure to melt in your mouth! It comes in two delicious flavors. Mint Chocolate Chip features a refreshing mint center filled with mint chocolate chips and is covered in dark chocolate flavored coating. Meanwhile, Klondike Caramel has a creamy caramel center covered in milk chocolate flavored coating.
Introduction Date: 6/1/2013
Notes: The fact that they’re using mockolate pretty much stops me dead in my tracks as far as desireablility goes. Sure, I’d love an ice cream themed candy, but I see no point in eating one filled with tropical oils or partially hydrogenated fats when there are so many others out there made with real and decadent ingredients.

All Natural Cotton CandyName: All Natural Cotton Candy
Brand: Fun Sweets
Description: Delicious Fun Sweets All Natural Cotton Candy is made with real honey, coconut palm nectar and orange blossom extract. This fat-free, gluten free product is also made in a nut free facility.
Introduction Date: 05/01/2013
Notes: It’s nice to see a new version of all natural cotton candy, which is a pretty simple confection. I’m not sure about the use of honey or coconut palm nectar instead of plain old sugar ... considering the fact that cotton candy is just spun sugar. But I’ll give it a try.

Name: Starburst® Minis
Brand: Wrigley’s
Description: Starburst® Minis, a new Starburst® chew that’s small and unwrapped!
Introduction Date: 06/01/2013
Notes: I’ve always considered Skittles small unwrapped Starburst (though a slightly different flavor set) so this is a baffling candy in concept. No images were provided by Wrigley’s and they’ve not responded to my requests or inquiries since they were bought by Mars.

Name: Starburst ® Candy Corn
Brand: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
Description: Candy corn shaped candies in the great fruit flavors of Starburst ® Original Chews
Introduction Date: 6/1/2013
Notes: I really wish I had photos for this, but I think we’ll probably have to wait for September when this rolls out (I think the June introduction is just when it’s available for order, not necessarily in stores).

Airheads bitesName: Airheads Fruit and Berry Bites and Airheads Xtremes Bites
Brand: Perfetti Van Melle USA Inc
Description: New Airheads Bites are chewy bite sized pieces of soft panned Airheads dough. They are unique because the flavor is stays fruity to the last bite. Same intense Airheads flavors but in easy-to-eat pieces. NEW Airheads Xtremes Bites combines intense Airheads flavor with the perfect blend of sweet & sour for sour lovers of all ages. Each convenient bite-size piece features a unique texture and eye-catching 5-colors.
Introduction Date: 04/15/2013
Notes: These sound really interesting. I enjoy Airheads, but rarely want to eat a full bar, so a panned version would be easy to nibble on and probably combine with other candies.

Related Candies

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

POSTED BY Cybele AT 12:27 pm     All Candy ExpoCandyNew Product AnnouncementHighlightNews

Page 1 of 8 pages  1 2 3 >  Last ›

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

 

 

 

 

Facebook IconTwitter IconTumblr IconRSS Feed IconEmail Icon

COUNTDOWN.

Candy Season Ends

-2538 days

Read previous coverage

 

 

Which seasonal candy selection do you prefer?

Choose one or more:

  •   Halloween
  •   Christmas
  •   Valentine's Day
  •   Easter

 

image

ON DECK

These candies will be reviewed shortly:

 

 

image