Candy Blog

Here are some new products just hitting store shelves.

Name: Popzels
Brand: Waymouth Farms, Inc.
Description: Sweet, salty and oh so satisfying, our new Popzels™ are REAL chocolate-dipped pretzel balls in three different varieties: milk, white and dark chocolate. Now available in standup re-sealable bags and bulk. 
Introduction Date: 02/01/10
Notes: I’ve tried these and they are quite fun. They’re about the same size and format as a malted milk ball. The pretzel is airy and light, so it’s not like a chocolate covered pretzel nugget. The chocolate is decent and the option of chocolate coating is good though it’d be fun for a bag to have all three.

Name: Cherry RAISINETS
Brand: Nestle
Description: With the introduction of Cranberry RAISINETS(r) last year, cherries are the second new fruit to be introduced to the brand portfolio in more than 80 years. This delicious treat follows the lead of its chocolate-covered predecessors, with premium whole dried fruit covered in 100 percent NESTLE chocolate, making them an indulgence that is a cherry on top of anyone’s day! Premium, whole dried cherries are sourced from one of the premier cherry growing regions in Michigan. These Montmorency Tart Cherries are drenched in rich NESTLE(r) Dark Chocolate, creating a mouthwatering combination that is both sweet and creamy while also juicy and tangy. For anyone looking for something different, Cherry RAISINETS provides a win-win option with 1/2 a serving of real fruit in every 1/4 cup and 30 percent less fat than the leading chocolate brands.
Notes: I was irritated when the called them Cranberry Raisinets and can’t figure out why they’re also bestowing the lowly name of raisin for dried cherries which are so much better than that. Still, I’m hoping they don’t have additional sugar on them like the dried cranberries which were pretty flavorless.

Name: Côte d’Or Chocolate Bars - Rainforest Alliance Certified
Brand: Cote d’Or (Kraft)
Description: 4 enticing selections of premium Belgian chocolate bars: dark 86% cocoa, dark 70% cocoa, dark w/ orange peel and dark w/ pistachio.
These bars have more than 30% RAINFOREST ALLIANCE CERTIFIED cocoa content. By collaborating with the Rain Forest Alliance, Côte d’Or now helps support 3 keys of Sustainability: environmental (protect against deforestation and limit the use of chemical pesticides), social (to provide workers a safe and healthy work environment, better access to medical care, education and housing) and economic (to improve farming practices, resulting in improving profitability for the farmers and dignified wages for the workers). Our special blend of roasted cocoa beans from West Africa and noble beans from South America deliver a full-bodied chocolate w/ rich intense flavors and smooth refined textures that make Côte d’Or the #1 chocolate brand in Belgium.
Introduction Date: 03/01/2010
Notes: I’m not sure why it’s only 30% Rainforest Alliance content, but hey, it’s a start. Pistachio sounds good and it’s definitely an under-utilized nut. I’m also a fan of orange peel in dark chocolate, so that’s most likely to be my first choice.

Name: Sunkist Citrus Burst
Brand: Big Sky Brands Inc.
Description: Introducing, new Sunkist Citrus Burst - the first and only citrus mint line combining all natural fruit flavors with a low calorie sugar free formulation. It’s a delicious new way to enjoy authentic citrus refreshment! Available flavors: Valencia Orange, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Eureka Lemon & Key Lime.
Introduction Date: 01/01/2010
Notes: I love the design on the tins and of course I’m a huge fan of grapefruit. I don’t know what the ingredients are in these, but if they’re sugar alcohols without artificial sweeteners I’d probably give them a try.

Name: Choward’s Guava Candies
Brand: C. Howard Company, Inc.
Description: A new addition to the Choward’s line, with eye catching graphics and an exciting new flavor.
Introduction Date: 01/01/2010
Notes: This is the first new flavor I’ve heard of from them and the fact that it’s guava is pretty intriguing.

Name: Honey Lovers
Brand: Gimbal’s Fine Candies
Description: Honey Lovers colorful heart-shaped fruit chews are made with the Natural Goodness of Real Honey and are high in Antioxidant Vitamin C. Consisting of 16 incredibly delicious flavor combinations, Honey Lovers includes Pomegranate Honey, Honey Dipped Strawberry, Honey Vanilla, Huckleberry Honey and more. A truly enjoyable treat, these scrumptious treats are an assortment of irresistible flavors topped with honey. Honey Lovers is available in 10oz bags and 38oz jars. Best of all, with Honey Lovers you can help Save the Honey Bee! Gimbal’s has committed to donate 5% of proceeds to the University of California Davis Honey Bee Research.
Introduction Date: 3/15/2010
Notes: While I didn’t like the Cherry Lovers mostly because I’m not a cherry lover, I love the concept of a whole bag of different versions of a single flavor. I loved the new Jelly Belly Honey Bean as well ... can you tell that I’m excited by this one?

Name: Mike and Ike RedRageous!
Brand: Just Born
Description: Contains Cherry, Strawberry, Watermelon, Raspberry and Fruit Punch chewy fruit flavored candies. Available in a 6 oz. Theater Size Box
Introduction Date: 3/1/2010
Notes: I like the new combinations Mike and Ike has been doing lately, but of course the whole red thing isn’t likely to be on my hit list. It’s a shame these didn’t make it out before Valentine’s Day as I think that’s a great time to introduce them.

Name: Chimes Ginger Chews Mango & Orange Flavors
Brand: Roxy Trading/Chimes Gourmet
Description: Chimes Ginger Chews now comes in Mango & Orange flavors! Ginger Chews have never been this delicious!
Introduction Date: 09/15/09
Notes: I’ve seen these in stores already, Cost Plus World Market has them and when I was at ExpoWest earlier this month I picked up a few samples that I’m planning on trying. I’m most interested in the Orange, but I have to admit that I wasn’t that interested in the Peanut Butter version and they won me over so maybe they’re right about Mango.

All photos courtesy of the candy manufacturers

Related Candies

1. Candy Tease Valentines 2010
2. Candy Tease: October 2009
3. Candy Tease: September 2009
4. Candy Tease: All Candy Expo 2009 #2
5. Candy Tease: All Candy Expo 2009 - Hershey