Confections for the Holidays and Everyday

Innovation is the name of the game in the candy and confections sector. From new holiday-inspired offerings to vegan sweets to organic ingredients, the latest product introductions in candy reflect today’s top trends and tastes. And with the majority of consumers saying they intend to host and attend larger gatherings this holiday season, as they did pre-COVID, many will be looking for treats to make the celebrations sweeter. Treats like these six recently introduced products.

Jelly Belly has introduced new Dark Chocolate Covered Jelly Beans. Made for chocolate and candy lovers, this new offering comes in two holiday flavors: Peppermint Bark and Very Cherry. Each bean features chocolate wrapped around cool peppermint or Jelly Belly’s most popular flavor, Very Cherry. Both flavors are available in a 3.8-ounce Gable Box.

Cocomels, maker of coconut milk caramel, has launched Dark Chocolate-Covered Toffee Bites. The dessert bites will join Cocomels’ Chocolate-Covered Coconut Milk Caramel Bites line. Made with crunchy coconut milk toffee bites that are covered in 60% dark chocolate, the toffees are free from dairy, gluten, and GMOs. Like other products in the Chocolate-Covered Bites line, Toffee Bites are free from corn syrup, cholesterol and artificial ingredients. The organic Dark Chocolate Covered Toffee Bites are available in 3.25-ounce shareable packs with an SRP of $4.99 per bag.

GoodSam Foods has launched 55% Mini Dark Chocolate Bars. The bar is made with organic cacao from the Planadas region in the Central Andes of Colombia and is sugar-free, non-GMO, vegan, and direct trade. The new mini bars are available in packs of 50 for an SRP of $25 and 100 for an SRP of $50. 

Mars Wrigley’s Orbit Gum is unveiling a first-of-its-kind “Orbit Smooching Sweater” to help people celebrate the holiday season in style—and with fresh breath –this year. Playfully crafted with a variety of conversation starters, the Orbit Smooching Sweater was designed to ready people for the anticipated return of in-person ugly sweater parties and holiday gatherings this year. Each sweater is peppermint scented and features an Orbit Gum dial dispenser for on-the-go fresh breath, mini multi-colored string lights, a built-in mistletoe for kissable moments and silver-to-blue flip sequin.

Break out the ruler because Reese's has introduced the new Super King package—a foot long of classic peanut butter and chocolate cups. Each package features six cups.

Dunkin’ and Frankford Candy are teaming up this holiday season to bring two of Dunkin’s most popular hot chocolate flavors to the local candy aisle. The new Dunkin’ Hot Chocolate Bomb and the Dunkin’ Mint Hot Chocolate Bomb are rolling out beginning this month and will be available nationwide for a limited time. Available in two flavors, The Dunkin’ Hot Chocolate Bomb features a Belgian milk chocolate exterior, while the Dunkin’ Mint Hot Chocolate Bomb features a mint-flavored Belgian milk chocolate exterior.