Dubbed 'Sweet Heat,' the next candy to hit the market are spicy Skittles -- a heated twist on the long-time candy favorite.
The heated renditions of the popular sweets were announced in Chicago at the annual Sweets & Snacks Expo. Expected flavors include: Fiery Watermelon, Blazin' Mango, Flamin' Orange, Sizzlin' Strawberry and Lemon Spark.
The candies, which are receiving mixed responses from the Internet, are expected to be available in stores in December and speak to a popular market for hybridized foods that also play into the success of sweet and spicy flavors. The fiery treats will appeal to novelty snack lovers, who enjoy pushing the envelope with audacious foods that keep their taste buds guessing, or, for fans who like their snacks to come with a punch.
Sweet-and-Spicy Candies
Wrigley's is Releasing a New Line of Spicy Skittles
Trend Themes
1. Spicy Flavors - The release of spicy Skittles taps into the trend of sweet and spicy flavors, offering an innovative twist on a classic candy.
2. Hybridized Foods - The introduction of 'Sweet Heat' candies highlights the trend of hybridized foods, combining contrasting flavors to create unique taste experiences.
3. Novelty Snacks - The spicy Skittles cater to the trend of novelty snacks, appealing to adventurous consumers who seek unconventional and audacious food options.
Industry Implications
1. Confectionery - The release of spicy Skittles presents a disruptive innovation opportunity in the confectionery industry, as it introduces a new and exciting flavor profile to the market.
2. Food & Beverage - The trend of hybridized foods, exemplified by 'Sweet Heat' candies, opens up disruptive innovation opportunities in the food and beverage industry by challenging traditional flavor combinations and offering unique taste experiences.
3. Snack Foods - The spicy Skittles cater to the novelty snack trend, presenting disruptive innovation opportunities for snack food companies to create bold and adventurous products that appeal to adventurous consumers.