# Composite Confection Big snack brands reinvent grocery store sweets with a jolt of spicy flavor. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Jun 1, 2017 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/composite-confection ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.1/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Composite Confection trend? **Composite Confection:** Looking to satisfy the desires of thrill-seeking snackers and a growing online subculture of "junk food" aficionados, big snack brands have begun to launch spice-infused versions of confectionery favorites. This progression points to the influence of international cuisine and flavors on the collective North American palate, as well highlighting the influence of this new world of customer-driven food and beverage communities online. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 21, 2016 to May 31, 2017 - Published: Jun 1, 2017 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Composite Confection trend ### Spice-infused Confectionery Big snack brands are launching spice-infused versions of confectionery favorites as a means to cater to a growing online subculture of 'junk food' aficionados and satisfy the thrill-seeking snackers. ### Global Flavor Influences Big snack brands are incorporating international cuisine and flavors to satisfy the collective North American palate and respond to the changing food and beverage communities online. ### Hybridized Sweet and Spicy Flavors The popularity of hybridized sweet and spicy flavors has created a market for novelty snack lovers and enthusiasts who enjoy audacious foods that keep their taste buds guessing. ## What the Composite Confection trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage Industry The food and beverage industry can incorporate international cuisine and flavors, offering a more diverse product selection. ### For Confectionery Industry The confectionery industry can offer more hybridized sweet and spicy flavors to cater to the popularity of audacious foods. ### For Marketing and Advertising Industry The marketing and advertising industry can benefit from using spicy flavors to create celebratory drink options for product launches or anniversaries such as Icee did. ## Workshop question What are the social influences that are impacting your consumer's preferences? ## Trend signals for Composite Confection Trend score 2.1 out of 10, from popularity 28%, activity 27%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 28% - Activity: 27% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Composite Confection trend 5 featured examples from Sep 21, 2016 to May 31, 2017. - [Thai Pumpkin Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jenis-ice-cream): This Jeni's Ice Cream Flavor Tastes of Thai Curry and a Seasonal Gourd (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Incorporating global flavors and exotic spices into ice cream products can be a disruptive innovation opportunity for the ice cream industry. - [Spicy Caramel Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chocolate-balls): Montezuma's Chocolate Balls are Enriched with Chilli and Peppercorns (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food industry can explore unique ingredient combinations to develop innovative products that cater to adventurous palates. - [Sweet-and-Spicy Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-skittles): Wrigley's is Releasing a New Line of Spicy Skittles (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: 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. - [Spicy Candy Chews](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starburst-candy): 'Sweet Heat' is the Newest Starburst Candy Flavor (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The confectionery industry can leverage the trend of spicy candy to create new product lines and partnerships. - [Celebratory Spicy Iced Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/slushie-drink): The Icee Mango Chili Lime Slushie Drink is for its 50th Anniversary (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The launch of Icee's Mango Chili Lime slushie and other flavor varieties highlights a growth opportunity for the food and beverage industry to create innovative and enticing drink… ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)