# Festive Surprise Candy Canes Hammond's Candies is Introducing Mystery Candy Canes for Christmas By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2017-10-18 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/candy-canes-for-christmas References: [candyindustry](https://www.candyindustry.com/articles/87880-hammonds-naughty-or-nice-candy-canes) & [hammondscandies](http://www.hammondscandies.com/candy-types/candy-canes) Hammond's Candies is expanding its assortment of candy canes for Christmas with the 'Naughty or Nice Canes.' The festive new candy cane boasts red, white and black stripes, which is to be expected. However, consumers will find themselves in for a surprise when it comes to taste, as some of the candy canes are offered in a "nice" strawberry flavor, while others taste of "naughty" [black licorice](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/american-licorice-company-halloween). The hangtag packaging that accompanies the product asks consumers: "Have you been naughty or nice?" but they won't be able to answer the question until after they've sampled the Christmas confection. As consumers have come to associate the holidays with specific ingredients, a number of confectionery brands are embracing the element of surprise with [mystery flavors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hichew-mystery-mix) and leaving it up to consumers to rediscover favorite flavors. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 25% | Activity: 10% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Mystery Flavors:** Brands are embracing the element of surprise with mystery flavors, allowing consumers to rediscover their favorite tastes. - **Experimental Packaging:** Innovative companies are using hangtag packaging that engages consumers and adds an interactive element to the product experience. - **Holiday Assortments:** Confectionery brands are expanding their holiday product range to include unique and festive variations of traditional treats. ### Where This Applies - **Confectionery:** Confectionery brands are incorporating mystery flavors and unique packaging to attract consumers and create a memorable experience. - **Food and Beverage:** The food and beverage industry can explore new ways to surprise and engage consumers through unexpected flavors and innovative packaging. - **Marketing and Advertising:** Marketing and advertising agencies can help brands create captivating campaigns centered around the element of surprise, mystery flavors, and holiday assortments. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Squishy Seasonal Candy Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/naughty-nice-squashies.md) - [Confetti Cake Candy Canes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/funfetti-candy-canes.md) - [Holiday Sour Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holiday-sour-candies.md) - [Snack Cake-Flavored Candy Canes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/twinkies-candy-canes.md) - [Fanciful Festive Candy Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hancocks-christmas-range.md) - [Seasonally Flavored Licorice Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/american-licorice-company.md) - [Modernized Holiday Candy Lineups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holiday-candy-lineup.md) - [Coal-Shaped Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/itsugar-merry-frickn-christmas-box.md) - [Cooling Wintergreen Candy Canes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wintergreen-candy-canes.md)