# Free-From Feline-Inspired Candies Candy Kittens Smittens are Big on Taste and Texture By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2026-08-12 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/candy-kittens-smittens References: [candykittens](https://candykittens.co.uk/pages/smittens) & [candykittens](https://candykittens.co.uk)  Candy Kittens Smittens are a range of candy products that tackle consumer demand for free-from foods and interest in balanced snacking experiences. The product range consists of cute, cat-inspired candies that are [free from gelatin](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solely-mango-raspberry-fruit-gummies) to give them a plant-based recipe that sets them apart from the competition. The candies come in four flavor blends including The Pineapple Edit, The Blueberry Edit, The Strawberry Edit and The Sour Edit, which are each packed with a variety of artisan-inspired flavors. Candy Kittens Smittens are available in the UK individually or in taster sets to encourage consumers to try each one before picking a favorite. The products give [gummy-style candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neatsweets) an overhaul that's familiar and flavorful, but [free from additives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hppy-candy) that consumers are staunchly avoiding as of late. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 8.8/10 - Popularity: 88% | Activity: 85% | Freshness: 90% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - 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 ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Plant-based Gummies:** Gelatin-free confectionery is reshaping familiar candy formats with recipes that appeal to vegan, flexitarian, and additive-conscious consumers. - **Character-led Snacking:** Cute feline-inspired branding adds emotional appeal to sweets, creating differentiation in crowded snack aisles through playful identity and collectible product cues. - **Curated Flavor Sets:** Taster packs and artisan-style flavor edits support discovery-driven purchasing, giving consumers low-risk ways to explore premium candy assortments. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Confectionery:** Free-from formulations are expanding the gummy category by pairing indulgent textures with cleaner ingredient expectations. - **Plant-based Foods:** Candy applications broaden the plant-based market beyond meals and dairy alternatives into everyday impulse treats. - **Specialty Retail:** Trial-friendly assortments create merchandising opportunities for retailers seeking premium, giftable, and novelty-led snack products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Candy-Inspired Sodas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/candy-lips.md) - [Swedish Candy Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bonbon-x-moomin-candy-collection.md) - [Limited-Edition Probiotic Lollipops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lemme-purr-probiotic-lollipops.md) - [Summery Gummy Candy Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mondelz-international-candies.md) - [Blind Box Easter Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sophiepops-gumdrops-easter-products.md) - [Free-From Sour Gummy Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/katjes-cosmic-visions.md) - [Lickable Wet Cat Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smalls-licks.md) - [Wintery Pet Product Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lilys-kitchen.md) - [Free-From Swedish Halloween Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spooky-gummy-mix.md)