# Crispy Cocoa-Packed Candies Dark Maltesers Have 30% Less Sugar Than the Original By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2022-06-09 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dark-maltesers References: [talkingretail](https://www.talkingretail.com/products-news/confectionery/maltesers-dark-chocolate-version-launches-08-06-2022/) & [mars](https://www.mars.com/made-by-mars/mars-wrigley)  Dark [Maltesers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maltesers-ice-cream-bars) are the latest version of the namesake chocolaty malt confection for consumers to try out when looking for a decidedly more mature treat. The product is formulated to capitalize on the popularity of [dark chocolate](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dark-chocolatecovered-snacks) in the UK and features 65% more cocoa than the original. The product also features 30% less sugar than the original to make it suited for consumers seeking out a [more permissible indulgence](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maryland-delightfully-good-cookies). Brand Director for Maltesers Leah Dyckes commented on the new Dark Maltesers saying, "We are excited to be extending our Maltesers range to offer fans a new twist on the chocolate malt confections, which we all know and love. We thought it was about time to finally create dark Maltesers, as fans have been requesting us to bring out this flavour for years.” ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.3/10 - Popularity: 11% | Activity: 17% | Freshness: 12% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/branding) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Dark Chocolate Confections:** Opportunities to create more snacks in this category that feature high cocoa content with reduced sugar. - **Permissible Indulgences:** Opportunities to offer consumers a wider range of snacks with less sugar but still satisfying their cravings. - **Consumer Requests:** Opportunities to monitor consumer feedback and create new products based on popular vote. ### Where This Applies - **Snack Industry:** Opportunities to develop healthier snack options that appeal to a broader audience. - **Confectionery Industry:** Opportunities to create more products with high cocoa content and reduce sugar to target health-conscious consumers. - **Food Manufacturing Industry:** Opportunities to innovate and produce confectionery treats that are both healthy and delicious. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Frozen Spherical Chocolate Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maltesers-ice-cream-bars.md) - [Modernized Dark Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cadbury-bournville.md) - [Low-Calorie Chocolate Nougat Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cadbury-delights.md) - [Complex Mint Chocolate Truffles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lindor-dark-70-mint.md) - [Adult-Friendly Chocolate Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/assorted-truffles-advent-calendar.md) - [Chocolate-Branded Bakery Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/instore-bakery-treats.md) - [Slightly Coated Chocolate Almonds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/slightly-coated-dark-chocolate-almonds.md) - [Dark Chocolate Wafer Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kitkat-70-dark.md) - [Reduced Sugar Chocolate Pretzels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unreal-chocolatecovered-pretzels.md)