# Hot Cocoa Granita Drinks Wetzel’s Pretzels Adds New Frozen Hot Chocolate Made with Ghirardelli By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2024-10-17 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frozen-hot-chocolate-made-with-ghirardelli References: [restaurantnews](https://www.restaurantnews.com/wetzels-pretzels-delivers-joy-of-the-season-with-two-new-frozen-hot-chocolate-beverages-101624/)  [Wetzel’s](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wetzels-pretzels) Pretzels is ushering in the holiday season by adding a new Frozen Hot Chocolate made with Ghirardelli for a limited time. Available as of October 16th, the new drink will help to mark Wetzel’s Pretzels' 30th anniversary celebration by serving up some festive nostalgia. The drink itself features a base of smooth hot cocoa granita made with Ghirardelli chocolate. The whole thing is then topped with a pillowy layer of Rich’s Soft Whip. To really crank up the festive cheer, consumers also have the option to try a minty version of the drink called the [Peppermint Frozen Hot Chocolate](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peppermint-bark-hot-chocolate). This version consists of a rich peppermint chocolate frozen granita topped with the same soft whip and finished with a sprinkling of peppermint chips Image Credit: Wetzel’s Pretzels ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.5/10 - Popularity: 35% | Activity: 41% | Freshness: 29% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Drinking](https://www.trendhunter.com/drinking) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Holiday-themed Beverage Innovation:** Introducing seasonal drinks like the Frozen Hot Chocolate taps into consumer's nostalgia and festive spirit, creating a compelling reason for repeat business. - **Premium Ingredient Focus:** Using high-quality, well-known brands like Ghirardelli and Rich’s Soft Whip elevates the product, appealing to quality-conscious consumers seeking indulgent experiences. - **Customizable Flavor Variations:** Offering options such as the Peppermint Frozen Hot Chocolate allows customers to personalize their drink experience, enhancing customer satisfaction and engagement. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Food and Beverage:** Innovative seasonal offerings in the Food and Beverage industry attract consumers looking for unique taste experiences, fostering customer loyalty. - **Retail:** Limited-time, holiday-themed products in the Retail industry drive foot traffic and boost sales through a sense of urgency and exclusivity. - **Brand Partnerships:** Collaborations between brands like Wetzel’s Pretzels and Ghirardelli present opportunities for cross-promotion and leveraging combined brand equity to draw in diverse customer bases. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [QSR-Backed Latin Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wetzels-pretzels.md) - [Sweet Midwinter Pretzel Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/berry-sweet-bitz-with-nutella.md) - [Pretzel-Based Campfire Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smores-bitz.md) - [Frozen Cold Weather Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salted-caramel-chocolate-frost.md) - [Frozen Hot Cocoa Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frozen-hot-chocolate-shake-made-with-ghirardelli.md) - [Icy Hot Chocolate Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jamba-frozen-hot-chocolate.md) - [Movie Tie-In Frozen Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/movie-themed-frozen-drinks.md) - [Sweet Creamsicle-Flavored Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orange-dream-drink.md) - [Frozen Specialty Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-x-target.md)