# Hippo-Shaped Chocolates A Viral Baby Pygmy Hippo Inspired M&S Food's Hiccup the Hippo Easter Treat By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2026-02-19 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hiccup-the-hippo References: [marksandspencer](https://www.marksandspencer.com/food/content/best-easter-eggs) & [marksandspencer](https://www.marksandspencer.com/food/hiccup-the-hippo/p/fdp60767600#intid=pid_pg1pip96g6r3c6)  From classic hollow bunnies to chicks and eggs, animal-shaped Easter chocolates appear on shelves in the same forms year after year, and for the 2026 season, [M&S Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dippy-egg-filled-hot-cross-buns) is shaking up tradition with Hiccup the Hippo. This animal Easter egg is made out of milk chocolate, inspired by the [viral baby pygmy hippo, Moo Deng](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moo-deng-donut), that captured hearts worldwide. This hippo-shaped hollow milk chocolate captures every detail, from the animal's glossy skin, fat neck and body rolls to pale pink cheeks. Alongside Hiccup the Hippo, M&S Food is introducing a fun lineup of animal Easter eggs for kids that includes Shaggy the Shetland pony, Toby the T-Rex, Ralph the Cavapoo, and Sunny the Sloth. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.7/10 - Popularity: 53% | Activity: 53% | Freshness: 65% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha - Top markets: Europe ## 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 - **Novelty Animal-shaped Confections:** The resurgence of intricately molded animal chocolates signals potential for product differentiation through unexpected forms that drive seasonal excitement and collectibility. - **Social-media-inspired Product Design:** Viral animal moments translating into physical products demonstrates how online cultural phenomena can rapidly influence mainstream assortment and limited-edition launches. - **Character-led Seasonal Assortments:** Branded characters with distinct personalities and backstories create opportunities for deeper emotional connection and expanded SKUs beyond a single seasonal item. ### Where This Applies - **Confectionery and Retail:** Retailers and chocolatiers stand to benefit from investing in sculptural production techniques and themed ranges that command premium pricing and impulse purchase behavior. - **Licensing and Merchandising:** Licensors and merchandisers can capitalize on the crossover between viral talent and product collaborations that extend IP into edible goods and collectible tie-ins. - **Food Packaging and Experience:** Packaging designers and experiential food brands may influence repeat buying by creating reveal moments, preservation-focused formats, and display-forward presentation for novelty confections. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Bakery-Inspired Chocolate Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kitkat-cookie-dough.md) - [Ethical Filled Chocolate Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/filled-tonys-chocolonely.md) - [Monochromatic Experiential Retail Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/only-red-world.md) - [Premium Dark Chocolate Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kinder-bueno-dark.md) - [Mailable Chocolate Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/postie-chocolate-bars.md) - [Indulgent Frozen Novelties](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-haagen-dazs-products.md) - [Soft Core Protein Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grenade-cadbury-creme-egg-protein-bar.md) - [Salted Candy Bar Coffees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biggby-coffee-twix-drinks.md) - [Protein Puff Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protein-puff-bars.md)