# Icy Candy-Flavored Drinks Rita's x Skittles Italian Ice Offers a New Way to Enjoy a Candy Flavor By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2025-03-11 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ritas-x-skittles-italian-ice References: [source86](https://source86.com/free-ritas-italian-ice-and-skittles-magic-spring-has-never-tasted-so-good/) & [ritasice](https://www.ritasice.com/)  Rita's x [Skittles Italian](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rainbow-crunch-flavorite) Ice is the latest offering from Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard that's crafted with the namesake candy in the spotlight thanks to a partnership with [Mars Wrigley](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skittles-drinks). The drink features the brand's signature Italian ice recipe with a Skittles-flavored syrup used to create an ultra-sweet flavor that's inspired by the iconic candies. The menu item is arriving alongside the [Skittles Pop](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2026-mars-halloween)'d freeze-dried candy topping that will offer a textural upgrade to your choice of beverage. Rita's x Skittles Italian Ice is headed to participating locations March 17, while the brand will be running its returning complimentary six-ounce Italian ice giveaway on March 20, 2025. The various menu updates are meant to coincide with the impending arrival of springtime temperatures. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.9/10 - Popularity: 83% | Activity: 86% | Freshness: 37% - 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) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Candy-flavored Beverages:** A surge in demand for nostalgic candy flavors in beverages offers a playful twist for taste explorers. - **Freeze-dried Toppings:** Innovative textural experiences in food and drink emerge as freeze-dried toppings gain popularity. - **Collaborative Food Offerings:** Strategic partnerships between confectionery and beverage brands redefine flavor experiences, enticing consumers seeking novelty. ### Who This Affects Most - **Frozen Dessert Industry:** The frozen dessert market adapts to incorporate innovative candy-inspired flavors, attracting younger demographics. - **Confectionery Industry:** The confectionery industry sees growth potential in cross-industry collaborations, leading to expanded brand experiences. - **Beverage Industry:** An evolving beverage industry welcomes candy flavor profiles, expanding consumer palate preference beyond traditional options. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Fruity Italian Ice Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/raspberries-n-cream-cream-ice.md) - [Icy Summertime Refreshment Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rocket-pop-italian-ice.md) - [Icy Cola-Flavored Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ritas-cola-italian-ice.md) - [Candy-Flavored Ice Offerings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ritas-x-nerds.md) - [Collaboration Frozen Summertime Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/koolaid-tropical-punch-ice.md) - [Icy Valentine's-Ready Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chocolatecovered-strawberry-cream-ice.md) - [Spring Season Branding Activations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ritas-italian-ice-frozen-custard.md) - [Fruity Frozen Lemonade Lineups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/four-new-frozen-lemonades.md) - [Witchy Frozen Dessert Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brewberry-italian-ice.md)