# Ultra-Spicy Chocolate Caramels Theo's Ghost Chili Caramels Pack the Heat of Spicy Peppers By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2019-07-03 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-chocolate-caramel References: [candyindustry](https://www.candyindustry.com/articles/88734-international-chocolate-salon-announces-winners-of-2019-chocolate-bar-awards) & [theochocolate](https://www.theochocolate.com/product/ghost-chili-caramels/) Unlike most [spicy chocolate caramels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hotel-chocolat-fire-ice-drinking-chocolate) that are merely accented by a hint of cayenne pepper, Theo's Ghost Chili Caramels get their heat from [ghost chili peppers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smackin-cheddar-ghost-pepper). The buttery texture of the dark caramel chocolates is contrasted by a sprinkling of dried chilis and Hawaiian red sea salt. While the average jalapeno pepper comes in somewhere between 2,500 to 8,000 on the Scoville scale, ghost peppers pack a punch anywhere between 855,000 to well over a million units. Theo's Ghost Chili Caramels were recently awarded Gold in the 2019 Caramel Awards. The intense heat of spicy peppers can now be found in everything from [sandwiches to mocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chipotle-liqueur), aiming to satisfy consumers who are looking for experiences to share around food. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.9/10 - Popularity: 23% | Activity: 25% | Freshness: 8% - 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 ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Spicy Flavor Innovations:** Exploring the use of spicy flavors in unexpected food and beverage products, offering a unique and exciting taste experience for consumers. - **Gourmet Caramel Products:** Creating high-quality and artisanal caramel treats with innovative flavor profiles, catering to the growing demand for premium confectionery options. - **Hot Pepper Scoville Scale:** Highlighting the use of peppers with high Scoville ratings in food and beverages, appealing to adventurous consumers seeking intense flavor sensations. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Food and Beverage:** Opportunity for manufacturers and chefs to incorporate spicy chocolate caramels and other spicy pepper-infused products into their portfolios, attracting adventurous and flavor-seeking consumers. - **Confectionery:** Innovative caramel manufacturers can capitalize on the popularity for unique and spicy flavor combinations, offering gourmet and high-end caramel products to the market. - **Specialty Foods:** Unique spicy caramel treats can find a niche in the specialty foods industry, appealing to consumers who are looking for distinctive and adventurous food experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Peppery Chocolate Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-chocolate-bars.md) - [Spicy Umami Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/momofuku-chili-chocolate-crunch.md) - [Fiery Chocolate Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/monkey-bars.md) - [Spicy Hot Chocolate Sticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chocolate-cayenne-pepper.md) - [Spicy Chamoy Gummies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-gush.md) - [Fiery Peanut Butters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flavourmingle-spicy-peanut-butter.md) - [Spicy Pepper Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cafehto.md) - [Fiery Ghost Pepper Burritos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ghost-burrito.md) - [Spicy Candy Challenges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sour-punch-ghost-pepper-roulette.md)