# 80s Sci-Fi-Inspired Candies IT’SUGAR Launched a Stranger Things Candy Collection By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2018-10-27 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stranger-things-candy References: [candyindustry](https://www.candyindustry.com/articles/88400-itsugar-stranger-things-collection) & [itsugar](https://itsugar.com/strangerthings.html) Inspired by a hit series on [Netflix](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stranger-things-scoops-ahoy-ice-cream), IT’SUGAR launched a Stranger Things candy collection, which incorporates plenty of references to the show that fans will enjoy. Some of the fun confectionery products that can be found in the Stranger Things-themed candy range include Gummy Waffles—which references the fact that Eleven loves eating [Eggo](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eggo-stranger-things-hawkins-homestyle-waffles) waffles—the Missing Barb Malted Milk Ball Carton, Edible Slime and a fruit-flavored Pollywog Gummy, based off of Dustin's pet Dart. As well as carrying candy products that are sure to delight fans of the show this Halloween, IT’SUGAR is also selling a selection of official Stranger Things Netflix merchandise like t-shirts, pins and board games that also incorporate themes from the show. Even though fans of the Netflix show have a long wait until the release of the third season, there are plenty of ways for consumers to keep themselves entertained—and well-fed—in the meantime. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 25% | Activity: 22% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/media) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Stranger Things-themed Merchandise:** The launch of the Stranger Things candy collection by IT'SUGAR signifies the trend of capitalizing on nostalgic pop culture references to create unique merchandise opportunities. - **TV Show-inspired Food and Beverages:** The incorporation of show references into confectionery products like Gummy Waffles and Edible Slime highlights the trend of creating food and beverages inspired by popular TV shows. - **Cross-branding with Entertainment Platforms:** IT'SUGAR's collaboration with Netflix to launch Stranger Things-themed candy and merchandise showcases the trend of cross-branding between companies in the entertainment industry. ### Where This Applies - **Confectionery:** The Stranger Things candy collection presents an opportunity for confectionery companies to leverage nostalgia and pop culture references to create unique product offerings. - **Merchandise:** The launch of official Stranger Things merchandise like t-shirts, pins, and board games opens up a market for companies to create licensed merchandise based on popular TV shows. - **E-commerce:** The availability of Stranger Things-themed candy and merchandise on IT'SUGAR's online store highlights the potential for increased e-commerce sales through exclusive partnerships and limited-edition offerings. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sci-Fi Series Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stranger-things-scoops-ahoy-ice-cream.md) - [Collab Kitchen Tools Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stranger-things-x-williams-sonoma.md) - [Sci-Fi Series Fruit Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/general-mills-and-stranger-things.md) - [Retro Sci-Fi Cereal Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stranger-things-cereals.md) - [Throwback Walkie-Talkie Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stranger-things-upside-down-capsules-series-3.md) - [Nostalgic Series-Inspired Cookies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chips-ahoy-x-stranger-things.md) - [Monstrous Sci-Fi Cereals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/demogorgon-crunch.md) - [Sci-Fi Series Snack Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doritos-and-stranger-things.md) - [80s-Style Sci-Fi Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surfer-boy-pizzas.md)