# Next-Generation Branded Snacks Mars Updates Iconic Snacks with New Flavors and Formats By Mursal Rahman | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-10-05 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweet-salty-snack-mixes References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mars-sets-the-stage-for-the-next-era-of-snacking-with-2027-preview-302897558.html)  Mars is expanding next-generation branded snacks with a 2027 portfolio that introduces new flavors, textures and nutritional features across familiar products. The lineup includes [Cheez-It Protein](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protein-chips1) with seven grams of protein per serving, SKITTLES Crystals combining soft gummies with crunchy edible crystals, and M&M’S Peanut Butter Cinnamon Roll. Other releases transform recognizable food experiences into packaged snacks, including Pringles inspired by Buffalo Wild Wings sauces and COMBOS with a Honey Sriracha filling. The portfolio allows Mars to respond to multiple consumer preferences without building entirely new brands. Updating established products with protein, unexpected textures and culturally relevant flavors can encourage existing customers to try new varieties while attracting different snacking occasions. For retailers, the recognizable brand names paired with distinctive formats may support product discovery and conversion, while Mars can use its broad portfolio to capture demand across both sweet and savory categories. Image Credit: Mars, Incorporated ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 10.0/10 - Popularity: 100% | Activity: 100% | Freshness: 100% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Functional Snack Extensions:** Established snack brands are embedding protein and other nutritional cues into familiar products, creating white space for indulgent formats that also support wellness-minded consumption. - **Texture-driven Confections:** Hybrid mouthfeels such as soft gummies with crunchy crystals are reshaping candy innovation by turning sensory contrast into a point of differentiation. - **Flavor Crossover Branding:** Restaurant-inspired sauces and bakery-style profiles in packaged snacks show how recognizable taste experiences can migrate across categories to expand usage occasions. ### Where This Applies - **Packaged Snacks:** Legacy snack portfolios are becoming platforms for rapid flavor, format and nutrition experimentation that can refresh shelf appeal without requiring new brand creation. - **Confectionery:** Candy makers are using layered textures and unexpected flavor pairings to modernize iconic products for consumers seeking novelty within trusted brands. - **Food Retail:** Retailers can benefit from familiar brands paired with distinctive new formats, as these products may improve discovery, trial and conversion in crowded snack aisles. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Soft-Center Fruit Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skittles-gummy-crystals.md) - [Seasonal Insight-Driven Candy Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mars-wrigley-christmas-2026.md) - [Texture-Packed Halloween Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2026-mars-halloween.md) - [Festive Snack Packaging Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seasonal-assortment.md) - [Innovative Snack Launches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/utz-brand-inc.md) - [Remixed Flavor Snack Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pepsico-flavor-swap.md) - [Convenience-Focused Snack Formats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snack-size-multipacks.md) - [Crispy Protein Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marcoo-crun.md) - [Portable Cracker Canisters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-cracker-canisters.md)