News Briefs

Skittles is putting a new twist on its classic candies with the introduction of Pop’d. 

Featuring a blend of crispy and crunchy textures alongside its original flavors, the snack also will come in the brand’s popular sour varieties.  

“At Mars, we’re constantly looking for innovative ways to deliver new experiences to our fans, based on flavor profiles and texture trends that we know consumers are seeking," said Ro Cheng, marketing vice president, Mars Wrigley North America. “Skittles Pop’d trades Skittles’ traditionally chewy lentils for a crispy, crunchy texture that we know our fans are really going to enjoy.”

This new launch will be available in 5.5-oz. packs that will be available first on the TikTok shop then hit select retail shelves later this fall with nationwide distribution coming in early 2025. 

Farm Rich is rolling out four new additions to its popular line of frozen snacks and appetizers. 

New from the brand are the Stuffed Buffalo Crunchers with Frank’s RedHot Sauce, Spinach Artichoke Dip Bites, Grilled Cheese Bites and the return of the Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups. 

"Farm Rich has been making some of America's favorite frozen snacks and appetizers since 1982, starting with our popular Mozzarella Stick, and today we are America's #1 frozen cheese snacks brand," said Meghan Ozamiz, director of appetizers for Rich Products. "Each of these new items offers a new twist on a nostalgic favorite and showcase our continued commitment to making a variety of tasty snacks while appealing to the evolving tastes of our consumers."

All four new launches are available for an SRP of $6.68 each at Walmart stores nationwide. 

Planters is getting a jump start on the holiday season by unveiling its new limited-edition launch—Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate Cashews. 

The introduction features kettle-roasted cashews and contain notes of cocoa and marshmallow. 

In addition, Planters shared that its Butter Cinnamon Pecans, Brittle Nut Medley, Holiday Nut Crunch and Winter Spiced Mix would be making a comeback for the 2024 holiday season. 

“Here at the Planters brand, we pride ourselves on creating quality snacking products to be shared with others, especially during the holidays," said Shannon Kelly Fike, brand manager for the Planters brand. “We’re excited for fans to try the new Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate Cashews as they reacquaint themselves with the warm, inviting flavors of the winter months.”

Planters Toasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate Cashews retail for $4.99 and are available for purchase at retailers nationwide. 

Celsius’ Essentials line of beverages is adding two new flavors to its lineup—watermelon ice and grape slush. 

Since its debut at the 2023 NACS Show, the Celsius Essentials line has grown to now include eight flavors. 

Each 16-oz. beverage is made up of the Metaplus blend and added aminos to help support physical and cognitive performance, the brand shared. 

Both new launches will be available for purchase at retailers in early 2025. 

Nature’s Truth recently shared that its Elderberry Gummies received the Immunity Essentials award from Taste of Life. 

“Our Elderberry Gummies stand out not only for their quality ingredients, but for their delicious flavor,” said Kimberly Vigliante, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Nature’s Truth.

The product contains the equivalent of 400 mg of sambucus elderberry fruit extract, as well as vitamin C and zinc, the brand noted. 

Each year for its Immunity Essentials Awards, Taste for Life reviews the products and supplements that people may be drawn to during cold and flu season and create a list of those they find to be the most outstanding.

Post Consumer Brands is paying homage to several upcoming holidays with several limited-edition cereals making a return. 

Cereals that consumers can be on the lookout for include: 

• Halloween Fruity Pebbles: Returning in updated packaging, it contains orange and purple flakes; 
• Winterfest Fruity Pebbles with Marshmallows: Featuring seasonal red and green flakes, it now includes snowball-shaped marshmallows; and 
• Frosted Honey Bunches of Oats: Made with frosted flakes that contain oats and a hint of honey. 

All three launches are available at retailers nationwide for a limited time.