Newstalgia is totally living up to the hype as the ultimate candy trend!
As identified by the National Confectioners Association, newstalgia is all about "putting a spin on classic candies."
The best part about newstalgia is that it breathes new life into our beloved nostalgic candy and food brands!
So, here's how the iconic brands are offering new and exciting ways to enjoy:
Revamped Classics in Candy Form
One way brands are revolutionizing snacking experiences is by introducing our favorite candies in unique forms.
They might look a little different, but don't worry! These candies still bear their popular logos and mascots, making them easily recognizable.
One of the most popular ways to switch things up is by transforming classic candies into gummies. It makes sense, considering gummies are one of the fastest-growing candy categories.
Even the candy giant Skittles® is jumping on the bandwagon with Skittles Gummies, which offer all our favorite Skittles flavors, from Original to Wild Berry and even Sour Gummies. While the texture might be different, Skittles gummies still maintain their classic round shape and are adorned with an "S."
The popular lollipop sensation Push Pop is now bringing its fun packaging and fruity flavors to gummies with the Push Pop Gummy Roll.
And of course, the tradition of Ring Pops continues with Ring Pop Gummy Chains, which are wearable gummy bracelets with delightful gummy charms. They're truly off the charts!
Even the tangy fruit favorite Jolly Ranchers is showing its softer side with Jolly Rancher Fruit Chews, which offer a chewy candy experience in classic Jolly Rancher flavors like watermelon, cherry, green apple, strawberry, and blue raspberry.
For all the sour candy enthusiasts out there, SweeTarts has introduced Chewy Fusions and Chewy Ropes, which offer delightful twists on their original tangy candies.
SweeTarts Chewy Fusions combine a thin candy shell, crunchy candy bits, and soft chewy candy to create a fusion of flavor and texture that provides an exquisite sweet yet tart bite.
Meanwhile, SweetTarts Chewy Ropes are a departure from the original crunchy candy discs, presenting fun and flexible candy ropes with long-lasting chew and a bold cherry flavor you'll love.
Another trendy newstalgic twist is the introduction of classic candies in Squeeze Candy form, like Smarties Squeeze Candy. These fun liquid gels with Smarties candy flavors will tantalize your taste buds.
Classic Candies Turned Craft Sodas
One of the biggest transformations we're witnessing right now is candy brands offering their flavors as craft sodas.
Zotz, known for their fizzing hard candies, has taken it a step further with Zotz Soda. It features all the favorite Zotz flavors like Grape, Cherry, Watermelon, and even Blue Raspberry. Plus, the nostalgic glass bottle adds an extra touch of memorability.
Moreover, there's a fascinating trend of popular snack brands teaming up with candy favorites, forming what we call a "snacking super group."
For example, the long-standing Swiss chocolate brand Milka has collaborated with the iconic cookie brand Chips Ahoy! to create the Milka Chips Ahoy! Bar. This delightful combination consists of Chips Ahoy! Cookies sandwiched between two layers of rich Alpine Milk Chocolate. It's a collaboration we millennials can truly get behind!
And for fans of Goetze's Caramel Creams, there's an exciting partnership with the beloved Oreo cookie brand. Introducing Goetze's Caramel Creams with Oreo, featuring chewy caramel surrounding a creamy center with Oreo Cookie Pieces. It's a whole new way to enjoy these classics!
Subtle Transformations and Unique Treats
Some newstalgic changes are more subtle, such as Tootsie Pop Drops. These classic lollipops with chewy Tootsie Roll centers have shed their sticks and transformed into mini hard candies. Now, you can reach that fun chewy, chocolatey center with fewer licks. Plus, you can savor all the flavors you love, from chocolate to cherry!
Classic Food Brands Reimagined as Candy
Not only candy brands are getting a makeover, but snack, beverage, and food brands are also embracing the newstalgia craze by transforming into candy.
Just as classic candy brands are becoming beverages, the reverse is happening too. Popular beverage brands are now getting the candy treatment, and let me tell you, it's absolutely delicious!
The candy forms that beverage brands are taking vary in style and taste.
Some have transformed into fluffy and sweet cotton candy, like Country Time Lemonade Cotton Candy. Each bag offers both lemonade and pink lemonade flavors to satisfy your cravings.
Another brand getting a candy refresh is Kool-Aid. There are numerous ways to enjoy the iconic sweet and fruity beverage.
For a truly popping experience, try Kool-Aid Popping Candy. These pouches may resemble the classic drink mix, but they are actually filled with popping candy in favorite flavors like Cherry, Grape, and Tropical Punch.
You can't mention Kool-Aid without the Kool-Aid Man! Thanks to newstalgia, we can now interact with this popular character through novelty candy items like Kool-Aid Lollipop Dippers and Kool-Aid Character Fan.
Kool-Aid Lollipop Dippers offer lollipops in the shape of the Kool-Aid Man, accompanied by candy powder for dipping. The Kool-Aid Character Fan not only keeps you cool but also features Kool-Aid-inspired gummies tucked into the handle, making it extra refreshing.
Speaking of cool, the frozen drink sensation ICEE has also undergone a candy makeover! Its sweet fruit flavors can now be found in various forms such as Squeeze Candy, Gummies, and even Spray Candy.
Other beverage brands worth noting include Tic Tac Sprite with its sweet lemon-lime flavor, and Hawaiian Punch Chews, chewy candies available in flavors like Berry Blue Typhoon and classic Fruit Juicy Red.
Now, for all you chocolate enthusiasts, don't worry! The newstalgia trend isn't leaving you out. Indulge in Yoo Hoo Milk Chocolate Flavored Candy Bars, fulfilling your childhood dream of having candy for breakfast.
Classic Breakfast Cereal Brands as Candies and Snacks
Under the newstalgia trend, popular breakfast cereal brands are turning into candies and snacks, granting our childhood wishes.
One breakfast brand making waves in the sweets and snacks space is Fruit and Cocoa Pebbles cereals. They are adding their distinctive taste and signature crunch to the Fruity Pebbles Candy Bar and Milk Chocolate Cocoa Pebbles Bar.
Pebbles is also enhancing popcorn with Cereal Pop, adding extra texture and sweet flavor. It's perfect for binge-watching your favorite streaming show.
Even iconic food brands, commonly found at the lunch and dinner table, are joining the candy fun.
Who can resist the cheesy nostalgia of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese? Now you can enjoy it not only for dinner but also as dessert with Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Gummies. The box and shape remain the same, but inside you'll discover tropical-flavored gummies that will drive you "mac" crazy.
Even the lunchbox classic Oscar Mayer Lunchables has succumbed to the candy treatment. Lunchables Gummies are now available in iconic Cracker Stacker and Pepperoni Pizza versions. Each item from a typical Lunchable is transformed into a gummy, allowing you to stack them high or trade with friends.
Embark on Snacking Adventures with Trusted Brands
Newstalgia takes us on a detour from memory lane, offering fresh ways to experience our favorite brands. Whether it's classic candies in new forms or beloved food brands reimagined as candies, this trend offers millennials like me a chance to savor familiar flavors in exciting and unexpected ways.
