Confectionery: Variety Proves Vital for Candy, Snacks

Why is the topic trending? 

• Shifting Consumer Preferences in Candy and Snacks: Customers are increasingly looking beyond traditional staples like chocolate and seeking unique, innovative, and experiential options in the candy and snack categories.

• Importance for Convenience Stores: Candy and snacks are key differentiators for convenience stores against other channels like QSRs, making understanding these evolving preferences crucial for their success.

• Rise of Non-Chocolate Candy: While chocolate still leads, non-chocolate candy is gaining popularity, indicating a diversification in consumer tastes.

• Demand for Limited-Time Offerings: Seasonal and limited-time offerings in candy saw a significant increase in 2024, highlighting consumer interest in novel and exclusive products.

• Growing Trend of Health-Focused Snacks: Consumers are increasingly seeking snacks with nutritional benefits like high protein, plant-based ingredients, and functional additives, reflecting a broader wellness movement.

• Interest in Bold and Multisensory Flavors: Customers are showing a preference for adventurous flavor combinations in both candy and snacks, including exotic fruits, retro tastes, and spicy or tangy profiles.

Overview:

The article explores the evolving trends in the candy and snack industries, particularly within the convenience store sector. It highlights a shift in consumer behavior where shoppers are seeking variety, innovation, and experiences rather than just quick bites. While chocolate remains dominant, non-chocolate candy is gaining ground. Limited-time and seasonal offerings are performing well, indicating a desire for novelty. Retailers like Yatco and Corner Store are observing a demand for unique flavors, textures (like gummies and freeze-dried candy), and even experiential elements (like glow-in-the-dark candy). In snacks, health-focused options with high protein, plant-based ingredients, and functional additives are increasingly popular, alongside a preference for bold and adventurous flavors such as hot honey, chili lime, and tajín.

Detailed Findings:

• Chocolate vs. Non-Chocolate Candy: In the 52 weeks ending March 23, chocolate sales in c-stores were roughly $3.6 billion, compared to $3.4 billion for non-chocolate candy, showing a close competition.

• Growth of LTOs: Seasonal and limited-time offerings in candy saw considerable growth in 2024.

• Innovative Flavors and Textures: Retailers like Yatco are seeing trends in candy that include innovative flavors and unique textures, such as flavor-changing candies and gummies with mixed textures (NERDS Gummy Clusters).

• Experiential Candy: Yatco is testing glow-in-the-dark candies to offer an experience beyond flavor.

• Popular Flavor Profiles (Candy): Fruity with a twist (exotic fruits like lychee, dragon fruit, yuzu), flavor-shifting/layered flavors, nostalgic and familiar (root beer, cotton candy, PB&J), and textural fusion.

• Freeze-Dried Candy Popularity: Corner Store is experiencing high demand for freeze-dried candy and gummies derived from popular candies like Skittles and Jolly Ranchers.

• Demand for Family Size Candy: Corner Store notes increased demand for larger, "family size" candy products.

• Gum Sales Improvement: Both Yatco and Corner Store are seeing significant improvements in gum sales.

• Health-Focused Snacks: C-store consumers spent nearly $8 billion on salty snacks and $2 billion on dried meat snacks, with a rising trend towards health-focused products like protein bars, meat snacks, and plant-based chips.

• Flavored Protein Snacks: Corner Store reports success with protein bars and shakes that mask the typical protein taste with flavors like cookies and cream and peanut butter.

• Adventurous Snack Flavors: There's a growing appetite for snacks with bold and diverse flavor combinations, including hot honey, chili lime, kimchi, gochujang, sriracha, and tajín.

Key Takeaway:

Variety and innovation are crucial in the candy and snack categories within convenience stores, with consumers actively seeking unique flavors, textures, and even experiential elements in candy, while also showing a growing preference for health-focused snacks and adventurous flavor profiles.

Main Trend:

The Consumer Quest for Novelty and Functional Benefits in Candy and Snack Choices

Description of the Trend (please name it):

The Experiential Snacking Evolution

What is consumer motivation:

• Seeking excitement and new experiences in everyday purchases.

• Desire for indulgence with an element of surprise or uniqueness.

• Growing awareness and demand for healthier snack options.

• Looking for snacks that cater to specific dietary needs or preferences (e.g., plant-based, high-protein).

• Nostalgia and comfort associated with familiar retro flavors.

What is driving trend:

• Constant introduction of new products and flavors by candy and snack manufacturers.

• Influence of social media and trends highlighting unique and visually appealing treats.

• Increased consumer focus on health and wellness impacting food choices.

• Retailers responding to consumer demand by stocking a wider variety of options.

What is motivation beyond the trend:

• Basic need for sustenance and energy.

• Desire for a quick and enjoyable treat.

Description of consumers article is referring to:

• Age: Likely spans across age groups, with younger consumers potentially more drawn to novelty and social media trends, while health-conscious options might appeal to a broader demographic.

• Gender: Not specified in the article.

• Income: Not explicitly mentioned, but convenience stores generally cater to a wide range of income levels.

• Lifestyle: Individuals looking for on-the-go snacks, those interested in trying new flavors and products, and consumers who prioritize healthier snacking options.

Conclusions:

Consumers are increasingly viewing candy and snacks as more than just simple treats, seeking out novel experiences, diverse flavors, and functional benefits, driving innovation and variety within the convenience store market.

Implications for brands:

• Continuously innovate with new flavors, textures, and formats in candy and snacks.

• Develop and market healthier snack options that meet consumer demand for functional benefits.

• Leverage limited-time offerings and seasonal products to create excitement.

• Pay attention to trending flavors, including exotic fruits and retro classics.

Implication for society:

Reflects a consumer base that is increasingly informed and demanding in its food choices, seeking both enjoyment and potential health benefits from snack foods.

Implications for consumers:

Wider access to a diverse range of candy and snack options that cater to various preferences, including adventurous flavors and healthier alternatives.

Implication for future:

The trend towards experiential and functional snacking is likely to continue, with manufacturers and retailers needing to stay ahead of evolving consumer tastes and health consciousness.

Consumer Trend (name, detailed description):

The Informed and Adventurous Snacker: This trend describes consumers who are knowledgeable about food trends, actively seek out new and innovative flavors and textures in snacks and candy, and are also increasingly considering the health and functional benefits of their snack choices.

Consumer Sub Trend (name, detailed description):

The Flavor Fusion Fanatic: A sub-trend highlighting consumers who are particularly drawn to unique and often unexpected flavor combinations in their snacks and candy, including the blending of fruity, spicy, sweet, and savory notes.

Big Social Trend (name, detailed description):

The Continued Growth of the Wellness Movement: Health and well-being remain a significant focus for consumers, influencing their food and beverage choices, including snacking.

Worldwide Social Trend (name, detailed description):

The Global Appetite for Novelty in Food: Across the globe, consumers are showing an increasing interest in trying new and exciting food products and flavors, driven by curiosity and exposure to diverse culinary experiences.

Social Drive (name, detailed description):

The Desire for Sensory Stimulation and Enjoyment: Humans are inherently drawn to new and pleasurable experiences, and food, especially snacks, provides an accessible way to fulfill this desire.

Learnings for brands to use in 2025: (bullets, detailed description)

• Variety is key to attracting and retaining customers in the candy and snack aisles.

• Innovation in flavors and formats drives consumer interest.

• Health and wellness considerations are increasingly important in snacking.

• Limited-time offerings create buzz and encourage trial.

Strategy Recommendations for brands to follow in 2025: (bullets, detail description)

• Invest in research and development to identify emerging flavor trends and create unique product offerings.

• Expand product lines to include healthier snack options with clear nutritional benefits.

• Utilize limited-time offers and seasonal themes to drive excitement and sales.

• Highlight unique textures and sensory experiences in candy products.

Final sentence (key concept) describing main trend from article (which is a summary of all trends specified):

In 2025, "The Experiential Snacking Evolution" is evident in the candy and snack categories as consumers actively seek novelty, diverse flavors, and functional benefits, pushing manufacturers and retailers to innovate and offer a wide array of exciting options.

What brands & companies should do in 2025 to benefit from trend and how to do it:

In 2025, candy and snack brands should prioritize innovation by continuously developing new and exciting flavors, textures, and formats that cater to consumers' desire for novelty. They should also significantly invest in creating and marketing healthier snack options with functional benefits to align with the growing wellness trend. Utilizing limited-time offerings and paying close attention to emerging flavor preferences, including exotic fruits, retro tastes, and bold combinations, will be crucial for capturing the attention of the "Informed and Adventurous Snacker" and driving sales in the convenience store channel.

Final Note:

• Core Trend: The Consumer Quest for Novelty and Functional Benefits in Candy and Snack Choices: Consumers want exciting new options in candy and snacks, and they are also increasingly looking for healthier choices.

• Core Strategy: Focus on innovation in flavors and formats, and develop healthier snack options with functional benefits.

• Core Industry Trend: Increased competition and diversification within the candy and snack market, with a growing emphasis on health and unique experiences.

• Core Consumer Motivation: Seeking excitement, indulgence, and health benefits from snack foods.

• Final Conclusion: The candy and snack market is dynamic and evolving, with consumers driving demand for greater variety, innovation, and healthier options, presenting opportunities for brands that can effectively meet these needs.

Core Trend Detailed (The Consumer Quest for Novelty and Functional Benefits in Candy and Snack Choices):

• Description: This core trend describes the evolving preferences of consumers in the candy and snack categories, where the traditional focus on simple indulgence is being supplemented by a growing desire for new and exciting experiences, alongside an increasing interest in products that offer tangible functional benefits, particularly related to health and wellness. This means consumers are not only looking for a sweet treat or a quick bite but are also actively seeking out novel flavors, unique textures, and snacks that align with their health goals, such as high protein, plant-based, or those containing beneficial additives.

• Key Characteristics of the Trend (summary):

  • Demand for Unique Flavors: Consumers are eager to try new and adventurous flavor combinations, including exotic fruits and spicy options.

  • Interest in Novel Textures: Products with unique textures, like gummies and freeze-dried candy, are gaining popularity.

  • Focus on Functional Benefits: There's a rising demand for snacks that offer health benefits such as high protein or plant-based ingredients.

  • Popularity of Limited-Time Offers: Seasonal and limited-edition items attract consumers looking for novelty and exclusivity.

  • Revival of Nostalgic Flavors: Retro and familiar tastes are also making a comeback, appealing to consumers seeking comfort and reminiscence.

• Market and Cultural Signals Supporting the Trend (summary):

  • The close sales figures between chocolate and non-chocolate candy indicate a diversification of consumer preferences beyond traditional options.

  • The significant growth of seasonal and limited-time candy offerings in 2024 points to a strong consumer appetite for novelty.

  • Retailers like Yatco observing success with innovative flavors, unique textures like NERDS Gummy Clusters, and even experiential candies like glow-in-the-dark options.

  • The increasing popularity of exotic fruit flavors (lychee, dragon fruit, yuzu) and retro flavors (root beer, cotton candy) in the candy aisle.

  • Corner Store's experience with the high demand for freeze-dried candy and gummies derived from popular brands.

  • The growing popularity of health-focused snacks like protein bars and plant-based chips, as noted by both Yatco and Corner Store.

  • Success with adventurous snack flavors like hot honey, chili lime, kimchi, gochujang, and tajín.

• How the Trend Is Changing Consumer Behavior (summary):

  • Experimentation with New Products: Consumers are more willing to try novel and unique candy and snack options.

  • Reading Labels for Health Benefits: Shoppers are increasingly paying attention to nutritional information and seeking out functional ingredients.

  • Seeking Variety in Snacking Choices: Consumers are less reliant on traditional favorites and exploring a broader range of products.

  • Following Flavor Trends: Consumers are influenced by new and exciting flavor profiles highlighted in the market and on social media.

• Implications Across the Ecosystem (For Brands and CPGs, For Retailers, For Consumers, summary):

  • For Brands and CPGs: Requires continuous innovation in product development, with a focus on unique flavors, textures, and healthier formulations. Effective marketing should highlight both indulgence and functional benefits.

  • For Retailers: Need to offer a diverse assortment of candy and snacks that cater to a wide range of consumer preferences, including innovative and health-conscious options. Merchandising strategies should highlight new arrivals and limited-time offerings.

  • For Consumers: Benefit from a wider selection of candy and snack products that cater to various needs and desires, including exciting new flavors, textures, and healthier alternatives to traditional options.

• Strategic Forecast: The consumer quest for novelty and functional benefits in candy and snacks is expected to intensify. Brands and retailers will need to remain agile and responsive to evolving consumer tastes and health priorities to maintain relevance and drive growth in these categories.

• Final Thought: The candy and snack market is no longer just about satisfying a sweet tooth or hunger pangs; it's about providing experiences and aligning with lifestyle choices. Consumers are increasingly sophisticated in their snacking habits, seeking both the thrill of the new and the assurance of products that contribute to their well-being.

Source: https://cstoredecisions.com/variety-proves-vital-for-candy-snacks/