In today’s fast-changing food trends, brands constantly push boundaries to satisfy consumers’ cravings. Two major players, Mars and Kraft Heinz, are shaking things up with innovative twists on popular products.
From turning chewy Skittles into crunchy treats to solving the soggy quesadilla problem, here’s a closer look at these exciting new releases.
Skittles Go Crunchy with Skittles Pop’d
Fans of Skittles, get ready for a new experience! Starting this fall, Mars is launching Skittles Pop’d, a freeze-dried version of the classic candy that delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Available in original and sour flavors, these new Skittles will come in 5.5-ounce bags and hit stores nationwide in early 2025.
However, candy lovers won’t have to wait until next year to get their hands on these treats. Early access will be available starting on October 21 through TikTok Shop for those eager to try them before Halloween.
This pre-Halloween release is perfect timing, as candy remains part of the spooky season.
Why Freeze-Dried Skittles?
Mars, the company behind Skittles, has been known for keeping its fans excited with new and unique variations of its beloved candies. Ro Cheng, Mars Wrigley’s Vice President of Marketing for North America, shared that the company constantly explores new textures and flavors to meet consumer demands.
According to Cheng, the crunchy texture of Skittles Pop is inspired by a growing trend of consumers seeking new eating experiences.
Skittles Pop’d isn’t the first time Mars has introduced fun and unexpected versions of the candy. Over the past few years, Mars has introduced Skittles Gummies, Skittles Littles, and even a mustard-flavored Skittles variety in 2023.
These playful innovations demonstrate Mars’ ability to keep its classic candy fresh and exciting for consumers. With the addition of Skittles Pop’d, Mars continues reinventing how people can “taste the rainbow.”
Kraft Heinz Revolutionizes Quesadillas with 360Crisp Technology
Kraft Heinz’s Delimex brand has long been known for its famous frozen taquitos, but now, it’s expanding its horizons with the release of Crispy Quesadillas.
These quesadillas come in Char-Grilled Chicken and Chipotle Chicken flavors, offering a quick and easy way to enjoy a restaurant-quality quesadilla at home.
What sets these quesadillas apart from other frozen varieties is Kraft Heinz’s innovative 360Crisp technology, which gives the quesadilla that perfect pan-fried crispness—straight from the microwave.
Solving the Soggy Quesadilla Problem
For years, frozen quesadillas have been a source of disappointment for consumers. They often emerge from the microwave soggy, with unmelted cheese and lacking the crunch that makes quesadillas enjoyable.
According to Kraft Heinz’s Delimex marketing director, Maryana Dluzniewski, this dissatisfaction presented an opportunity to innovate.
By leveraging the 360Crisp technology, Kraft Heinz aims to solve these common complaints, bringing crispy, flavorful quesadillas to consumers’ freezers.
How Does 360Crisp Work?
The 360Crisp technology uses specialized packaging incorporating strategic venting and varied heat points to ensure the quesadilla is cooked evenly, achieving that ideal crispy texture without any sogginess.
This is the same technology Kraft Heinz used in their Lunchables Grilled Cheesies line, which debuted in 2023. Much like the Crispy Quesadillas, the Grilled Cheese uses the 360Crisp to ensure a crispy outside with melty cheese inside, all done in the microwave in just one minute.
Kraft Heinz’s innovation in frozen foods continues further. The company has targeted innovation as its top driver for increasing sales by $2 billion by 2027.
With their 360Crisp technology playing a pivotal role, they aim to change the game for frozen meals by focusing on convenience, taste, and quality.
Pepperidge Farm Joins the Holiday Festivities Early
While Mars and Kraft Heinz focus on crunchy innovations, Pepperidge Farm is gearing up for the holiday season with its festive release. Known for its holiday-themed treats, Pepperidge Farm is adding a new cookie to its lineup this year: Thin & Crispy Peppermint Cocoa Cookies.
These cookies feature a chocolate base sprinkled with crisp peppermint chips, offering the perfect balance of holiday flavors in every bite.
The Thin & Crispy Peppermint Cocoa Cookies will be available for a limited time starting in November, giving consumers plenty of time to stock up for the holidays.
The Rise of Early Holiday Offerings
Pepperidge Farm isn’t the only brand jumping into the holiday season early. As demand for seasonal treats rises, more companies are releasing their festive flavors earlier each year.
For example, Whole Foods Market launched its limited-edition eggnog collection well before the holiday rush, marking a trend toward early holiday product launches.
Pepperidge Farm has a long history of bringing festive flavors to its holiday lineup. The brand’s holiday offerings are always fan favorites, from Snowballs to Gingerman cookies and Raspberry Linzer treats.
With the new Thin & Crispy Peppermint Cocoa Cookies joining the lineup, the company will satisfy customers looking to get into the holiday spirit a little earlier this year.
Conclusion
Whether it’sMars is turning chewy Skittles into crunchy bites, Kraft Heinz is solving the soggy quesadilla problem, or Pepperidge Farm is getting us ready for the holidays, one thing is clear: food innovation is on the rise.
These companies are listening to their customers and delivering new, exciting products that will surely be a hit.
As brands push boundaries, consumers are in for a treat—literally. Whether you’re munching on Skittles Pop’d, biting into a Crispy Quesadilla, or savoring a Thin & Crispy Peppermint Cocoa Cookie, the future of food looks deliciously innovative.
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