4 Chocolate Releases Following Halloween

LAS VEGAS — Chocolate candy had $3.2 billion in convenience-store sales in 2021, according to IRI data for the 52 weeks ending on Dec. 26, 2021. When compared to nonchocolate, which drove $2.6 billion in c-store sales in 2021, chocolate candy made up more of the total c-store sales in the candy category, but nonchocolate is growing at a faster rate.

Check out these new chocolate candies spotted at the NACS Show that will be debuting soon. How much will they contribute to chocolate sales in 2022 and 2023?

Mars, McLean, Va., is rolling out M&M’s Caramel Cold Brew, a new M&M’s flavor that features coffee flavor and chewy caramel covered in milk chocolate and a colorful, candy shell.

“More and more coffee drinkers are exploring new flavor combinations, with cold brew ranking as one of Gen Z's most purchased drinks,” said Allison Miazga-Bedrick, senior marketing director at Mars Wrigley. “Mars' M&M'S brand decided to tap into the booming cold-brew coffee scene and pair it with a confectionary favorite—caramel.”

The new M&M’s flavor is launching at retailers nationwide in February. It will be available in 1.41-ounce single size packs, 2.83-ounce share size packs and 9.05-ounce share-size stand-up pouches. Prices range from $1.19 to $4.99.

Following the M&M'S limited-edition holiday Espresso flavor scheduled to hit shelves ahead of the winter holiday season, M&M'S Caramel Cold Brew is the brand's second coffee-flavored offering announced this year but is the first permanent coffee-flavored product, according to the company.

It is also the first time the new M&M’s character, Purple, is being introduced on packaging.

Designed to represent acceptance and inclusivity, the newest member is known for her earnest self-expression. She joins the cast of M&M'S characters that were given a refresh with updated looks and more nuanced personalities in January.

The Hershey Co., Hershey, Pa., is launching Reese’s Big Cup Stuffed with Reese’s Puffs Cereal. The collaboration between the classic Reese’s candy and the brand’s cereal is an example of how brands are pulling together two treats to further innovate known products.

“Collaborations are quite popular, but what we are about to unleash is next level,” said Henry Hancock, senior associate brand manager at Reese's. “We knew the ultimate mashup was already within the Reese's universe, so we made it happen. We're taking chocolate and peanut butter fandom to a new stratosphere by adding Reese's Puffs cereal to our Reese's Big Cup.”

The new Reese’s Cups will be available nationwide in November.

Hershey is presenting another collaboration with Reese’s Dipped Animal Crackers. The bite-sized animal crackers are covered in peanut butter candy and dipped in milk chocolate.

The new treat will be available in 4.25-ounce bags in November at retailers nationwide.

Kit Kat Birthday Cake from Hershey includes wafers covered in white cream with sprinkles.

It will be available in 1.5-ounce standard bars and 3-ounce king-size bars in November.