8 LTO C-Store Confections

Excitement created via the introduction of seasonal and limited-time offerings are impactful on dollar and unit performance for the everyday line.

In the second quarter of 2023, innovations were unveiled from Candyrific, Hilco, Mondelez, Mars, Hershey’s and others.  

Click ahead to read all about eight seasonal limited-time confection offerings across both chocolate and non-chocolate categories.

CandyRific announced its Halloween 2023 lineup, including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Pumpkin Themed Candy Cases, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Talkers and Candy Cases and M&M’s Halloween-themed Candy Fans. Also returning are Glow-in-the-Dark Graveyard Hunt bags and Day of the Dead Candy Fans.

Mickey Mouse Pumpkin Themed Candy Cases feature a loop on top to hang the character case from a chain or string (SRP $3.99); M&M’s Tube Fans with jack-o-lantern or new witch hat toppers have glow in the dark blades (SRP $5.99); and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Up Talkers play the fan favorite song from the movie, “What’s This?” (SRP $6.99).

Snickers (Mars Inc.) is taking its classic bar to another level with its newest innovation, Snickers Butterscotch Scoop. The limited-edition Snickers Butterscotch Scoop bar combines Snickers flavors with milk chocolate, peanuts, caramel and a decadent fusion of butterscotch flavored nougat.

As part of a licensing relationship with Girl Scouts of the USA, Hilco and Kraft Heinz collaborated on the debut of Girl Scout Thin Mints Candy Canes, along with other novelty items. Candy Canes (12-count box) are individually wrapped in an environmentally friendly box (SRP $3.49). Also launching is Kool-Aid Story Books with Popping Candy (SRP $2.99), Kool-Aid Candy Canes (SRP $3.49) and Peppermint Flavored Candy Cane Spoons (SRP $1.99).

Available as a limited-time variety, Laffy Taffy Fruit Combos (Ferrara Candy Co.) meld two fruity flavors in one smooth, chewy mini bar in four flavor combinations: Strawberry-Kiwi, Strawberry-Orange, Mango-Passionfruit and Wildberry-Banana. Fruit Combos are available in two sizes: 3.5-ounce packs for an SRP of $1.25 and 6-ounce packs for an SRP of $3.60.

Oreo Cotton Candy Sandwich Cookies (Mondelez International Inc.) returned to the retail arena for the first time in nearly a decade, according to the supplier. Inspired by the iconic carnival treat, the limited-edition cookie features a golden Oreo double-stuffed texture along with pink and blue cotton candy-flavored cream.

Endangered Species Chocolate debuted a new line of seasonal chocolate shapes that marks the company’s first venture into the seasonal gifting space. The chocolate-shaped line consists of 48% milk chocolate in 3.5-ounce pouches and 60% dark chocolate in 3.5-ounce pouches, each holding 14 season-inspired pieces. They include: Be Mine Mix timed for Valentine’s Day, Hello Spring Mix for spring; Not So Spooky Mix for Halloween; and Merry Mix for the holidays. All ESC chocolate is Fairtrade, Non-GMO, gluten-free and kosher.

A limited-edition treat that mimics the freshly baked sweet and doughy treat, Kit Kat Churro (The Hershey Co.) features buttery churro-flavored cream with sugar mixed between the brand’s iconic wafers. Kit Kat Churro is available in a standard size along with king-size and snack-size formats.

Crafted by five LGBTQ+ artists, Skittles Pride (Mars Inc.) packs come in five unique designs, each telling a visual story of Pride and featuring a QR code that takes users to the website where they can hear directly from artists about their work. Available until mid-July, all limited-edition Pride packs are available in 4-ounce share-size packs and 15.6-ounce stand-up pouches.