Texture, nostalgia, and health-conscious indulgence are the key themes shaping this week’s confectionery new product development.
Brands continue to lean into sensory, with a noticeable uptick in launches prioritising unique mouthfeel, including fluffy jellies and crisp, freeze-dried formats.
Several new products draw on nostalgia by crossing familiar formats and flavours to tap into emotion. Whether it’s a reimagined campfire classic or a twist on traditional British fruit sweets, brands are using heritage cues to attract both loyal and new shoppers.
At the same time, health and compliance remain front of mind for makers. Non-HFSS formulations, natural ingredients, and clean-label claims are increasingly standard across launches, reflecting both regulatory pressures and evolving consumer expectations.
Finally, there’s a clear push toward format diversification and channel expansion. From resealable pouches aimed at convenience retail to premium gifting SKUs and on-the-go formats, confectionery brands are broadening their reach.
This week’s launches show how innovation is being used not just to excite consumers, but to strategically grow category presence across multiple touchpoints.
Tony’s Chocolonely and Hot Take Dough team up
Tony’s Chocolonely has partnered with premium cookie dough brand Hot Take Dough to release a limited-edition S’more Cookie Pack. The new tie-up launched on 7 July to coincide with World Chocolate Day.
The collaboration brings together Tony’s S’mores Lil Bits – made with 100% traceable milk chocolate, marshmallows, and graham cracker pieces – and Hot Take Dough’s organic cookie dough, which features grass-fed butter and cage-free eggs.
The bake-at-home format is designed to offer a nostalgic, campfire-inspired experience without the need for open flames.
Packs are priced between $27 and $45, depending on quantity, and will be available for a limited time.
Roly’s Fudge introduces Pistachio Chocolate Fudge
UK-based artisan fudge maker Roly’s Fudge has launched a new Pistachio Chocolate Fudge, tapping into the growing popularity of pistachio and matcha flavours.
The product combines 100% cocoa dark chocolate with crushed pistachios, almond, and organic matcha, finished with a pistachio-matcha drizzle for added visual appeal.
Produced in small batches of around 100 portions, the fudge is handmade using Roly’s traditional methods, reinforcing the brand’s positioning around craftsmanship and premium quality.
The new flavour is available at select Roly’s Fudge pantries across the UK and online, with an RRP starting at £3.25 per 100g. Trade customers can place orders via the company’s wholesale portal or by contacting the brand directly.
Chupa Chups expands jelly range
Chupa Chups is expanding its jelly confectionery portfolio with the launch of Pinkis, a soft-textured, strawberry-flavoured sweet aimed at driving impulse sales.
The new product features a fluffy, mallow-style jelly in a vibrant pink hue, designed to stand out on shelf and appeal to younger consumers and on-the-go snackers.
Priced at £1.25 in price marked packs, Pinkis is positioned to offer strong value while tapping into demand for novel textures and fun formats.
The launch builds on momentum in the brand’s jelly range and is intended to support retailers in attracting incremental shoppers and boosting basket spend.
Popcorn Kitchen unveils festive chocolate popcorn bars
Popcorn Kitchen is expanding its seasonal gifting range this August with the launch of three new chocolate popcorn bars.
The line-up includes White Chocolate Raspberry, Dark Chocolate Orange, and Salted Caramel Milk Chocolate, each combining the brand’s signature popcorn with indulgent chocolate formats aimed at the Christmas gifting market.
The launch coincides with the appointment of Vanessa Andrews as the company’s new marketing director. Andrews brings experience from major CPG players – including Mars, Danone and Pladis – and will lead the brand’s next phase of growth.
Maynards Bassetts adds Classic Fruit Mix
Maynards Bassetts is expanding its sugar confectionery portfolio with the launch of Classic Fruit Mix, a new non-HFSS product featuring four popular flavours: Apple, Cherry, Strawberry, and Blackcurrant.
Made with real fruit juice and free from preservatives, artificial colours, and flavours, the new mix is positioned to appeal to a broad consumer base seeking familiar, fruit-forward sweets.
Classic Fruit Mix is available in both £1.35 price marked and non-price marked 110g packs, targeting convenience and impulse channels. The brand says the new product draws on its British heritage while offering a compliant option that meets evolving health guidelines. Classic Fruit Mix is rolling out across retail this month.
Langtins launches Noomz freeze-dried sweets
British confectionery brand Langtins has entered the freeze-dried sweets category with the launch of Noomz, a new range designed to bring the space-age snacking format to the mainstream.
The line-up includes eight variants such as Fruit Bites, Sour Bites, Jelly Rings, and Mini Rocks, all made using a freeze-drying process that intensifies flavour and creates a light, crunchy texture.
Noomz is priced from £2.49 and is now available in selected convenience stores across the UK. All products are Halal certified and come in resealable pouches to maintain freshness.
Langtins says the range is aimed at younger consumers, particularly Gen Z, who are driving interest in freeze-dried confectionery through social media trends.