From sharing the love at Valentine’s Day to the bounty of treats at Halloween, Hershey’s understands that it needs to balance both favorite flavors with food innovations. While creative flavors often get much fanfare, a new candy trend has emerged on the shelf. Across Hershey candy brands, it is all the about the visual, particularly seasonal shapes.
For years, Reese’s has played into the shapes concept. From the iconic Easter Eggs to Christmas trees and pumpkins, that peanut butter and chocolate candy is never sorry to roll out another shaped offering. Even though the classic candy flavor does not change, the new visual adds another layer of excitement to enjoying the favorite treat.
While Reese’s continues to embrace shapes, other Hershey’s candies have joined the conversation. During the holidays, Kit Kat launched its first shaped candy. The Santa shaped offering was an instant hit.
For Valentine’s Day, Kit Kat continues that conversation. The Bears are simply adorable. Taking a break with one of these sweet treats instantly brings a smile. While get another stuffie when these little cuties are available.
Bears are a smart choice for Kit Kat. The shape has an all-ages and all-gender appeal. Just think how it will look when paired with that little Valentine. Everyone will be sweet on these candies.
In addition to the Kit Kat Bears, Twizzlers is joining the Valentine’s Day shape conversation. The Twizzlers Hearts follow the Trees options from the holidays. These fruity licorice candies are a new way to bring some smiles and fun to the celebration.
For example, these heart shaped candies make perfect décor for a dessert. Just think of a chocolate cake covered with all the little hearts. It is like two treats in one. They are more flavorful than other conversation hearts.
Expanding iconic candy lines with shapes brings excitement. The classic flavor does not change, but it invigorates the conversation. The whole concept feels new. Sometimes these little twists can be even more important than the bold flavor innovation.
Given that nostalgia continues to influence and flavor food trends, the shapes play into that concept. The slight change invites consumers to rediscover why they love their favorite, iconic candy. That spark can lead people to buy an extra bag.
The Hershey’s Valentine’s Day offerings will be rolling out to stores soon. It is never too early to spread some love with a sweet treat.