Sour Patch Kids go big for Halloween

One of the risks trick-or-treaters face is hitting a house before knowing if the candy the residents are doling out will be brilliant or blah. The Mondelēz brand is helping costumed tots eliminate that uncertainty by offering a number of domiciles a very, very big clue—they are secretly plying a select few homes with a total of 20,000 bags of the sour-then-sweet candy to give out, then giving each house a 15-foot-tall inflatable Kid (created by DAVID Miami) to alert Halloween-crazed children the good stuff is inside. “The sweet part is that the Very Big Kid is out there,” states Edgard Gianesi, DAVID Miami’s chief creative officer. “The sour part is that we’re not telling where!”

Totino’s Pizza Rolls treated to a culinary twist

Courtesy of General Mills

Do you know what Florida Chili is? If you’re immersed in the TikTok or Reels universe, you just might be—the recipe for the over-the-top dish starring the General Mills brand’s frozen snacks has racked up nearly 10 million views across platforms. Viewers are sharply divided over the concoction, which takes the rolls and adds things like ranch dressing, cream cheese, and hot sauce to the already flavorful bites. “We didn’t expect to break the internet with our Florida Chili recipe, but here we are,” says Brianna Menning, senior brand manager, Totino’s. “Try it, roast it, remix it. That’s the Totino’s way, and we're loving every absurd bite!” If you’re bold enough to try the dish yourself, plug in your slow cooker and head to the recipe video here.

Happy birthday, Doughboy!

Courtesy of PillsburyThis year, the brand’s jovial mascot turns 60, and he’s celebrating by throwing consumers a party, and inviting people into his cozy home. Thanks to the magic of augmented reality (AR), visitors can take a virtual tour of his house, decorated in his signature white-and-blue colors and appointed with all sorts of comfy, tasty details. The Modern Doughhouse Revival home stretches out over 2,358 square feet and features a sizable oven, welcoming living room, and lots of personal keepsakes. Fans of the Pillsbury spokesboy can also score special collectables, such as a vintage-style cookie jar, holiday cookie slippers, and a glass set for cookie dunking. To find out more, visit doughplacelikehome.com

Aldi unveils spread for Thanksgiving on a budget

Courtesy of Aldi

The discount retailer has introduced a full turkey-day dinner for 10 guests with a $40 price tag. For less than it costs most people to fill the tank of their minivan to drive the family to Grandma’s for the holiday feast, Aldi is offering a 14-lb bird, rolls, cranberry sauce, mac and cheese, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie, all available for online ordering, curbside pickup, or delivery through Instacart, Uber Eats, and DoorDash. “Thanksgiving is the biggest food holiday of the year, and Aldi is proud to lead the industry once again on price,” states Scott Patton, CCO for Aldi U.S. “Price leadership is part of our DNA, and the holidays are when our commitment to value really shines. We believe families shouldn’t have to make trade-offs to feed everyone, especially at Thanksgiving.”

Chicago org says buy local candy this spooky season

Economic organization World Business Chicago is encouraging Windy Citizens to keep their candy cash in the local economy and purchase handouts for trick-or-treaters from one of the many confectioners that call the area home—and there are a lot of them, as candy industry followers are likely aware. "Chicagoland doesn't just make candy, it makes an impact," says Phil Clement, WBC president/CEO. “Chicago has long been the heartbeat of America's candy and snack industry. Candy production generates over $1.6 billion in economic impact across our region, supporting jobs, family livelihoods, and community pride. Chicagoland truly equals Candyland." Snack and candy companies with global or U.S. offices in the city include Mars Wrigley, Brach’s, Curtiss, Tootsie Roll, Frango, Garrett’s, Mondelēz, Haribo, and viral brand Feastables.

Twix celebrates hybrid holiday

Courtesy of MarsThe Mars candy brand has announced the "Hallomas" holiday. Much like the beloved mashup movie The Nightmare Before Christmas, the occasion blends the spooky fun of Halloween with elements of the winter holiday. The event, combining cobwebs and carols, starts with limited-edition packs of Hallowmas Twix candy: Twix Ghoulish green, and the debut of the new Twix Snowman, available online at twix.com/hallomas until sold out. Another drop is scheduled for October 29. Consumers also can enter a contest for a chance to win $20,000 by commenting on the brand's Insta or TikTok posts about how they're celebrating Hallowmas and tagging a friend with #TWIXSweepstakes. Then, it is hosting a two-night Hallowmas Grotto on Halloween and November 1 in NYC, where they can meet Zombie Claus.

Do you have any fun, fascinating, or downright weird news from the bakery, snack, or candy worlds? If so, please send it my way to spinnerj@bnpmedia.com. Thanks for reading!