Huer Foods, gummy candy innovator, and Frank's RedHot, a hot sauce brand, recently debuted Huer x Frank's RedHot Spicy Gummy bears. The innovation touches on the "swicy" (sweet and spicy) trend, and aims to deliver a bold, unexpected flavor experience, the brands say. 

Fifty-one percent of Americans are already consuming spicy foods at least once a week, with Gen Z leading the charge, adding heat to everything from avocado toast to ice cream to lattes, the two companies note.

To find out more about the partnership, we touched base with Molly Clinton, head of marketing, Huer Foods.

Liz Parker Kuhn: How did the collaboration come about—did you contact Frank’s RedHot (McCormick & Co.), or vice versa?   

Molly Clinton: We reached out to McCormick after closely tracking the rapid growth of the sweet-and-spicy—or “swicy”—confection segment over the past several years. What stood out to us is that this isn’t just a  trend; it’s a distinct flavor space with a long runway for growth and the ability to bring entirely new consumers into the candy aisle.  

In 2024, we validated this opportunity with the launch of our Sweet ’N Spicy Chamoy line in Canada, which went on to win Most Innovative Confection at the 2024 CIC Awards. That success proved that when sweet and heat are done right, consumers respond in a big way—especially those who may not gravitate toward intensely spicy products. The sweetness helps soften and balance the heat, making the experience more approachable and enjoyable for a broader audience.  

When we thought about taking swicy to the next level, partnering with Frank’s RedHot, the #1 hot  sauce brand in the U.S., was a natural fit. Their flavor is iconic and instantly recognizable for consumers, and the brand brings unprecedented credibility when it comes to heat. It truly felt like a match made in heaven: Huer’s confection expertise paired with the most trusted name in spice.  

LPK: How long did it take to formulate the new gummy? What about taste-testing – did you have a consumer panel, or just taste-test in-house?  

MC: One of Huer’s greatest strengths is our ability to innovate quickly without sacrificing quality. We’re fast, nimble, and deeply consumer driven. Our agile innovation team works in tight feedback loops, allowing us to rapidly refine products based on real insights.  

For this collaboration, we worked closely with the McCormick Research & Development teams to develop a custom Frank’s RedHot seasoning blend designed specifically for our gummy candy. The goal was balance, delivering that unmistakable Frank’s RedHot flavor and heat, while still letting the fruit flavors shine.  

At the same time, we created a custom gummy bear flavor assortment to complement the spice. We leaned into fruit profiles consumers naturally associate with heat—think chamoy- and chili-inspired  flavors, and then we layered in a few unexpected standouts, like cherry, to keep the experience playful  and surprising for your taste buds.  

Taste-testing happened both in-house and with consumer feedback built into the process, ensuring we landed on a product that’s bold, craveable, and genuinely fun and exciting to eat.  

LPK: The new gummy is available at Albertsons and on your Amazon storefront—any plans to expand to other stores or in the U.S.?   

MC: Absolutely. Albertsons has been an ideal launch partner for us. They’re forward-thinking, open to testing innovation, and have been incredibly supportive as we expand Huer’s footprint in the U.S.  

The U.S. response so far has been extremely encouraging. We’re seeing strong early data that shows consumers are not only open to swicy candy—they’re actively seeking it out. That gives us a lot of confidence as we work on expanding distribution into additional U.S. accounts.  

This segment is still in its early innings, and we believe Huer is well positioned to help lead its growth with distinctive flavors, unique innovations, and a strong understanding of what today’s candy consumers are craving.  

LPK: Huer Foods has been around since 1986—what other innovations does it have in the pipeline? Anything for early 2026?   

MC: We like to say that we’re “the most innovative candy company.” In 2025 alone, we launched more than 30 innovations, spanning flavors, formats, and brand collaborations.  

Looking ahead, we’re especially excited about what’s coming in early 2026. In February, we’ll be launching another gummy brand with a fan-favorite hot sauce. We can’t wait for you to experience this flavor combination.   

And that’s just the beginning. We have a few more surprises in development that we’re not quite ready to announce, but we can promise they’ll continue to push boundaries. We’d love for everyone to come see what’s next at Sweets & Snacks Expo in May in Las Vegas.  

LPK: What’s your personal favorite Huer Foods candy to enjoy? 

MC: Right now, it’s hands-down the Frank’s RedHot Spicy Gummy Bears. They’ve quickly become a fan favorite across our entire portfolio —and for good reason. The flavor balance is spot on. I always describe it like a spicy margarita: bright, sweet, and easy to enjoy, followed by that unmistakable chili kick that keeps you coming back for more. It’s fun, unexpected, and incredibly craveable—which, to me, is exactly what great candy should be! You’ll also find me snacking on our upcoming launch: Love Bites, a delicious and fun Valentine's Day seasonal launching in January. The Strawberry Mini Gummy Hearts are dreamy strawberries and cream-inspired gummies that are like a love letter to the senses.   

Related: Huer Foods releases Frank's RedHot Spicy Gummy Bear