"As a powerhouse leader in snacking, we're pushing the boundaries by blending functionality and global flavor inspiration with new formats and textures," says Jessica Waller, SVP, Mars Snacking Away From Home. "From the Rxbar Protein Energy Bites to the enhanced shape and experience of Cheez-It Crunch, these innovations help our customers and partners drive growth by meeting consumer demand."

Confectionery innovations

Whether through freeze-dried formats, portable packaging, or unexpected flavor mashups, brands across the Mars portfolio are aiming to deliver bold, multi-sensory experiences consumers are looking for. Mars will showcase a range of its latest innovations at booth 2823, including:

• M&M's Pop'd Caramel: The brand's first freeze-dried candy features the classic caramel flavor consumers love in a light, crispy, and airy texture. 
• Twix Bits: Offering fans a bite-sized twist on the brand's bars, Twix Bits are a new poppable treat from the brand.
• Skittles Gummies Fuego: Featuring a classic gummy texture with a bold "swicy" (sweet + spicy) flavor twist for an unexpectedly fiery treat.
• Skittles Sour Wild Berry: This treat aims to pack a fruity punch with a sour squad of berry punch, strawberry, melon berry, wild cherry, and raspberry flavors.
• Starburst Sour: The chewy consistency fans know from Starburst, but with a burst of tangy tartness for a taste bud adventure.
• Sours by Extra: This new gum delivers an unexpected twist of sweet and sour flavor.
• 5 Gum Evolution: A flavor-changing experience from tangy sour to berry sweetness in every chew.

Flavor-forward snacks

As consumers seek both flavor and function in their snacking choices, Cheez-It and RXBar are meeting the moment, Mars notes. Its Expo booth will feature product samples from Kellanova, recently acquired by Mars, that deliver everything from indulgent treats to high-protein, functional options, helping retailers and operators stay ahead of ever-evolving consumer preferences, including:

• RXBar Protein Energy Bites in Strawberry Peanut Butter & Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter: Features a chewy outer layer and creamy peanut butter filling, offering a multi-textural experience and made with just a handful of ingredients.  
• RXBar High Protein Bar in Vanilla Peanut Butter & Strawberry Peanut Butter: Includes 18 g of protein, just six ingredients, and a creamy texture.
• Cheez-It Crunch in Zesty Jalapeño Cheddar & Kick'n Nacho Cheese: Combining 100% real cheese with a crunch and a 3D shape, Cheez-It Crunch combines the Cheez-It cheddar taste with either the bold kick of spicy jalapeño flavor or the savory kick of nacho flavor.

The Away From Home booth will also feature its brands in a variety of foodservice executions, including Pepperoni Hot Honey Flatbread with Cheez-It Original crackers, Pop-Tarts Cheesecake Parfaits in Cookie "Dough-verload" using Frosted Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pop-Tarts or Cookies & Cream Pop-Tarts, as well as a Pop-Tarts Cherry Berry Cheesecake Parfait using either Frosted Blueberry or Frosted Cherry Pop-Tarts. Booth attendees will also be able to enjoy Rice Krispies Treats Bites & Drizzles.  

Unlocking digital impulse

Beyond offering insights-backed innovations, Mars collaborates with retailers to reimagine impulse shopping online with Mars Digital Store Labs, its proprietary research capability, and in-store with the Mars Transaction Zone.

"Impulse categories like confectionery often remain underdeveloped online, even as digital commerce continues to grow," says LeBel. "But reimagining impulse, combined with stronger collaboration between retailers and manufacturers, can unlock potential growth."

To learn more, join Betsy Fitzgibbons from Mars Snacking and a panel of industry experts on May 19 at 2:00 pm PT on the Gold Stage for a panel discussion titled "Unlocking Digital Impulse."

Mars is on the current Candy Industry “Global Top 100 Candy Companies” list. Click here to view the current “Global Top 100” rankings.