Comfort & Indulgence in an Uncertain Time

The impact of the pandemic has reinforced the desire for holiday comforts and seasonal favorites as both retail and quick service restaurants manifest limited-edition novelties for a most indulgent consumer experience. Frozen treats from M&M’s and Little Debbie feature inclusions such as mini red and green M&M’s, chocolate swirls, cake chunks, and sprinkles. Andy’s Frozen Custard brought back their candy cane and brownie filled Santa Brownie Jackhammer, while Dunkin and Starbucks debuted new holiday-inspired products Toasted White Chocolate Latte and Cranberry Bliss Bar, respectively.

Trendsetters: M&M’s, Little Debbie, Andy’s Frozen Custard, Dunkin, Starbucks

Peppermint Everything

Peppermint remains winter’s signature flavor as brands develop new twists on the seasonal staple. Starbucks and Super Coffee released peppermint mocha and white chocolate peppermint lineups of ready-to-drink, ground coffee, and K-cups. Nestle Toll House unveiled limited-time Peppermint Hot Cocoa Morsels & More along with Peppermint Cocoa Cookie Dough. Theo Chocolate introduced their Peppermint Crunch Chocolate Bar and Drinking Chocolate, which features dark chocolate crumbles, peppermint marshmallows, and peppermint cocoa cups.

Trendsetters: Starbucks, Super Coffee, Nestlé Toll House, Theo Chocolate, Quest

Beverage LTOs

Move over, pumpkin spiced latte – developers are revamping winter-approved flavors in the latest emergence of seasonal sips. Bud Light Seltzer is bringing back their Ugly Sweater pack with three new seasonal variants: Sugar Plum, Cherry Cordial, and Seltzer Nog. This year, Red Bull’s Winter Edition energy beverage is Pomegranate, featuring notes of sour cherry and red berries. Festive sparkling winter launches include Sprite’s Winter Spiced Cranberry, Waterloo’s Cranberry Sparkling Water, and Sparkling Ice’s Apple Cider.

Trendsetters: Bud Light, Red Bull, Sprite, Waterloo, Sparkling Ice

Taste the Trend