Content about Chocolate

LA JOLLA, Calif. — Kashi has introduced a decadent addition to its TLC layered granola bars line.

The new peanutty dark chocolate flavor, which joins dark chocolate coconut and pumpkin pecan TLC layered granola bars, features Kashi's signature seven whole grains blend, as well as 4.5 g of fiber and 4 g of protein in each bar.

Kashi's TLC peanutty dark chocolate layered granola bars now are available at grocers and natural food retailers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $3.89.

SUPPLIER NEWS — SnackWell’s has overhauled its line of products for women with new portioned, indulgent snacks. The brand, which is owned by Kraft Foods, said the latest SnackWell’s treats will range from 100 to 150 calories per pack. The products, along with such classic SnackWell’s treats as devil’s food cookie cakes and creme sandwich cookies, will feature new and modern packaging. They made their debut nationwide in mid-April with a suggested retail price of $3.19 per box; each box features five individually portioned packs.


NEW YORK — A chocolatier has brought its gourmet chocolates to the Midwest.

2 Chicks with Chocolate, which makes such chocolate products as toffee and bark bars, spicy tiles, popcorn and more, will present some of its products next week at the Chicago Sweets and Snacks Expo. The brand recently added its tempranillo ganache and meritage caramel confections to its wine collection line.

GLENDALE, Calif. — Skinny Cow is introducing new sweet treats.

The company, known for its low-fat ice cream products, has made its foray into candy with new Skinny Cow Dreamy Clusters, bite-sized treats drenched in caramel and covered in either milk chocolate or dark chocolate; and Skinny Cow Heavenly Crisp candy bars, delicate wafers layered with either chocolate or peanut butter filling and covered in a chocolate coating. Each candy contains 110 to 120 calories in each serving.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Snickers really wants consumers to "love" its latest confection.

The Mars Chocolate brand has implemented a "love" button on its Facebook fan page — an upgrade of the social networking site's "like" button — to celebrate the launch of Snickers Peanut Butter Squared.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is showcasing new candy varieties for last-minute Easter shoppers, the pharmacy retailer said Monday.

The National Confectioners Association ranked Easter as one of the top-selling holidays for candy and estimated that 16 billion jelly beans and 90 million chocolate Easter bunnies are produced each year. Four-in-5 Americans celebrate Easter and are expected to spend about $14.6 billion during the holiday at all retailers nationwide, according to the National Retail Federation.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. — Mars Chocolate said its Kudos brand will debut a new and improved line of granola bars this May.

Kudos will don flavors from M&M's, Dove and Snickers in a 10-count pack and a 30-count variety pack.

What's more, a marketing campaign will kick off to celebrate the Kudos granola bars, which will include a refreshed website at KudosBar.com and cross promotions with others Mars Chocolate brands.

Kudos 10-count and 30-count variety packs will retail for $2.99 and $6.99, respectively.

CLEVELAND — Ganeden Biotech is continuing its partnership with Agostoni Chocolate to extend their line of probiotic-enhanced, private-label chocolates.

The new over-the-counter daily supplements include a daily supplement dose of Agostoni's premium dark chocolate combined with the GanedenBC30 probiotic in a small 0.18-oz. mini-disk format.

The disks will be available in two retail share-pack box sizes: 14-day (28 disk) and 30-day (60 disk) supply.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Peeps are diving into chocolate for the Easter holiday.

New this Easter to the Peeps lineup are Peepsters and Peeps chocolate dipped chicks, providing Peeps fans their favorite marshmallow candies with a twist. Peepsters are bite-size, individually wrapped candies that are available in milk and dark chocolate, while Peeps chocolate dipped chicks give Peeps fans an updated taste on the classic candy by adding either a milk chocolate or dark chocolate covering at the bottom of each chick.

New twists on classic candy brands helped propel dollar sales in the chocolate candy segment ahead nearly 10%. An increase in prices contributed to the dollar sales gain, but a big boost came from line extensions and limited-edition flavors.

“The old standbys are comfort brands for consumers, and manufacturers continue to trade off their following with new products,” said Lisbeth Echeandia, VP trade marketing of consulting firm Frey Enterprises.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Just Born wants fans of its Peeps, Mike and Ike, and Hot Tamales brands to feel the love this Valentine's Day.

Peeps is getting a Valentine's Day makeover with Peeps chocolate-covered-raspberry-flavored marshmallow hearts, available in single-serve packages.

HERSHEY, Pa. — Hershey is offering fans a new way to enjoy its iconic chocolate candies.

New Hershey's Drops, available in milk chocolate and cookies 'n creme flavors, are delicious bite-sized drops without the candy shell. Chocolate lovers now can enjoy on-the-go snacking without the mess, the company said.

Hershey's Drops will be sold nationwide in 8-oz. resealable, stand-up pouches. Also available are milk chocolate Hershey's Drops in king-size 2.1-oz. packs.