Mars places key focus on ‘newstalgia’ and bold new flavours for expanded portfolio

An innovative range of flavour combinations is set to form a core priority for Mars’s latest confectionery line-ups, as it places freeze-dried, novel and adapted classic flavours in the spotlight, reports Neill Barston.

The company explained it had set out on a broad portfolio expansion moving towards 2026, offering a strong focus on ‘newstalgia’ in blending core tastes with a hint of something different.

This has come as a direct response to consumer demand for ever-more novelties, with the likes of Tik Tok and Instagram driving a buzz around new product lines among younger generations of snacking fans.

As the company noted, whether fans are looking for poppable bites or sweet-and-spicy (swicy) mashups, each innovation is backed by consumer insights and preferences.

Its upcoming offerings including  M&M’SBakery Collection – Flavour Vote, which is being brought back for 2026, featuring classic bakery-inspired tastes and textures. This includes  Peanut Butter Cinnamon Roll, Cherry Chocolate Cupcake and Lemon Meringue Pie.

Furthermore, the company will be bringing out its M&M’S POP’d Caramel, its first freeze-dried candy as a fun snacking option, as well as M&M’s Honey Roasted Peanut. This is its newest permanent addition to the line=up, combining crunchy roasted peanuts and classic milk chocolate with a touch of honey sweetness.

For fans of more intense flavours, the company has brought out its Snickers Extreme, as a returning favourite, as well as something a little out of the ordinary in its Snickers Crunchy Peanut Butter Ice Cream Bar. This has 
 100% real peanut butter ice cream, crunchy peanuts, and smooth caramel covered in a delicious milk chocolate shell. 

Meanwhile, it has targeted the on-the-go market with its Twix Bits series, which offers the classic treat in a bitesize portion. 

Furthermore, the company is bringing out one of its most daring offerings yet, in form of its Skittles Gummies Fuego, featuring the classic chewy texture  with a bold “swicy” (sweet + spicy) flavour twist for an unexpectedly fiery treat.

The portfolio also includes Starburst Sour series, as well as Life Savers Gummies X’s and O’s, soft and chewy gummies lean into the quest for fun and a classic game everyone loves .

Completing the company’s upcoming range are Life Savers Gummy fruit rings, and something a little different in the form of its Combos Garlic Parmesan, fusing the taste of savoury parmesan cheese with the sharp kick of garlic to add an explosion of flavour to your on-the-go lifestyle.

“Our iconic brands are always adapting. We carefully craft and deliver delicious treats to keep consumers and fans excited and buzzing about what’s next, and our new innovations reflect that,” said Gabrielle Wesley, Chief Marketing Officer, Mars Wrigley North America. “Of course, we have more fun up our sleeves for the year ahead, but we’re looking forward to kicking off 2026 with a swicy start.”

A number of the new ranges have been given a debut at the NACS show this month in the US, as a key platform for testing the market for its upcoming slate of innovation.

Tim Lebel, President of Sales, Mars Wrigley North America, believed the new series would offer a strong start to 2026 as it continues to push boundaries of new product development.

He comment: “This new lineup is a testament to our commitment to deliver snacking experiences that fit into the fast-paced lives of today’s consumers,” said . “With convenience stores at the center of the snacking world, they remain a go-to destination for the Mars treats our fans crave.”