Big news in the candy world: HARIBO just dropped a major upgrade to its beloved Starmix—and this one’s just for U.S. fans. The refreshed mix now includes two crowd-favorite shapes from abroad: a lemony Fried Egg and a sweet raspberry Heart, both with a fun double-layered foam twist.
For candy buyers, importers, and private label planners, this isn’t just another gummi bag—it’s a bold move that reflects shifting consumer tastes and growing demand for variety-packed, texture-rich sweets.
And yes, it’s just as fun (and squishy) as it sounds.
New shapes, new flavors, same gummi joy
- Fried Egg (Lemon): A soft foam-bottomed gummi that’s zesty and playful.
- Heart (Raspberry): A berry-sweet, squishy treat designed to win over sweet tooths.
- Goodbye to: Twin Snakes and Happy Cherries in the Starmix—though they’re still sold separately.
These two new shapes are exclusive to U.S. Starmix fans and previously only found in HARIBO’s international offerings, where they’ve become cult favorites.
“We’re constantly listening to our fans so we can deliver on what they want most. These new items truly stood out for their unique textures and flavors.” said Sophia Lewis, Brand Manager at HARIBO of America. “
The revamped mix includes five fun varieties total, giving U.S. fans their very own candy salad of squishy shapes, gummi classics, and now, layered foam pieces too.
Foam, fun, and flavor
This isn’t just a flavor refresh—it’s a packaging and sourcing opportunity. HARIBO’s revamp ticks multiple trend boxes:
- Consumer-Driven Innovation: Based on feedback and testing, not just brand guesswork.
- Textures & Visual Appeal: Foam-layered pieces add pop to clear packs and bulk bins.
- Retail-Ready Versatility: Perfect for seasonal offerings, grab-and-go, and private label lines.
- Global Influence: U.S. buyers now get international bestsellers adapted to local tastes.
For bulk buyers, distributors, and R&D teams, the new Starmix serves up not just flavor variety—but inspiration for building your own candy blends with visual appeal and mouthfeel in mind.
Starmix gets a sweet remix
As HARIBO continues to reinvent its classics, the innovation doesn’t stop at the candy aisle. This launch is a signal for industry players to think outside the (gummi) box.
With fresh texture combinations and adventurous flavor pairings, the move inspires bulk buyers, private label brands, and ingredient suppliers to embrace creativity in their own product lines.
Well-loved brands can lead change by blending tradition with a daring twist. As consumer tastes evolve, so does the opportunity to source unique, trendsetting ingredients that make each bite both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.
Double the layers, double the fun
So, why is this kind of update exciting for the broader food industry?
- Private Label Growth: These kinds of unique, multi-texture gummi formats open new doors for white-label innovation.
- Consumer Cravings: Shoppers are leaning into sensory snacking—think chewy + fluffy, sweet + sour.
- Category Differentiation: In a crowded candy aisle, variety bags like Starmix stand out with color, shape, and fun.
- Ingredient Implications: As confectionery brands get more creative, ingredient suppliers must keep pace with flavoring agents, foam gelatins, natural colorants, and beyond.
Wrap up & reach out: Stay sweet!
Whether you’re stocking shelves, building a private label product line, or just love seeing what’s next in the world of sweet innovation, the new HARIBO Starmix is one worth watching—and tasting.
Its fan-led refresh is proof that listening pays off, and that even century-old brands can still surprise and delight. For ingredient suppliers, candy co-manufacturers, and wholesale buyers, it’s a sweet reminder that variety is more than just fun—it’s profitable.
Want to build your own candy blend or explore the world of confectionery ingredients? Let’s chat! Reach out to Source86 for sourcing solutions, bulk candy options, and trend-savvy insights into what’s next in food.
