Mars is turning up the flavor for 2026 with a bold mix of sweet, sour, and “swicy” (sweet + spicy) innovations. Fans can look forward to exciting twists on iconic treats like M&M’S®, Skittles®, SNICKERS®, STARBURST®, LIFE SAVERS®, and more.
The lineup brings everything from freeze-dried caramel crunch to spicy gummies and bakery-inspired M&M’S®. These innovations reimagine fan favorites with trending textures and bold, exciting flavors.
Guided by consumer insights, Mars is shaping its next wave of candy and snack launches. The company blends nostalgia with novelty, leading the industry into a flavorful and fun future.
Flavor forecast: Mars goes bold for 2026
Mars is spicing up the shelves, literally. Mars’ 2026 lineup features a bold mix of sweet, sour, and spicy treats. These new offerings tap into some of the biggest trends in the confectionery world.
Shown for the first time at the NACS Show Expo 2025, these treats give fans an early taste of what’s to come. They highlight how Mars continues to evolve to meet consumer cravings for unique and exciting snacking experiences.
Here’s what’s hitting shelves next year:
- M&M’S® Bakery Collection – Flavor Vote (2026): Fans can vote for their favorite bakery-inspired flavor — Peanut Butter Cinnamon Roll, Cherry Chocolate Cupcake, or Lemon Meringue Pie.
- M&M’S® POP’d Caramel: Mars’ first freeze-dried candy, combining caramel sweetness with a light, crispy texture.
- M&M’S® Honey Roasted Peanut: A new permanent flavor blending roasted peanuts, milk chocolate, and a drizzle of honey.
- SNICKERS® Xtreme: The fan-favorite bar packed with extra peanuts returns.
- SNICKERS® Crunchy Peanut Butter Ice Cream Bar: Layers of peanut butter ice cream, caramel, and peanuts, all dipped in milk chocolate.
- TWIX® Bits: Mini, bite-sized TWIX bars for on-the-go snacking.
- SKITTLES® Gummies Fuego: Sweet meets heat in Mars’ spiciest gummy yet.
- STARBURST® Sour: A tangy twist on the classic chewy candy.
- LIFE SAVERS® Gummies X’s and O’s: Playful shapes meet fun new flavors.
- 5® Evolution Gum: Flavor that evolves from sour to berry-sweet.
- COMBOS® Garlic Parmesan: Savory meets satisfying with cheesy, garlicky perfection.
A “swicy” start to the new year
According to Gabrielle Wesley, Chief Marketing Officer at Mars Wrigley North America, these launches reflect the brand’s mission to keep fans excited with fresh, flavor-forward treats.
“Our iconic brands are always adapting. We carefully craft and deliver delicious treats to keep consumers buzzing about what’s next,” Wesley said.
Mars also showcased its lineup at the NACS Show Expo 2025 in Chicago, where attendees got an exclusive first taste of the 2026 releases. With products like M&M’S® POP’d Caramel and SKITTLES® Gummies Fuego generating buzz, the event proved that fun, flavor, and convenience still rule the candy aisle.
For candy lovers looking to explore the classics, check out the full M&M’S® collection and the wide range of Skittles® flavors available now.
Why it matters for the candy industry
This new wave of flavor innovation shows how Mars continues to lead the global confectionery space through:
- Trend-driven development: Blending nostalgia (bakery classics) with novelty (swicy heat).
- Consumer engagement: Flavor Vote campaigns and social media buzz build lasting connections.
- Format innovation: From freeze-dried candy to flavor-evolving gum, texture and experience are key.
As Tim Lebel, President of Sales for Mars Wrigley North America, put it:
“Convenience stores remain the go-to destination for the Mars treats fans crave.”
Sweet, sour, swicy: grab your next treat!
Mars’ upcoming lineup is proof that the candy world is getting more adventurous and more fun. From spicy gummies to freeze-dried crunch, these innovations deliver experiences that fit every mood and moment.
For ingredient buyers, confectionery brands, and snack retailers, Mars’ approach underscores a key industry shift: consumers crave variety, texture, and interactivity.
Want to stay ahead of flavor trends or explore your own sweet innovations?
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FAQs
“Swicy” is the combination of sweet and spicy — a fast-growing trend across snacks and candies where sugary flavors meet a subtle heat.
The full lineup of new products will begin rolling out nationwide in early 2026.
Mars previewed many of these treats at the 2025 NACS Show Expo in Chicago, but fans can expect retail launches and online availability starting in January 2026.
