Foodie News
Ferrero debuts new Tic Tac® Chewy at Sweets & Snacks Expo
New products from Ferrero Rocher, Kinder, Keebler, and other brands also revealed by America’s fastest-growing confections company
PARSIPPANY, N.J., May 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Ferrero North America, part of the global sweet-packaged food company the Ferrero Group, revealed the company’s first sugar candy Tic Tac Chewy at the 2024 Sweets & Snacks Expo in Indianapolis. The introduction of Tic Tac Chewy is Ferrero’s first innovation exclusive to the US market, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustained growth in the market.
“We’re thrilled for candy fans to experience how fun and unique Tic Tac® Chewy is.” said Dan Cutchin, Vice President of Marketing at Ferrero USA. “It starts with a crunchy exterior and transforms with a mouthwatering, chewy inside, bursting with intense fruit flavor.”
Tic Tac is currently the #1 Mint* in household penetration with nearly 15 million consumers, and the introduction of Tic Tac Chewy marks the brand’s and Ferrero’s first entrance into the sugar candy category. Tic Tac Chewy will be available in two varieties, Fruit Adventure and Sour Adventure, each offering a mix of five delicious fruity flavors: Cherry, Apple, Orange, Lemon, and Grape. Tic Tac Chewy will be available starting this September at a selection of retailers, including Walmart, Amazon, and Kroger, and will expand nationally early 2025.
“Ferrero has supercharged investment in our North American presence in recent years, with expanded manufacturing and R&D capabilities, additional world-class talent, and more and more product innovation,” said Jim Klein, Chief Customer Officer, Ferrero USA. “With exciting new products like Tic Tac Chewy, we are well positioned to continue driving growth in the category and delivering value for our retail partners.”
Other new products featured by Ferrero include:
- Buncha CRUNCH® Share Pack: Bunches of crunchy milk chocolate in a 2.8oz share pack. Available later this year.
- Ferrero Rocher® Dark Chocolate & Crunchy Salted Caramel Tablets: Smooth chocolate, crunchy hazelnut pieces and exquisite creamy filling combine in a sophisticated indulgence. Available in stores starting September.
- Ferrero Collection Grand Assortment 14 Piece Tree: Discover the NEW Ferrero Collection Grand Assortment 14 Piece Tree. Indulge in the elegant assortment including Ferrero Rocher®, Raffaello®, Ferrero Rondnoir®, Ferrero Manderly®, and Ferrero Cappuccino®. Available later this year.
- Keebler® Limited-Edition Despicable Me 4 Rocky Road Fudge Stripes Cookies: A fun, limited edition take on Keebler’s fan-favorite Fudge Stripes cookies with a chocolate and almond-flavored shortbread cookie topped with a marshmallow-flavored fudge drizzle for a delicious rocky road taste. Available now.
- Kinder Joy® Limited Edition Despicable Me 4 Eggs: A limited-edition lineup of eight toys representing the beloved movie characters including: Gru, Lucy, and the Minions Stuart, Phil, Dave, Kevin, Jerry, and Carl. Available now.
- Kinder Joy® Limited-Edition Harry Potter Collection: This limited-edition lineup of 16 unique Funko toys includes two pencil toppers, two sticky notes, two bookmarks and 10 Funko figurines that include Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy, Professor Dumbledore, Hagrid, and more. Available now.
- Kinder® Mix Advent Calendar: The perfect way to countdown to Christmas! Each of the 24 windows contains a delicious Kinder treat including: Hollow Figures, chocolate Mini Eggs, Kinder Chocolate, Happy Hippo and Schoko Bons. Available in stores starting September.
- Kinder® Chocolate Holiday Mini or Share Size: Individually wrapped and perfectly portioned, Kinder Chocolate bars are great for sharing the delicious, creamy taste of Kinder with the ones you love. Available in stores starting November.
- Kinder® Chocolate Lay Down Bag: This pack of twenty individually wrapped, regular-size chocolate bars is great for sharing the delicious, creamy taste of Kinder with the ones you love. Available in stores starting September.
- Fannie May® Pretzelicious Chocolatier’s Mix: Featuring a decadent blend of crunchy pecans, salty pretzels and smooth caramel, all coated in velvety Fannie May Milk Chocolate, Pretzelicious is a delicious fusion of the brand’s irresistible sweet and salty flavors. Available later this month.
- Raisinets® Share Pack: California raisins covered in milk chocolate in a 2.8oz share pack. Available later this year.
- Royal Dansk® Garden Cookie Collection: This colorful, limited-time tin includes unique shapes and delicious seasonal flavors such as white chocolate raspberry and lemon, and of course the iconic vanilla ring. Available in stores starting February 2025.
Ferrero has been growing and investing significantly in North America. The company recently celebrated the opening of a new chocolate processing facility at the company’s manufacturing center in Bloomington, Illinois, which marks the first time Ferrero has produced chocolate outside of Europe. A Kinder Bueno production line is also expected to open in the manufacturing center later this year. Last year the company opened its Innovation Center and R&D Labs in Chicago’s historic Marshall Field Building.
In addition to its new product innovations at the Expo, Ferrero will share its expertise connecting with the gamer community on the Data & Insights Stage in a presentation featuring Neal Finkler, Ferrero’s Vice President of Marketing for Butterfinger and Baby Ruth, who will be joined by popular content creator “CuriousJoi.”
Ferrero is located at Booth #10802 on the Sweets & Snacks Expo floor. For more information, visit ferreronorthamerica.com.
*Source: Circana POS, MULO+C, L52 Weeks Ending 03/24/2024, Unit Sales
About Ferrero
Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with over 35 iconic brands sold in more than 170 countries. The Ferrero Group brings joy to people around the world with much-loved treats and snacks including Nutella®, Kinder®, Tic Tac®, and Ferrero Rocher®. More than 38,000 employees are passionate about helping people celebrate life’s special moments. The Ferrero Group’s family culture, now in its third generation, is based on dedication to quality and excellence, heritage and a commitment to the planet and communities in which we operate.
Ferrero entered the North American market in 1969 and has grown to more than 5,400 employees in 15 plants and warehouses, and eight offices in North America across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. It has expanded its presence and portfolio with the addition of iconic brands such as Butterfinger®, CRUNCH®, Keebler®, Famous Amos®, Mother’s Cookies®, and other distinctive cookie and chocolate brands. Follow @FerreroNACorp on Twitter and Instagram. www.ferreronorthamerica.com.
SOURCE Ferrero North America
Foodie News
Taco Bell Turns Back the Clock With Four Fan-Favorite Menu Items
Taco Bell is bringing back four customer favorites with its 2016-inspired Decades Menu: the Naked Chicken Chalupa, Beefy Crunch Burrito, Meximelt and Caramel Apple Empanada. Here is what to know about prices, availability and special rewards offers.
Taco Bell is serving up a taste of 2016 with the nationwide return of four nostalgic favorites, including the Naked Chicken Chalupa, Beefy Crunch Burrito, Meximelt and Caramel Apple Empanada.
The limited-time lineup, officially called the Decades #TBTB Menu, arrived at participating Taco Bell restaurants nationwide on August 20. It marks the third installment of the chain’s Decades Menu campaign, which brings discontinued and memorable items back for another run.
Four familiar favorites return
Leading the 2016-inspired menu is the Naked Chicken Chalupa. Instead of a traditional tortilla, the item uses a crispy, seasoned all-white-meat chicken shell filled with cheddar cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes and Avocado Ranch Sauce.
The Naked Chicken Chalupa is priced at a suggested $5.99. It is also included in a $9 Discovery Luxe Box with a Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito, Crunchy Taco, chips and nacho cheese sauce, and a medium fountain drink.
Also returning is the Beefy Crunch Burrito, a longtime fan favorite filled with seasoned beef, seasoned rice, reduced-fat sour cream, nacho cheese sauce and Flamin’ Hot Fritos. The burrito carries a suggested price of $2.79.
The Meximelt is back as well, combining seasoned beef, pico de gallo and a melted three-cheese blend inside a soft flour tortilla. Its suggested price is $2.99.
For dessert, Taco Bell has revived the Caramel Apple Empanada. The crispy pastry features warm apple pieces and caramel filling and is available for a suggested $2.99.
More than a menu revival
Taco Bell is leaning heavily into mid-2010s nostalgia beyond the food. The company is partnering with Anti Social Social Club, screen-free digital camera company Camp Snap and Divine, a six-second looping video platform inspired by the spirit of Vine.
On August 25, Taco Bell Rewards members will have an opportunity to enter a limited-time Tuesday Drop sweepstakes featuring 500 “2016 Starter Packs.” Each package includes a flannel shirt, cap and Camp Snap point-and-shoot digital camera.
Rewards members can also participate in an in-app scavenger hunt offering exclusive deals over three weeks, with a new offer scheduled each week between August 25 and September 14.
“For decades, Taco Bell has been woven into the lives of our fans, and there’s something special about revisiting the moments and experiences that made 2016 distinctly memorable,” Taco Bell North America Chief Marketing Officer Luis Restrepo said in the company’s announcement.
Available for a limited time
The four returning items are available at participating U.S. Taco Bell restaurants for a limited time and while supplies last. Prices and participation may vary by location, and delivery orders may cost more.
For longtime customers, the promotion offers another opportunity to revisit some familiar flavors. For younger diners, it is a chance to discover why items such as the Beefy Crunch Burrito and Caramel Apple Empanada developed such loyal followings.
Which returning Taco Bell favorite would you order first? Let us know in the comments, and subscribe to the STM Daily News newsletter for more food, restaurant and consumer news.
Source: Taco Bell Corp. press release, August 18, 2026.
Taco Bell Newsroom: Taco Bell Brings the 2016 Vibes Back to Fans Nationwide With Decades #TBTB Menu
Related links
- Taco Bell Official Website
- Taco Bell Rewards Program
- Taco Bell Mobile App
- Taco Bell Rewards Drops
- Divine Announces Public Launch and Taco Bell Collaboration
🍽️ Love discovering great food and drink? Join the conversation! Share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe to the STM Daily News newsletter for the latest recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and culinary stories delivered straight to your inbox.
Recipe of the Week
Jumpstart Busy School Mornings with Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos
Hectic school mornings get much easier when breakfast is already waiting in the fridge or freezer. These Healthy Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos can be assembled in advance, frozen individually and easily reheated for quick, filling meals to keep your family going through the day.
(Feature Impact) Hectic school mornings get much easier when breakfast is already waiting in the fridge or freezer. These Healthy Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos can be assembled in advance, frozen individually and easily reheated for quick, filling meals to keep your family going through the day.
Eggs, cheese and black beans supply protein to fuel kids for gym class or sports, while vegetables, beans and whole-grain tortillas add complex carbohydrates and fiber to stave off hunger until lunch. Breakfast burritos also make for a hearty, grab-and-go option for adults heading off to work.
One of the best things about homemade breakfast burritos is how easily they can be customized to fit each family member’s unique nutritional needs and preferences. If you’re making a batch for the whole family, prepare a basic filling and let everyone choose their own combination of ingredients. Spice fiends might want to add jalapenos or hot sauce, while vegetable lovers can pack in sauteed broccoli or diced roasted sweet potatoes. Just remember to label the different varieties separately before storing, e.g. “Mild” and “Spicy.”
Although it’s best to avoid mixing in ingredients that don’t freeze well – like avocado or fresh tomatoes – you can always serve the reheated burritos with a side of guacamole or pico de gallo for even more flavor and nutrition.
Find more school-year meal prep inspiration at Culinary.net.
Healthy Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos
Recipe adapted from The Gracious Pantry
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1 cup cooked black beans
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 tablespoons salsa
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 6 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk, water or dairy milk
- 4 large whole-grain tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- In pan over medium heat, heat olive oil. Saute onion, bell pepper and garlic until soft, 4-5 minutes. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Stir in cooked black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, salsa and salt and pepper, to taste. Remove from heat.
- Whisk eggs with milk or water. In nonstick skillet over medium heat, scramble until just set; avoid overcooking. Season lightly with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Lay tortillas flat. Divide eggs, veggie-bean mixture and cheese across each. Roll into burritos then toast, seam side down, in dry skillet to seal.
- Remove from pan and let cool. Wrap in parchment then foil. Freeze up to 2 months.
- To reheat, remove foil and parchment. In microwave or oven, heat until warmed through.
Notes: To prevent tortillas from becoming soggy, let filling cool to room temperature before assembling burritos.
Burritos can be warmed from frozen or, for best results, thawed overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
SOURCE:
🍴 What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News newsletter for fresh recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and delicious stories delivered straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of food lovers today!
recipes
Celebrate Summer with Homemade Peach Ice Cream
Nothing screams summer more than ice cream – although sweet, juicy peaches are a close runner-up in the competition. For the ultimate seasonal celebration, combine the two fan favorites with this homemade Peach Ice Cream recipe.
(Feature Impact) Nothing screams summer more than ice cream – although sweet, juicy peaches are a close runner-up in the competition. For the ultimate seasonal celebration, combine the two fan favorites with this homemade Peach Ice Cream recipe.
Using ripe, succulent peaches will make this ice cream burst with natural sweetness, while the vanilla and brown sugar add extra richness and a hint of caramelized flavor. A little brightness and zing from the fresh lemon juice finishes off your bowl of refreshing summer goodness.
The recipe requires an ice cream maker, and you’ll need to freeze the bowl for 24 hours before you churn, so be sure to plan ahead. Once finished churning, you can serve it immediately or pop it in the freezer to enjoy during the next heat wave.
Find more summer dessert recipes at Culinary.net.
Peach Ice Cream
Recipe adapted from Stephie Cooks
Prep time: 25 minutes
Churning and freezing time: 5 hours, 30 minutes
Servings: 12 (makes 1 1/2 quarts)
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (5-6 peaches)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy cream
- Prior to churning: Freeze bowl of ice cream maker 24 hours.
- In large bowl, combine peaches, sugars, lemon juice and vanilla. Let sit 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sugars have dissolved and peaches are juicy.
- Place peach mixture in blender or food processor; pulse until peaches are broken down but not totally pureed. Add heavy cream; stir to combine.
- Pour mixture into airtight container and refrigerate 1-2 hours, or overnight.
- Use ice cream maker to churn mixture according to manufacturer’s instructions. Once churned, serve immediately for softer consistency or place in airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze 2-4 hours to harden before serving.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
SOURCE:
🍴 What’s your favorite food, recipe, or dining spot? Tell us in the comments! Then subscribe to the STM Daily News newsletter for fresh recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and delicious stories delivered straight to your inbox. Join our growing community of food lovers today!
