A bunch of crunch

Crunchy coatings and crispy inclusions are cropping up in new products targeting younger consumers, who, according to research, crave multiple textures and complex eats. Examples include Trolli Sour Gummi Crunchers from Ferrara Candy Co. and Sugar Babies Caramel Crunch from Tootsie Roll Industries.

“We’re seeing products that are introducing crunch to something it would not necessarily be found in, such as hard candy shells cover chewy centers or crispy centers surrounded by smooth exteriors,” Ms. Whiteside said.

The latest wave of innovation from The Hershey Co. reflects the trend toward crunchy textures. Following last year’s launch of Cookie Layer Crunch candy bars, the company is introducing Reese’s Crunchy Cookie Cups and a new Crunchers range. Hershey’s Cookies ‘N’ Creme Crunchers are bite-size clusters combining mini chocolate cookies and graham wafers covered in milk creme. Reese’s Crunchers feature mini peanut butter chips, rice puffs and peanuts covered in milk chocolate.