Ferrara’s latest freeze-dried candies add crunch to vending and convenience assortments

Ferrara is giving three of its most iconic candy brands a new twist, transforming SweeTarts, Lemonhead and Spree into freeze-dried, crunchy treats that deliver the same classic flavors in an entirely new texture.

SweeTarts Freeze Dried combines the familiar sweet-and-tart mini candies with a crisp, airy crunch. Lemonhead Freeze Dried delivers mouth-puckering lemon flavor in a light, snackable format. Spree Freeze Dried reinvents the classic chewy fruit candy as a tangy, crunchy bite. Each is offered in a 4-oz pack.

While Gen Z is driving the freeze-dried candy trend with their appetite for unique snacking experiences, the SweeTarts, Spree and Lemonhead Freeze Dried offerings have multigenerational appeal, a Ferrara spokesperson told VendingMarketWatch.com. From nostalgic adults to teens seeking that satisfying crunch and intensified flavor, these familiar favorites are transformed into something unexpectedly new.

“Consumers are always looking for new ways to experience their favorite candies,” said Kiren Devereux, Ferrara’s director of marketing for SweeTarts, in a release. “Freeze-dried candies unlock new textures while staying true to the flavors that made these brands beloved.”

For convenience services operators, shelf life is an important consideration. While candy lovers should enjoy the Freeze Dried candies before the on-pack expiration date, there are no special storage requirements compared to the traditional format versions, noted a Ferrara representative. The Freeze Dried candy should be stored in a cool, dry place though not a refrigerator or freezer.

The suggested retail price ranges from $5.98 to $8.99, and prices may vary by retailer, according to a Ferrara representative.

Ferrara is a privately held Ferrero Group-affiliated company.