A new generation of snackers wants it all—the pucker of an intense sour hit, a satisfying chew, a protein boost, and an experience that engages more than just their taste buds, and Rotten Sour Tiniez delivers on every count. Rotten has made a name for itself with "freakishly delicious," multisensorial, reduced-sugar candies with prebiotic fiber—like Original Gummy Cruncheez, Spicy Sour Gummy Cruncheez made with real peppers, and Sour Gummy Wormz—and Sour Tiniez promise a fresh experience that's chewy, sour, fruity and packed with 11 grams of protein per bag.
At the National Confectioners Association's Sweets & Snack Expo, Rotten's Sour Tiniez won a 2026 Most Innovative New Product Award in the category for Non-Chocolate Candy.
Digital Detox Travel Hardware
Consumers are adopting dumbphones and single-purpose gadgets as essential travel hardware to minimize digital distractions during summer trips.
Question 1
During a summer leisure trip, have you ever left your usual smartphone behind and used only a basic phone or "dumbphone" with limited functions?
Question 2
What was the MAIN reason you used this type of device during your trip?
Question 3
On a future leisure trip, how likely would you be to leave your smartphone behind and use only a basic phone with limited functions?
Fruit Roll-Up–Wrapped Popsicles
Consumers are adopting Fruit Roll-Up–wrapped popsicles as a DIY viral treat inspired by TikTok for a fun, customizable, and edible frozen snack experience.
Question 1
Which best describes your experience with Fruit Roll-Ups wrapped popsicles?
Question 2
What, if anything, appeals to you about Fruit Roll-Ups wrapped around popsicles or frozen treats?
Select all that apply
Question 3
Where, if anywhere, have you seen or heard about Fruit Roll-Ups wrapped around popsicles or frozen treats?
Select all that apply
AI-Driven Creator Economy Tools
Creators are adopting AI-driven tools to monetize, remix, and engage audiences with innovative, consent-driven content, enhancing creative control and revenue opportunities.
Question 1
Do you currently create any kind of content for an audience on any of the following platforms?
Select all that apply
Question 2
Have you used any AI-powered tools to create or manage content in the past 12 months?
Question 3
What impact, if any, has using AI-powered tools had on your content creation?
Select all that apply
Watermelon Ice Cream Hack
Consumers are adopting the viral TikTok watermelon ice cream hack because it offers a simple way to make refreshing, dairy-free ice cream at home.
Question 1
Which best describes your experience with frozen watermelon "ice cream"?
Question 2
Have you ever made watermelon “ice cream” at home, by blending frozen watermelon into a soft, scoopable treat?
Question 3
How likely are you to make watermelon “ice cream” again?
Question 4
What did you like about making watermelon “ice cream”?
Select all that apply
Protein Cottage Cheese
Consumers are expanding their consumption of protein-rich cottage cheese products as TikTok-driven interest fuels innovation and market growth
Question 1
Compared with 12 months ago, how often do you consume cottage cheese or cottage-cheese-based products today?
Question 2
Which of the following, if any, have influenced your interest in cottage cheese or cottage-cheese-based products?
Select all that apply
Trend Themes
Protein-forward Confectionery — Protein-rich formulations appearing in traditionally indulgent candy categories create opportunities for snacks that blur the line between treat and functional nutrition.
Multisensorial Snacking — An emphasis on texture, intense flavor profiles, and experiential packaging points to confectionery products designed to engage sight, smell, touch and taste simultaneously.
Reduced-sugar Functional Candy — Combining lower sugar content with prebiotic fibers and added functional ingredients signals a shift toward confectionery that supports gut health and wellness claims.
Industry Implications
Food Manufacturing — Novel ingredient blends and processing techniques are driving demand for new production lines and formulation R&D focused on stable, protein-fortified candy.
Sports Nutrition — High-protein, portable confectionery presents alternative delivery formats for athletes and active consumers who prefer treat-like textures over bars or shakes.
Retail Snacking Experience — In-store and e-commerce merchandising that highlights multisensorial and functional attributes is creating room for experiential displays and curated snacking bundles.
