Latest news with #NerdsGummyClusters
Miami Herald
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
New Nerds Gummy Clusters Candy Wins ‘Most Innovative' Award During Debut
A new variety of Nerds Gummy Clusters just won a huge award ahead of its official release. The Sweets & Snacks Expo kicks off in Indianapolis today, with several big-name brands showcasing all-new products and returning favorites for 2025 and early 2026. So far, we've learned about a first-ever flavor of Nutella, an upcoming Crunch bar variety, the new look coming for Ferrero Rocher, got a preview of Butterfinger's new marshmallow-flavored bar, new Keebler cookies, and even had a highly-awaited Tic Tac collab confirmed. But now that the event is officially here, experts are releasing their top picks for "Most Innovative" new snack and sweets releases, and unsurprisingly, the new Nerds Juicy Gummy Clusters won for the Gummy category. Related: Gushers Brings "Impossible to Ignore" Fan Request to Life With New Release "The Most Innovative New Product Awards are a celebration of the creativity and ingenuity that keeps people coming back to the candy and snack aisles," John Downs, president & CEO of the National Confectioners Association, the host organization for Sweets & Snacks Expo, said in a May 12 press release. "Consumers turn to confectionery and snack products to add a little sweet or salty touch to special occasions and everyday moments. This year's MINPA winners are outstanding examples of the ways in which the confectionery and snack industries are delivering products to meet consumers where they want to be met." According to a description reviewed by Parade, the new subline will "unleash all of your senses with an epic bigger-than-ever candy experience" and is said to feature "a delicious strawberry punch flavor combined with the crunchy, gummy, juicy textures in a satisfying bite for a next level experience that only NERDS can bring." When our editors inquired about the new release about a week ago, a spokesperson for the brand confirmed that while it's excited to announce the release at the expo, other details would have to wait "closer to launch." Related:New Trolli Sour Candy Offers "Enhanced" Sensory Experience An official release date for the new Juicy Gummy Clusters has not yet been made public, but it's likely safe to assume that fans will see them on shelves by year-end or within the first quarter of 2026. Along with the Nerds candy, other new product award winners this year include: Amos Tastysounds JinglePop Graffiti, Most Innovative New Seasonal Product Belle's Gourmet Popcorn Matcha Latte Popcorn, Best In ShowChunk Nibbles Toffee Sweet & Salty Clusters, Most Innovative New Sweet SnackJuicy Drop® Gummy Mystery Cube 5oz Original Flavor, Most Innovative New Non-Chocolate CandyNomad Snacks Pad Thai Flavored Ready-to-eat Popcorn, Most Innovative New Small Business InnovatorPop & Sol Coconut Flaked White Chocolate Covered Cashews, Most Innovative New Chocolate ProductSnak Club Ramen flavored Snack Mix, Most Innovative New Savory SnackTrashy Gourmet Shortbread Cookies with Mini Strawberry Boba from Molly Bz Cookies, Most Innovative New Baked Good. Next:Popular Pudding Brand's New Flavor Has Fans' Attention: "Stop Playing" Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Yahoo
04-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nerds Gummy Clusters made Nerds cool again. What's behind the obsession?
They're 'the best thing to ever be invented.' For some they're an 'unhealthy addiction.' Others, meanwhile, are using them to fuel their marathons or adding them to 'candy salads.' Nerds Gummy Clusters, which are bite-size, sweet gummy balls coated in tangy, crunchy Nerds candy, are behind the exponential growth of Nerds Candy. The product is beloved by some of the most-followed influencers on the planet, including Alix Earle and Kylie Jenner, and the popularity of these clusters comes at a time when candy is reigning supreme in the food market. Nerds Candy launched Nerds Gummy Clusters in 2020, two years after it was bought by Chicago-based Ferrara Candy Company. Prior to the release of the clusters, all Nerds Candy products combined brought in under $50 million. As of October 2024, sales of Nerds Gummy Clusters alone surpassed $500 million, according to the Morning Consult — a 900% increase in the sales of all Nerds Candy products. Now Nerds Candy is one of the fastest-growing brands for women, the report found, and No. 17 on the list of fastest-growing brands for Gen X. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Candy brands like Nerds now have an advantage over the market. In 2024, the cost of chocolate reached new heights due to the higher cost of cocoa. Nerds are able to innovate at a lower price point than their chocolate competitors and can therefore bring in new customers through different products and variants. Meanwhile, younger individuals — teens to adults in their 40s — are showing a preference for chewy and sour treats, Sally Lyons Wyatt, an analyst at market research firm Circana, told the Washington Post in Oct. 2024. Though more people are still choosing chocolate over candy when it comes to sweets, candy sales are growing faster — and that bodes well for the continued success of Nerds Candy. Before there was Nerds Gummy Clusters, there was Nerds Rope, which is still sold today. Instead of a candy you can pop in your mouth, Nerds Rope is a gummy rope coated in full-sized Nerds. It inspired what would become Nerds Gummy Clusters, according to Katie Duffy, vice president of global brands at Ferrara. Eating Nerds Rope is a 'multi-sensorial eating experience,' Duffy tells Yahoo Life, meaning 'flavor, texture and color' are all combined into one, but it wasn't the easiest food to eat. The Nerds easily fall off the rope, which you have to hold the entire time you're eating. Enter: Nerds Gummy Clusters, with smaller Nerds coating the cluster for an even better mouthfeel (the way food or drink feels in your mouth). Food scientist Bryan Le Quoc tells Yahoo Life that a large part of the candy's success is due to 'its unique composition, which is made of a chewy center coated in mini Nerds candy bits, in equal weights.' 'This ratio and combination gives consumers the sweet, sour and crunchy experience of Nerds in a softer delivery system,' he says. This 'textural contrast' likely causes the 'addictive appeal' of the candy — you simply 'do not want the experience to end,' Quoc explains. Nerds Gummy Clusters, he says, also don't have much of an aftertaste, which may keep you reaching for more 'without being overwhelmed or growing tired of it.' Fans agree: 'Can't stop eating them,' Redditor The_Thundertaker wrote on a thread praising the candy, noting the clusters have 'great flavor with the crunch and gummy center.' Sauerkraut916 called them 'very, very addictive' and 'saliva inducing tiny pleasure nuggets.' As Redditor Rough-Fill8101 put it: 'Back in my day we had to chew a rope. You kids have it easy these days.' Duffy called the consumer perception that Nerds are too messy of a candy — because of its small pieces, which can easily spill out of the box — one of the brand's biggest 'challenges.' Nerds Gummy Clusters, however, are now minus that element, creating a delivery system for Nerds that don't involve accidentally spilling them everywhere. The much less messy clusters, Duffy notes, helped 'bring more customers' to the brand who could have a better eating experience. She speculates that the lack of mess may be why women are more interested in clusters than other varieties of Nerds candies. There was a time when Ferrara thought Nerds Gummy Clusters was a gamble. Initial consumer testing was mixed, according to the New York Times. Then Jenner stepped in. The mogul — who, at the time, was the most-followed person on Instagram — took to social media to declare Nerds Gummy Clusters delicious. 'Kylie Jenner was entirely organic,' Duffy says. That Instagram Story — in which Jenner said the candy was 'next level' — was the brand's 'first really big celebrity hit.' 'Google searches from that day really indicated that she created some interest — people were like, 'What is this?'' Duffy notes. 'But I would say it's been a pretty consistent drumbeat since the launch … of celebrities discovering this product.' Other fans of the candy, Duffy says, include influencer Alix Earle, Jimmy Fallon and the Kelce brothers. When Nerds sees celebrities gushing over the clusters, they will often follow up with publicists and send them product, Duffy says. 'Sometimes we'll get posts out of that effort as well,' she adds. Last year, TikToker turned pop star and actress Addison Rae starred in a Super Bowl ad for Nerds Gummy Clusters. In the ad, an animated gooey center of a Nerds Gummy Cluster danced to Irene Cara's 'What a Feeling' — reminiscent of the iconic scene from the 1983 movie Flashdance — before being doused with Nerds candies. When the camera zooms out, Rae is sitting on the couch, snacking on the candy. 'Obviously, we know that she's a very popular figure within Gen Z and in the TikTok world,' Duffy says. 'She's authentically a fan of the product, and we were very excited to work with her.' This year, the brand is bringing on another star for its Super Bowl ad: singer Shaboozey. The new ad features the return of the cluster character from Rae's ad — this time leading a second-line band along the streets of New Orleans. It's set to Shaboozey's remake of New Orleans native Louis Armstrong's hit 'What a Wonderful World.' 'There's a large and vocal demand for new Gummy Cluster flavors and new experiences,' Duffy says. Now there's a Valentine's, Easter, Halloween and holiday variety of Nerds Gummy Clusters to correspond with each season. And it's not just seasonal flavors that are making a splash. 'Recently, we've brought forward a fun rivalry with some limited-time offer flavors, timed for football season,' she says. 'So we've got a red, white and blue variety that's called Berry Punch Rush that's competing against the OG flavor combination called Grape Strawberry Blitz.' No matter which Nerds Gummy Clusters you choose, it's clear these candies are here to stay. Don't be shocked if you see them at your next Super Bowl party — and if the hype is any indication, there's a good chance you'll enjoy them just as much as Shaboozey and Rae.
Yahoo
04-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shaboozey Reveals What He's a ‘Nerd' About as He Appears in Nerds Gummy Clusters Super Bowl Commercial
UPDATE: Nerds released a 30-second version of Shaboozey's ad on Tuesday (Feb. 4) featuring the country singer/songwriter covering Louis Armstrong's 'What a Wonderful World.' Watch the extended commercial and read our full interview with Shaboozey about the campaign below. Shaboozey is trading in his double shot of whiskey for something much sweeter during this year's Super Bowl. The country superstar is set to appear in Nerds Gummy Clusters' Big Game advertisement, and the candy shared a teaser of the spot on Tuesday (Jan. 28). More from Billboard Kelly Clarkson Goes '90s With Cover of 'Flagpole Sitta' on 'Kellyoke' Miley Cyrus Thanks Beyoncé After 'II Most Wanted' Grammy Win: 'Love You Forever' Central Cee Likes to Think He Made Nike Tech Fleece Tracksuits Popular In the 15-second clip, the Hot 100 chart-topper enjoys a bag of Nerds Gummy Clusters while strumming his guitar. Shortly after taking a bite of the popular candy, a gummy cartoon character appears on his shoulder, transforming his guitar into a Nerds-inspired instrument. The message, 'Unleash your senses,' appears on the screen to end the preview. For Shaboozey, teaming up with Nerds was a no-brainer. 'I remember Halloween, getting those little boxes and pouring the candy into my mouth. I love them so much,' he tells Billboard of his nostalgic connection to the treat. 'It's awesome to just to see the process of how it all came together. I make country music, and to be able to have the guitar and my world, and have just everything that I'm into, combined with Nerds Gummy Clusters was just amazing. It's combining two things that are really good on their own to make something even better.' Fittingly, in the spirit of the partnership, Shaboozey was ready to express what he's a nerd about. 'Music. [laughs] I love music,' he says. 'I love video games, and just anything that you can get really involved in and find yourself being super immersed in.' This year's game down in New Orleans marks the star's first time attending the Super Bowl, after taking the stage for a Thanksgiving Day NFL halftime show last year and appearing alongside Beyoncé during her Christmas halftime show. 'I got the opportunity to play two really huge halftime shows. It was definitely a dream come true,' he recalls. 'I grew up watching some so many different athletes, and I'm really excited to be a part of this Big Game. To be in a Super Bowl commercial with a brand I grew up on, it's going to be hard to beat that.' The Nerds Super Bowl ad is just the beginning of an exciting year for Shaboozey, who is nominated for five Grammy Awards thanks to his Beyoncé collaboration 'SPAGHETTII' and his breakthrough hit, 'A Bar Song (Tipsy),' which notched a record-tying 19th week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in November. He's also scheduled to perform at both Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals in the spring. 'It's a dream. It's surreal,' he says. 'Every day I wake up, I'm just like, 'Wow, we did that.' I'm excited to keep making great music, and continue to give the people great things and great products. I'm also excited to keep improving and do better every day.' Check out Shaboozey in the Nerds Big Game ad teaser below, and catch the full spot during Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9, where the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles will face off for the championship. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Chris Stapleton & Morgane Stapleton's Outlaw State of Kind Organization Donates $1 Million to L.A. Wildfire Relief
Chris Stapleton and Morgane Stapleton are coming to the aid of those impacted by the wildfires that have ravaged parts of the greater Los Angeles area of California earlier this month. The couple's charitable fund Outlaw State of Kind donated $1 million to aid organizations, both local and national, to support those who have impacted by the wildfires. More from Billboard Dylan Schneider on Making a 'Better' Choice With His New Wheelhouse Single 'Dolly Parton: An Original Musical' to Get Nashville Premiere at Belmont University This Summer Shaboozey Reveals What He's a 'Nerd' About as He Appears in Nerds Gummy Clusters Super Bowl Ad Teaser 'Outlaw State of Kind has donated $1 million to support national and local organizations providing wildfire relief in Los Angeles. Join us in supporting however you can,' read a message on the organization's Instagram page. The organization's website also listed several organizations where it is donating funds, including the American Red Cross, California Fire Relief, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, MusiCares and the Pasadena Humane Society. The Outlaw State of Kind charitable fund was founded in 2016 and is administered by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, supporting a variety of causes that Chris and Morgane Stapleton champion. At the upcoming Grammy Awards, slated for Feb. 2 at Arena in Los Angeles, Stapleton is nominated in categories including best country solo performance (for 'It Takes a Woman') and best country album (for Higher). While many other Grammy Week festivities have been canceled, the Grammys telecast has pivoted and will be used to raise additional funds for wildfire relief efforts. After the wildfires that have ravaged parts of Los Angeles County this month, several music industry companies have stepped up to give aid and support. The wildfires erupted on Jan. 7 and quickly spread throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Deaths from the Los Angeles-area wildfires have risen to 29 people. The wildfires also ravaged entire communities, destroying and damaging thousands of structures, and engulfing numerous homes. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Madonna Says the Government Is ‘Dismantling All the Freedoms We Have Been Fighting For'
Madonna is calling out the Donald Trump administration following a number of anti-trans executive orders, including barring transgender people from serving and enlisting in the military, as well as banning federal funding for youth gender-affirming care. 'It's so sad to watch our new Government slowly dismantling all the Freedoms we have been fighting for and WON over the years,' she wrote alongside a selfie via X on Tuesday (Jan. 28). While she didn't indicate which freedoms she's referring to, she added broken heart and Pride flag emojis to her post. 'Don't give up the Fight!' More from Billboard Justin Timberlake Recalls Pitching Beyoncé on 'Single Ladies' Male Dancer 'SNL' Sketch: 'She Was Not Having It' Lady Gaga & Fiancé Michael Polansky Have 'Talked a Lot' About Starting Their Family Soon Shaboozey Reveals What He's a 'Nerd' About as He Appears in Nerds Gummy Clusters Super Bowl Ad Teaser Madonna has been clear about her disapproval of Trump over the years. After the election in November, she took to her Instagram Stories to post a photo of a yellow and orange cake with 'F— Trump' written across the top, surrounded by cherries. 'Stuffed my face with this cake last night,' she captioned the snap. She followed up the photo of the cake with a selfie, over which she wrote, 'Trying to get my head around why a convicted felon, rapist, bigot was chosen to lead our country because he's good for the economy?' The star also shared a post to her feed, writing in the caption, 'I woke up this morning and the first thought that came to my head was-America hates Women! – Not that I haven't always felt the wrath of misogyny breathing down my neck.' She continued, 'They straight up hate Freedom. They want lower taxes, but they don't mind if they live in a Totalitarian government to get them. I don't want to let go of our democracy!! Now we will all have to fight even harder to hang onto it. Americans who voted for Trump or didn't vote at all- showed that many people are OK with a dictatorship to take over . I don't want my friends that are not naturally born Americans to live in internment camps.!! I want my daughters and all of their friends to have agency over their bodies!! To feel valued. Not like How could women vote for Trump? We fought for so long for so much!' Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
