Latest news with #Nerds
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Wendy's menu reveals a spicy new addition this week
As the beginning of summer nears and we all do our best to endure the increasing heat, people tend to be on the lookout for fun new things to try. That might look like a day at the beach for some, a cookout for others, or even just a reason to try something new at their favorite local fast-food joint. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Summer can be a lucrative time for fast-food companies, as customers are often on the lookout for ways to cool down while they're out and about. Chains often respond with ice cream or frozen drinks, tempting fans to add something new and chilly when they order a quick lunch on the go. Related: Wendy's makes move to take down McDonald's, Burger King For Burger King, that looks like a a frozen strawberry drink topped with Nerds candy. At McDonald's, the McFlurry is getting a limited edition twist with Hershey's Smores. And at Taco Bell, it's "Refrescas" in fruity flavors like Mango Peach and Dragonfruit Berry. Now Wendy's (WEN) is tossing its effort into the mix, but instead of going cold, it's decided to dial up the heat. As we've previously reported, Wendy's has a collaboration coming soon with Mexican snack favorite Takis. Now food blogger and reliable leaker Markie Devo has revealed more about it via a tweet on X shared on June 17, showing off not only the details of the meal but also dropping the release date. "OYYY!! Mamacita Wendy's is getting extra fuego!! Wendy's X Takis Fuego Meal! This menu is dropping nationwide at Wendy's locations on June 20th," he wrote. Related: National fast-food chicken chain faces horrible accusations While the details about the new Fuego Chicken Sandwich are the same - a spicy chicken filet with chili lime and cheddar cheese sauce, topped with crushed Takis Fuego chips and creamy corn spread - the new post shows off a special bag for the "Fuego Fries," which tears away so you can dump your fries out and enjoy them right out of the bag. Wendy's also posted its own tease via X on June 17, tweeting an image of its famous mascot arm-wrestling with a Taki's bag and saying "if you can guess what it is, you win @takisusa" and the date "6/20/2025." Consumers are pulling back on unnecessary spending in reaction to the trade war, and fast-food companies are already feeling the burn. McDonald's, easily on the top of the pile as far as revenue, reported a second quarter of sales declines during its Q1 earnings call and a year-over-year decline in net revenue. Same-store sales also dropped by 3.6%, the biggest drop the fast-food chain has seen since the pandemic. Wendy's reported a 2.1% year-on-year revenue decline to $523.5 million of revenue in Q1, in line with Wall Street's estimates - so it also needs a boost in what CEO Kirk Tanner called a "challenging consumer environment" during its earnings call. One of the few chains that's not suffering is Taco Bell, which reported same-store sales rose by 9% in Q1, while system sales were up 11%. "A tough operating environment probably favors Taco Bell. It's just firing on all cylinders right now," Yum chief executive officer David Gibbs said during Wednesday morning's earnings call. "Penetration is going up, bringing more customers into the brand with things like Cantina Chicken. Value stands out. And innovation - nobody else sells anything close to what we sell. We're in an enviable position." Related: McDonald's is facing a harsh new reality as customer behavior shifts The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How Nerds Gummy Clusters became the candy aisle's biggest hit
This story was originally published on Food Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Food Dive newsletter. When Nutella maker Ferrero purchased Nestlé's candy business for nearly $3 billion in 2018, the acquisition added popular brands such as Butterfinger, Baby Ruth and 100 Grand to its enviable roster of sweets. But while much of the attention went to these iconic offerings, it may be Nerds, a product largely seen as an afterthought by its prior owner, that could turn out to be the sweetest brand of them all. Nerds is on track to hit more than $900 million in sales this year, a more than 1,700% increase from the $50 million in sales the brand was generating when it was first incorporated into Ferrara, which is owned by a Ferrero-affiliated holding company. The unprecedented surge is directly attributed to the widely popular Nerds Gummy Clusters, which represented the first meaningful innovation for the once-sleepy brand in years. Nerds Gummy Clusters are now the top sugar confection on the market, overtaking Mars Wrigley's Skittles, according to Ferrara. 'We knew we had something that was kind of special, but we really, truly had no idea how special it was or that it would grow as fast or as big as it has become,' said Katie Duffy, vice president of global brands with Ferrara. But the success of the clusters, which are a gummy ensconced in crunchy Nerds candies, wasn't a given. Initial tests weren't particularly encouraging, Duffy recalled, with consumers struggling to comprehend the multi-textural eating experience. 'We looked at the scores that came back from the concept and it was not all sunshine and rainbows,' Duffy recalled. 'We were really trying to understand, okay, why are they not getting it.' Ferrara remained hopeful that Nerds Gummy Clusters would catch on with consumers, especially after the treats proved to be an early hit with its own employees. After tweaking the visuals and language around how they showcased the treats, Nerds Gummy Clusters finally started resonating with testers. When Nerds was acquired, Ferrara observed that the 35-year-old brand had a high level of consumer awareness but went years without meaningful innovation and minimal marketing, Duffy said. Nerds also were not viewed as a market leader in candy because of their small size and the fact that they were messy. Nerds Gummy Clusters solved many of these problems. The candy has proven to be a hit at movie theaters and airports. Nerds Gummy Clusters also have helped attract older consumers and new snacking occasions to the brand. Most surprisingly, some distance runners and endurance athletes have used them as a booster in place of supplements such as Gu Energy Gel, Duffy said. Despite the recent sales boom, Duffy said there is plenty of growth left for the Nerds brand. Ferrara is rolling out more seasonal Gummy Clusters varieties in the U.S. and has expanded the brand into overseas markets such as the U.K. and Canada. At the same time, the company is hopeful Nerds Gummy Clusters can grab more shelf space at existing stores to better match its product velocity. Ferrara also is planning its next big launch under the Nerds banner later this year with Nerds Juicy Gummy Clusters. The snack contains juice in the center and is three times the size of the Gummy Cluster. 'Nerds Juicy Gummy Clusters is going to give us an opportunity to continue to build momentum that Nerds has already established,' Duffy said. 'It's a different eating experience.' Recommended Reading Leftovers: Nestlé sweetens game day with Cookie Nachos | Godiva doubles down on gourmet chocolate Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Celebrate National Donut Day 2025 with doughnut deals at Dunkin', Krispy Kreme in Delaware
Whether you spell it 'doughnut' or 'donut,' National Doughnut Day has deals for all enjoyers of the sweet treat. Here's where you can get your doughnut fix in Delaware for the holiday today. In Brandywine Hundred, Hill Donut Co. & Pancake House will offer a $2 doughnut hole sundae to debut their new ice cream-making journey. The sundaes are made from the shop's house-made soft serve, in flavors like churro, vanilla and strawberry, with more tasty creations to come. 1845 Marsh Road, Brandywine Hundred, (302) 308-3182; Krispy Kreme will offer one free doughnut of any flavor per guest, with no purchase necessary, at participating locations on National Doughnut Day. Limited-time doughnuts are excluded from the promotion. If that doesn't satisfy your craving, Krispy Kreme also offers a dozen original glazed doughnuts for $2 when you buy any dozen. 114 N. Dupont Highway, New Castle, (302) 327-0596; 114 N. Dupont Highway, Near New Castle 2413 N. Salisbury Ave., Salisbury, Maryland U-pick fruit, flowers in Delaware: Where to find u-pick peaches, strawberries, blueberries and flowers in Delaware Sandy Pony Donuts will offer one free doughnut to every customer on June 6. No purchase is necessary. Customers who purchase a T-shirt will be rewarded with a free half dozen doughnuts. Dewey Beach: 1905 Coastal Highway 5, Dewey Beach, (301) 325-8783. Bethany Beach: 115 Garfield Parkway Unit 2; Bethany Beach. Bethany Beach Drive-Thru: 32919 Coastal Highway, Bethany Beach, (302) 829-1002; Sleeping Bird Doughnuts debuts a new menu for National Doughnut Day, along with a specialty strawberries and cream doughnut. The new menu runs through June 9 and features: Filled brioche, with brown butter cream cheese filling and sugared; whipped honey goat cheese-walnut filling and sugared; or dirt, which is chocolate pastry cream, chocolate glaze and gummy worms. A brioche ring, with vanilla and patriotic sprinkles, passionfruit or grape glaze with Nerds. An old-fashioned made with chocolate dough, with triple chocolate or chocolate with malted vanilla glaze. 4001 Concord Pike, Talleyville; Dunkin's free doughnut deal is back this year. Customers can get a free doughnut with the purchase of any beverage on National Doughnut Day. Along with the free doughnut offer, Dunkin' has partnered with Stoney Clover Lane to release a limited-edition collection of doughnut merch. The merch drops at 10 a.m. June 6 and includes: A Dunkin' Donut Pouch, a double-sided pouch with a strawberry frosted doughnut with sprinkles on each side. Dunkin' iced coffee and doughnut bag charms to accessorize your purses and bags with. Dunkin' collectible patches, in either an 'I 'Heart' Dunkin'' design; an iced coffee patch; a sprinkle doughnut patch; or a Box O'Donuts patch. Participating Dunkin' locations will have acrylic and stainless-steel tumblers, straw toppers and cup sleeves for sale for a limited time as part of the collaboration. Dunkin' is also serving all single doughnuts in custom-designed mini doughnut bags in partnership with Stoney Clover Lane for the holiday while supplies last. There are 66 Dunkin' locations in Delaware. Here's a locator map to find one close to you. Cheap eats: Too Good To Go: Delaware restaurant food for a fraction of cost with this money-saving app If you're celebrating June with a trip to the Delaware beaches this weekend, check out the Fractured Prune for a National Doughnut Day deal. The shop in Rehoboth is giving away a free doughnut with any purchase to celebrate the holiday. 20214 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, (302) 227-0747; Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@ This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: When is National Donut Day 2025? Dunkin' Donut, Krispy Kreme deals
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
National Donut Day deals in Delaware, including free doughnuts, exclusive merch
Whether you spell it 'doughnut' or 'donut,' National Doughnut Day has deals for all enjoyers of the sweet treat. Here's where you can get your doughnut fix in Delaware for the holiday on June 6. In Brandywine Hundred, Hill Donut Co. & Pancake House will offer a $2 doughnut hole sundae to debut their new ice cream-making journey. The sundaes are made from the shop's house-made soft serve, in flavors like churro, vanilla and strawberry, with more tasty creations to come. 1845 Marsh Road, Brandywine Hundred, (302) 308-3182; Krispy Kreme will offer one free doughnut of any flavor per guest, with no purchase necessary, at participating locations on National Doughnut Day. Limited-time doughnuts are excluded from the promotion. If that doesn't satisfy your craving, Krispy Kreme also offers a dozen original glazed doughnuts for $2 when you buy any dozen. 114 N. Dupont Highway, New Castle, (302) 327-0596; U-pick fruit, fllowers in Delaware: Where to find u-pick peaches, strawberries, blueberries and flowers in Delaware Sandy Pony Donuts will offer one free doughnut to every customer on June 6. No purchase is necessary. Customers who purchase a T-shirt will be rewarded with a free half dozen doughnuts. Dewey Beach: 1905 Coastal Highway 5, Dewey Beach, (301) 325-8783. Bethany Beach: 115 Garfield Parkway Unit 2; Bethany Beach. Bethany Beach Drive-Thru: 32919 Coastal Highway, Bethany Beach, (302) 829-1002; Sleeping Bird Doughnuts debuts a new menu for National Doughnut Day, along with a specialty strawberries and cream doughnut. The new menu runs through June 9 and features: Filled brioche, with brown butter cream cheese filling and sugared; whipped honey goat cheese-walnut filling and sugared; or dirt, which is chocolate pastry cream, chocolate glaze and gummy worms. A brioche ring, with vanilla and patriotic sprinkles, passionfruit or grape glaze with Nerds. An old-fashioned made with chocolate dough, with triple chocolate or chocolate with malted vanilla glaze. 4001 Concord Pike, Wilmington; Dunkin's free doughnut deal is back this year. Customers can get a free doughnut with the purchase of any beverage on National Doughnut Day. Along with the free doughnut offer, Dunkin' has partnered with Stoney Clover Lane to release a limited-edition collection of doughnut merch. The merch drops at 10 a.m. June 6 and includes: A Dunkin' Donut Pouch, a double-sided pouch with a strawberry frosted doughnut with sprinkles on each side. Dunkin' iced coffee and doughnut bag charms to accessorize your purses and bags with. Dunkin' collectible patches, in either an 'I 'Heart' Dunkin'' design; an iced coffee patch; a sprinkle doughnut patch; or a Box O'Donuts patch. Participating Dunkin' locations will have acrylic and stainless-steel tumblers, straw toppers and cup sleeves for sale for a limited time as part of the collaboration. Dunkin' is also serving all single doughnuts in custom-designed mini doughnut bags in partnership with Stoney Clover Lane for the holiday while supplies last. Cheap eats: Too Good To Go: Delaware restaurant food for a fraction of cost with this money-saving app If you're celebrating June with a trip to the Delaware beaches this weekend, check out the Fractured Prune for a National Doughnut Day deal. The shop in Rehoboth is giving away a free doughnut with any purchase to celebrate the holiday. 20214 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, (302) 227-0747; Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@ This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: National Donut Day deals in Delaware. How to celebrate on June 6
Chicago Tribune
02-06-2025
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Letters: The Tribune Editorial Board should give RFK more credit in his campaign against sugar
In reference to the editorial 'As sugar is attacked, Chicago candymaker Ferrara keeps the Nerds coming' (May 27), the Tribune Editorial Board should do more research and also admit some harsh realities concerning sugar consumption. Is the board aware that about 1 in 5 children are classified as obese, some severely so? Sadly, many parents don't have the heart to deprive their children of something considered by society (and the board) as a 'treat.' But as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy so accurately pointed out, it is a form of poison and an addictive one at that. Just examine the percentage of people suffering the effects of Type 2 diabetes. That one disease alone accounts for enormous health care costs — costs that the government must absorb when a patient is on Medicare or Medicaid. So, the government indeed has a vested interest in controlling the manufacturing and consumption of sugar. Ferrara Candy Co. CEO Katie Duffy stated that 'everything we produce is safe to eat.' That does not mean it is 'healthy' to eat! The board states that it has 'long recoiled against Uncle Sam telling Americans what to eat.' And that 'if a food product is safe from a scientific standpoint, the government has no business blocking it from the marketplace.' Again, that ignores the fact that the government shares some of the burden for the cost of medical care for the health disorders caused by sugar consumption. And just to enlighten the board further, pay for the government. So, it costs us all as a whole. The board further states that 'armed with that information, we believe people are smart enough to make their own decisions without Nanny State intervention.' The board has to be joking. It gives people far more credit than they deserve. Sugar is being consumed in quantities that most people are not likely aware of. And that is what I think Kennedy is trying to address. I appreciate what he is trying to achieve, and the board should as well. Keep in mind that a country is only as strong and as healthy as its people. We have an epidemic of obesity in this country. Don't gloss over the facts in the name of some false sense of sovereignty over and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is absolutely correct about the American diet. There's too much salt, sugar and bad fat; not enough fiber; and too many additives. The consequences are substantial: obesity, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, cancer and more. He is dead wrong about vaccinations, 'dead' not being just an expression: People are going to die, needlessly. During a measles epidemic in Samoa, Kennedy campaigned against vaccination; too few people were vaccinated, thousands got sick and dozens died. Almost all healthy individuals who get measles completely recover. About 1 in 1,000, however, will have serious complications or die. Great odds in a casino but not for a preventable disease. In contrast, there have been no reports of the measles vaccine causing death in healthy people, and the incidence of permanent harm is less than 1 in 500,000. Kennedy's efforts to restrict the messenger RNA-based COVID-19 vaccine is not based on credible evidence of significant harm. Worldwide, at least 5 billion people have received COVID-19 vaccinations, including hundreds of millions of Americans. Many have sore arms, and some, brief flulike illness. Very rarely does serious short-term illness occur. In contrast, more than 1 million Americans have died from COVID-19, and 20 million Americans have been diagnosed with long COVID-19, sometimes with debilitating symptoms. People who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 have dramatically lower rates of hospitalization, death and long COVID-19. Kennedy proposes a clinical trial against a placebo to test the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. In any clinical trial, when the drug being studied against a placebo is found to be safe and effective, the trial is stopped. The safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine has already been proved; there is no need for a trial. Kennedy's proclamation restricting recommending who should receive the vaccination is medical idiocy. Infants have poorly developed immune systems and are very vulnerable to infections, including COVID-19. If pregnant women are vaccinated, their babies get some protection against COVID-19. Being under 65 is no guarantee against COVID-19 causing hospitalization or death, and the incidence of some forms of long COVID-19 is actually higher in young people. It is worth noting that Kennedy made these recommendations on his own without input from recognized experts. There is a new COVID-19 variant, and the need for vaccinations is still great. When the Senate confirmed Kennedy, it failed the American J. Medley's letter ('What our nation needs,' May 29) regarding President Donald Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill,' which has been passed by the House, is on point but misses one very important issue. This bill contains a buried provision seeking to limit courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, from enforcing their rulings or orders. In short, it states: 'No court of the United States may use appropriated funds to enforce a contempt citation for failure to comply with an injunction or temporary restraining order if no security was given when the injunction or order was issued.' What I have read says that this means the courts cannot enforce decisions unless the plaintiffs have posted a bond. Federal courts do not require plaintiffs to post bonds; therefore, this provision would mean that the courts would not be able to enforce their rulings. And Trump and his administration could proceed to do anything they want to, regardless of whether it is unconstitutional. When setting up the federal government, our Founding Fathers did not feel any one person should have all the power. Therefore, they set up a government of three equal parts: executive (president), legislative (Congress) and judicial (Supreme Court). Trump has already taken over the legislative aspect — with no pushback from the Republican majority — by overturning many aspects of the government and funding that had previously been put in place by Congress. Now he wants to make judicial rulings unenforceable. If Trump does that, he will be king. This country was developed as a democracy, and I believe the majority of Americans do not want a king. Readers should call their senators and demand this bill not be passed with this provision in it. Save our democracy and our Constitution!I'm thrilled National Public Radio has legally challenged the administration's misguided executive order targeting its appropriately sourced federal funds and relationships with local stations. I've grown accustomed to the measured objectivity and factual analysis of the reporting through daily programs such as 'All Things Considered' and 'Morning Edition.' We financially support NPR's frequent funding drives, the real lifeblood of its operations, not only because its revenues significantly rely on voluntary contributions by listeners, but also due to its prize-winning journalism that opens our eyes to hard-hitting domestic and international news analysis. The president's bizarre claims that NPR fails to provide 'fair, accurate or unbiased' programming can be summarily rejected by those who actually listen to the variety of viewpoints included. NPR routinely covers important events like it did with the president's speech to a joint session of Congress in March and even presented rare audio of Supreme Court oral arguments about the birthright citizenship case, followed by riveting independent coverage. Cutting this funding is more than just a violation of free speech. America should refrain from emulating autocratic leaders in other societies that deliberately silence views it does not Public Radio is suing President Donald Trump's administration because it stopped taxpayer funding to the network; NPR contends that curtails its free speech. What nonsense. NPR remains free to utter what it wants, but the public does not need to pay for it. NPR can fund itself and say whatever it pleases. Its reflexive lawsuit is frivolous and vexatious without merit.
