The snacking and confectionery landscape is undergoing a noticeable shift, driven by consumer demand for more meaningful indulgence. Brands are leaning into bakery-inspired formats and nostalgic flavour cues, offering familiar comfort with a modern twist. These formats tap into emotional connections with food, while delivering texture and taste that stand out on shelf.
Health-conscious shoppers are also influencing product development, with non-HFSS credentials becoming a key differentiator. Reduced sugar, clean-label ingredients and permissible indulgence are no longer niche, but central to mainstream launches.
Meanwhile, format innovation is helping brands meet evolving consumption habits. From solo snacking to seasonal gifting and convenience-ready SKUs, manufacturers are tailoring their offerings to fit diverse occasions.
Read on to discover the latest confectionery new product development (NPD).
Nestlé taps bakery trends
Nestlé is rolling out a trio of bakery-inspired NPD across its Aero, Milkybar and Munchies brands, landing in retailers from August 2025.
The new line-up includes Aero Double Choc Brownie Flavour, Milkybar Crispy Cookie and Munchies Vanilla Cheesecake Flavour. Each have been designed to evoke the indulgence of classic baked goods.
The Aero variant features bite-sized bubbly chocolate pieces with a brownie-inspired flavour profile, positioned as a shareable treat. Milkybar Crispy Cookie adds cookie pieces into its signature creamy white chocolate, aiming to deliver nostalgic texture and taste.
Meanwhile, Munchies Vanilla Cheesecake Flavour combines milk chocolate cubes with a vanilla-flavoured centre and biscuit inclusions, echoing the layered experience of a cheesecake.
Nestlé UK & Ireland brand manager Michael Kehoe said the development team had explored a wide range of bakery concepts before finalising the trio.
“We feel these flavours really capture the indulgent spirit of tasty baked goods,” he said.
The launch follows the recent return of the Milkybar Chocolate Crumble Sharing Block, which features a crumbly texture within a creamy chocolate base.
Cadbury expands Biscoff partnership
Mondelēz International is extending its Cadbury Dairy Milk and Lotus Biscoff collaboration with two new seasonal SKUs, launching in September as a co-branded Advent calendar and 350g sharing tablet.
The new launches are designed to tap into festive gifting and countdown occasions.
The Cadbury Dairy Milk Biscoff Advent Calendar includes 24 chocolates – half plain Dairy Milk chunks and half featuring Lotus Biscoff biscuit pieces and spread.
A larger 350g tablet will also roll out, aimed at the gifting segment. The format retains the original Dairy Milk chocolate recipe, but features Lotus Biscoff’s signature speculoos biscuit pieces within.
Mondelēz senior brand manager for Christmas, Nicole Partridge, said the new formats build on strong consumer response to the initial launch. “Our hugely successful Cadbury Dairy Milk Biscoff bars are expanding into a new, larger gifting format, as they’re simply too delicious to be enjoyed alone.”
The launches form part of Mondelez’s wider seasonal strategy, which includes refreshed packaging for Cadbury Roses and Heroes, two new Toblerone Truffles variants (Golden Caramel and Assorted) and Oreo Assortments featuring Original, Double Creme and Golden SKUs.
Maryland debuts non-HFSS cookie
Fox’s Burton’s Companies (FBC) has launched Maryland Delightfully Good, the first non-HFSS product under the Maryland brand.
Available now, the new SKU is positioned to appeal to health-conscious consumers seeking permissible indulgence.
The chocolate chip cookie contains over 30% less sugar than standard Maryland variants, while maintaining the brand’s signature flavour and texture.
According to FBC, early consumer testing showed parity in taste perception compared to the original, indicating strong potential for mainstream appeal.
FBC trade marketing director, David Hebson, said the launch marks a strategic milestone for the brand. “This is a significant step for Maryland and reflects our commitment to innovation that puts consumer needs first. Delightfully Good gives Maryland a full and varied portfolio, for every shopper.”
The launch follows the recent introduction of Maryland Chocolate Creme S’wich, a more indulgent offering. Together, the two products expand Maryland’s reach across both better-for-you and treat-led segments, while the non-HFSS status opens up new promotional opportunities in-store.
Tony’s Chocolonely launches 90g bars
Ethical chocolate brand Tony’s Chocolonely has introduced a new 90g bar format, designed for individual consumption.
The launch expands the brand’s portfolio with four fan-favourite flavours, each retaining Tony’s signature chunky format and unevenly divided pieces.
The new SKUs include Milk Chocolate, Milk Caramel Sea Salt, Dark Milk Pretzel Toffee, and Dark Almond Sea Salt (vegan).
The format is positioned to meet demand for portion-controlled indulgence, while maintaining the brand’s commitment to flavour and ethical sourcing.
Tony’s Chocolonely head of marketing for UK&I, Nicola Matthews, said the new format responds to consumer demand for more personal treat options. “This new format is our way of giving them a perfect pocket-sized Tony’s bar to elevate those everyday sweet treat moments.”
All bars are made with 100% traceable cocoa, pay higher prices to farmers, and are deforestation-free.
Popcorn Kitchen partners with Farm Retail Association
B-Corp certified snack brand Popcorn Kitchen has announced a strategic partnership with the Farm Retail Association, aligning its artisanal popcorn range with the UK’s growing farm shop sector.
The collaboration launched on 25 July 2025 and supports the FRA’s new #morethanfood campaign, which champions real ingredients, local sourcing and opposition to ultra-processed foods.
The partnership positions Popcorn Kitchen as a preferred supplier within the farm shop channel, where demand for small-batch, better-for-you snacks continues to grow. The brand’s hand-popped popcorn, known for its clean-label credentials and flavour-led innovation, is seen as a natural fit for retailers prioritising quality and provenance.
Popcorn Kitchen spokesperson Louise Monk said the brand’s values are closely aligned with the FRA’s mission.
“Our ongoing commitment to involving flavour marriages, best-in-class ingredients and clear sustainable values means that we are perfectly suited to foster ever closer ties with aspirational farm shops up and down the country,” she said.
The move supports Popcorn Kitchen’s wider retail strategy, which includes expanding its footprint in independent and specialist outlets.
