You behaved; you earned it. You spent a boring half-hour at the grocery store and didn’t complain. You didn’t beg for sugary cereals; you didn’t hit your sister. So now Mom says you can pick out a treat. What will you get?
KidNews recently visited the All Candy Expo in Chicago to check out the new sweet stuff. The Expo features candy manufacturers from around the world showcasing their new goods and old favorites. But wouldn’t you know it, the huge annual event is off-limits to kids. Don’t worry, though, we tracked down the Top 10 treats. So when Mom or Dad gives you the green light to grab up some goodies, you’ll know what to get.
Bazooka gum: The chunky, rock-hard gum has gotten a makeover. The “new and improved” Bazooka now comes in a twist wrapper. Available in three flavors — original, watermelon and cotton candy — this Bazooka is soft, sugary and tasty. Although the flavor is intense at first, the gum gets tough and tasteless after about 10 minutes of serious chewing. And you’ll really like the big bubbles you can blow, but you may not like the updated comics. Printed on the inside of the wrapper, the comics are difficult to read. Bazooka Joe has a new look (backward hat, wild hair and ripped jeans, all designed to give him “street cred”), but it’s really hard to see it. (5 cents per piece; Topps Bazooka.)
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Marshmallow Munchie: After a 10-year break, this rice crispy treat is back with a new recipe. It’s much softer than other brands and doesn’t have a weird, crispy-treat aftertaste.
The makers of Marshmallow Munchie say it has more marshmallow than ever and it’s even the first ingredient listed on the back. (79 cents; Choice Foods LLC.)
Dark chocolate M&Ms: It’s often thought that dark chocolate is the kind of treat only grown-ups enjoy. But the new M&Ms in dark chocolate also are a kid’s delight. These candies are just like regular M&Ms, only the chocolate tastes a bit sharper. But watch out: It’s hard to stop eating them, and before you know it, your bag will be empty. (59 cents for a 14-ounce bag; Masterfoods USA.)
Starburst Fruit Chews in Berries & Creme: Lots of kids love Starburst … except the orange and yellow pieces. The new Berries & Creme version has only four flavors, so you don’t have to dig through the pack in search of your favorite. Plus, they’re all tasty. The new flavors are Tangy Raspberries & Creme, sweet Strawberries & Creme, fruity Mixed Berries & Creme and the surprisingly unique Blueberries
& Creme. (55 cents per pack; Masterfoods USA.)
Coffee Crisp: American kids finally get a treat Canadian kids have been snacking on for 50 years. Nestle’s Coffee Crisp candy bar features flaky layers of wafer and coffee-flavored cream covered in chocolate. This bar is light, delicious and very chocolatey, and you don’t have to like coffee to like it. In stores July 17. (69 cents per bar; Nestle USA.)
Rudolph’s Cinnamon Churros: When is the last time you had a churro? At the ball game? Now there’s a new snack that makes churros an everyday treat. These little crispy twists are covered in cinnamon and easy to eat. The small snacks aren’t like the giant ones you may be used to, but they should hold you over until your next chance to score a full-size churro. (99 cents for a 2.5-ounce bag; Rudolph Foods.)
Nestle Crunch STIXX: Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate. This new candy looks like a pretzel rod but it’s really chocolate cream covered by a wafer and then another layer of chocolate. It’s a good thing STIXX are sold in two-packs, because you’ll finish one off in seconds. (99 cents for a two-pack; Nestle USA.)
Disney Light-Up Lolly Pops: Got an hour? You may need it to finish a new Disney Light-Up Lolly Pop. The lollies, which come shaped like characters such as Winnie the Pooh and Cinderella, are huge. KidNews tested a red Mickey Mouse pop — it took more than 40 minutes to finish it. The candy kept its light and familiar mouse shape even as the pop got smaller. ($1.49 and up per pop, Delk Industries Inc.)
Chocolate Pop Rocks: The candy that pops in your mouth will be available in chocolate this fall, but we snagged a sample. Pop a bunch of rocks in your mouth and the taste is rich chocolate. Then the popping starts. Chocolate Pop Rocks will be around only from October to February 2007. (59 cents per pack, Pop Rocks Inc.)
Skittles Xtreme Bubble Fruit
Gum: This new gum looks just like Skittles candy. Each small piece has a different flavor, which is very intense when you first begin chewing. But you’ll have to chew a lot if you want to blow a bubble. It can take about seven pieces to get a wad big enough for even small bubbles. (59 cents per pack, Masterfoods USA.