Hershey unveils SkinnyPop Cheddar Jalapeño popcorn

The Hershey Company is adding a new flavor, Cheddar Jalapeño, to its SkinnyPop popcorn line. 

"As consumers are continuing to seek better-for-you snack options with exciting flavors, our team has crafted a flavor that not only delivers on great taste but also aligns with our dedication to offering health-conscious snack choices,” said Zhenya Karelina, manager of popcorn innovation at Hershey. “We’re thrilled that this spicy new flavor is joining the SkinnyPop brand lineup.”

Snack aisle purchases are up 6.2% versus a year ago, with ready-to-eat popcorn remaining the number one snacking option in the better-for-you category. While SkinnyPop popcorn’s brand equity continues to resonate with ready-to-eat consumers, research has shown that spicy, bold flavors are undeveloped in the RTE category compared to total salty snacks but are leading the growth, the company said.

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Research shows that while cheese, regular/salty and butter make up the majority of the RTE popcorn category, only 1% falls into the spicy flavor camp. SkinnyPop Cheddar Jalapeño popcorn was created to satisfy this consumer need and capitalize on the category opportunity. .

‌Consumer surveys and in-market testing showed that SkinnyPop Cheddar Jalapeño popcorn tested high in attracting new buyers—a 68% purchase intent from non-RTE consumers. The research also showed that shoppers had a high repeat rate of purchase, with 1 in 5 shoppers purchasing the product at least twice during a 13-week test launch.

"‌Hershey is dedicated to supporting this innovation as part of its journey to become a snacking powerhouse,” Karelina said. “The in-market performance of this product underscores its high potential. As a category leader with strong BFY brand equity, the SkinnyPop brand is uniquely positioned to drive category incrementality through flavorful innovations like Cheddar Jalapeño.”

SkinnyPop Cheddar Jalapeño popcorn contains no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. It’s also gluten-free, peanut-free and tree-nut-free. The product is available now at retailers nationwide.

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The SkinnyPop brand’s lineup of flavors also includes Original, White Cheddar and Sweet & Salty Kettle.