25 Unexpected Twists on Classic Candy Flavors

From the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter to the exotic pairing of chocolate and saké, the candy world is full of surprises. For every traditional flavor of your beloved treats, there’s likely a bold and unconventional alternative waiting to be discovered. Explore 25 of the most intriguing options here.

1. MARSHMALLOW PEEPS COATED IN CANDY CORN

Candy corn is arguably one of the most polarizing sweets in the world. Every Halloween, candy enthusiasts are forced to take a stand in the Great Candy Corn Debate: is it a treat or a trick? No matter where you stand, candy creators continue to experiment with candy corn-inspired variations of their iconic products. Take Peeps, for example, who blend their already sugary marshmallow chicks with candy corn flavor and coat them in white chocolate for an extra indulgent twist.

2. CHOCOLATE SEA SALT CANDY CORN 

Not to be left behind, candy corn innovators have reimagined both the hues and tastes of the classic yellow, orange, and white confection. One seasonal variation that has won over fans, regardless of their stance on the candy corn debate, is Sea Salt Chocolate Candy Corn. When you consider it, this flavor combination feels like a natural and delightful upgrade.

3. REESE'S PEANUT BUTTER AND BANANA CREME CUPS

Hershey's struck gold by combining chocolate and peanut butter into one irresistible treat, solidifying its place as one of the world's most beloved candies. However, the brand hasn't shied away from experimenting with this winning formula. In 2007, they honored Elvis Presley with a limited-edition Peanut Butter and Banana Creme version, released to mark the 30th anniversary of The King's passing.

4. HONEY ROASTED PEANUT BUTTER CUPS

In April 2017, The Hershey Company revealed that some of their iconic candy bars would feature limited-edition flavors inspired by regional culinary delights. For Georgia, they transformed the classic Peanut Butter Cup into a honey-roasted version, infused with notes of floral, amber, and molasses. (You might still find these online, including on platforms like eBay.)

5. BBQ PAYDAY

In the same Hershey campaign, the brand introduced a Payday bar featuring BBQ-flavored peanuts, paying homage to Texas's rich barbecue tradition.

6. GHOST DOTS

Another nostalgic treat that fans are eager to see return: Ghost Dots. These were essentially standard Dots candies, but with every piece sharing the same translucent green hue, making it nearly impossible to guess which flavor you were enjoying.

7. CHLOROPHYLL PEZ

While PEZ marks its 90th anniversary this year, the brand continues to innovate rather than rest on its laurels. Known for pushing boundaries with new flavors, PEZ has introduced countless varieties over the decades. Even avid collectors might be surprised to learn about the 1960s chlorophyll-flavored version, designed for those seeking a unique, plant-inspired taste.

8. PRETZEL M&MS

Milk chocolate M&Ms feel like a relic of the past. Since the 1980s, M&Ms has been innovating with a variety of flavors and textures, some of which, like Dulce de Leche, didn’t last long. However, in 2010, they launched a game-changer for fans of sweet-and-salty combinations: Pretzel M&Ms, featuring a crunchy pretzel center encased in the brand’s signature candy shell.

9. GREEN TEA HERSHEY KISSES

Those who’ve traveled through Asia may have encountered unique twists on classic chocolate treats, such as Green Tea Hershey Kisses. As described by Hershey’s Chocolate World, a sprawling 13,000 square-foot chocolate paradise in Las Vegas, “These Kisses combine milk chocolate with a smooth green tea–flavored filling, offering a subtly unique twist on the traditional Hershey’s experience.”

10. NEW YORK CHEESECAKE KISSES

No need to travel to experience a unique Kiss. The Hershey Company crafted this milk chocolate delight with a creamy cheesecake center as a homage to New York City.

11. BUTTERED POPCORN MIKE AND IKES

Similar to Buttered Popcorn Jelly Belly beans, Buttered Popcorn Mike and Ikes are a polarizing treat—you either adore them or can’t stand them. For those curious about a chewy, buttery candy experience, there’s good news: After disappearing for over a decade, the brand brought back this unique flavor in 2016.

12. CHERRY COLA MIKE AND IKES

Reuniting with their nostalgic counterparts, Cherry Cola Mike and Ikes returned to shelves recently, having first debuted as a limited-edition flavor back in 2003.

13. THANKSGIVING GUMBALLS

As the holiday season approaches, thoughts turn to festive feasts featuring turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. For those mindful of calories, a tin of Thanksgiving Gumballs might be a fun alternative. True to their name, these gumballs offered three flavors: turkey, cranberry, and pumpkin pie, marketed as “a three-course meal in every tin.”

14. CHOCOLATE SKITTLES

Since their fruity introduction in 1974, Skittles has mostly stayed true to its roots, with occasional variations like Tropical, Wild Berry, and Tart-N-Tangy debuting in 1989. However, the brand took a bold—and ultimately unpopular—step in 2007 with the release of Chocolate Skittles, which received overwhelmingly negative feedback.

15. KEY LIME PIE TWIZZLERS

If you believe licorice is limited to just black or red, prepare to be surprised. Earlier this year, Hershey reimagined its iconic Twizzlers with a Key Lime Pie flavor, alongside an Orange Cream Pop variant, offering a fresh take on the classic treat.

16. FRESH COLA MENTOS

Mentos are famous not only for their iconic 1990s commercials but also for their explosive reaction when dropped into a bottle of Diet Coke. (As MythBusters demonstrated, it’s quite the spectacle.) Now, you can enjoy that cola flavor in candy form with Fresh Cola Mentos, minus the fizzy eruption.

17. SWEDISH FISH JELLY BEANS

The uniqueness of these candies lies not in their flavor but in their form. Swedish Fish are beloved for their chewy, fish-shaped gummy texture. Encountering that same taste in a crunchy jelly bean format feels oddly out of character for the classic treat.

18. JAVA TWIX

Launched in 2007 as a limited-edition treat, Java Twix didn’t stay on shelves for long, much to the dismay of its fans. Combining coffee, caramel, a chocolate wafer, and a milk chocolate coating, it quickly became a favorite. Its discontinuation left a gap for both candy lovers and caffeine enthusiasts, including the aptly named Candy Addict blog.

19. SAKÉ KIT KATS

Kit Kat stands out for its incredible variety, especially in global markets. While not all flavors are available in the U.S., Asia has embraced unique options like Saké Kit Kats. Introduced in 2016, these white chocolate bars feature a saké-infused layer, offering a distinctly Japanese twist.

20. BAKED SWEET POTATO KIT KATS

The packaging suggests baking these for an authentic experience.

21. SWEET PURPLE POTATO KIT KATS

We’re still not finished with Kit Kats! These vibrant lavender treats, exclusive to Japan, are infused with purple sweet potato flavor and are almost too beautiful to consume.

22. WASABI KIT KATS

Yes, you read that right—wasabi Kit Kats. Reviews suggest they aren’t spicy but do carry a hint of wasabi flavor, which is likely a good thing.

23. PICKLE CANDY CANES

Tired of traditional peppermint candy canes? You might find yourself curious about one that tastes like a pickle. Maybe?

24. BACON CANDY CANES

If peppermint or pickles don’t appeal to you, perhaps a bacon candy cane will make your holiday season more festive. Surprisingly, Amazon offers a variety of unconventional candy cane flavors, including wasabi, gravy, and coffee.

25. CANDY STRING CHEESE

While this list focuses on unusual twists on classic candies, what if a beloved snack got a candy-inspired makeover? That’s exactly what Cow Candy, a Wisconsin-based company, did earlier this year by introducing fruit-flavored Monterey Jack cheese sticks, offering a sweet yet unconventional alternative to traditional sugary snacks.