Skittles, the renowned candy brand, has taken a surprising departure from its signature rainbow flavor. To mark National Mustard Day on August 5, Skittles has joined forces with French’s to unveil their groundbreaking mustard-flavored skittle. Described in a press release as a fusion of “tangy mustard flavor” and the candy’s “iconic chewy texture,” these unique treats are coated in a vivid yellow coloring.
However, those curious to try this unconventional flavor won’t find it on regular store shelves, either in the candy aisle or next to the mustard. Instead, adventurous souls can sample the mustard skittle at French’s “Mustard Mobile,” making stops in three US cities—Atlanta on July 31, Washington on August 2, and New York on August 5. The exact times and locations are available on a dedicated website, and fans can also participate in an online sweepstakes for a chance to win a package of the mustard-flavored delight.
It’s not uncommon for food brands to launch quirky and sometimes peculiar flavors with the hope of creating a viral sensation on social media. Such marketing stunts offer a temporary boost in sales and garner positive media attention, albeit not always universal popularity. Past examples include hot-dog-flavored popsicles and Velveeta martinis that have graced the culinary landscape.
Ro Cheng, Mars’ marketing director, affirmed that Skittles strives to inspire moments of everyday happiness and provide unexpected experiences for its loyal fan base. While the candy brand frequently introduces limited-edition flavors, they traditionally lean towards sweet and sour varieties. In a notable departure, Skittles temporarily abandoned their iconic rainbow packaging and colors in 2020 to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with artist-designed pride packages.
For French’s, a company under McCormick & Company’s ownership, the partnership with Skittles marks yet another bold move in their holiday marketing strategy. In the past, French’s has offered a mustard-flavored donut in New York and a yellow mustard-flavored ice cream in 2019, creatively combining “two all-American classics, ice cream and mustard.”
McCormick’s acquisition of French’s from Reckitt Benckiser (RBGLY) in 2017, a substantial $4 billion deal, played a pivotal role in expanding the seasoning company’s portfolio. French’s stands tall as the leading mustard brand in the United States, solidifying its position in the condiment market.