Heat is having its moment. From spicy-sweet combinations to bold, fiery flavours, consumers are actively seeking out products that bring an extra kick to their snacking experience.
The demand for ‘swicy’ (sweet + spicy) flavours has surged, driven by a younger generation looking for adventurous, Instagram-worthy bites. Brands are responding with innovative takes on familiar favourites, infusing them with chili, peppers and unexpected twists to satisfy heat-seeking palates.
However, the evolution of spice-infused snacks isn’t just about adding heat - it’s about layering flavours for a more complex, well-balanced experience.
Whether it’s hot honey-infused crackers, chili-laced almonds or pickled spice sensations, today’s snack market is pushing the envelope on how heat can elevate flavour profiles.
Through collaborations, reformulations and brand-new creations, the following roundup highlights some of the most exciting products that are turning up the temperature on store shelves.
Sweet heat meets crunch
Ritz is taking its signature buttery cracker to the next level with the launch of Hot Honey. The new addition combines the classic flaky crunch of Ritz with the tantalising heat of spicy honey, offering a perfect balance between sweet and fiery. The swicy trend is hotter than ever and this cracker is designed for snacking straight from the box or pairing with cheeses, dips and charcuterie.
“We’re always looking for new ways to surprise and delight our fans, and Hot Honey delivers a flavour combination that’s both bold and delicious,” said Steven Saenen, Ritz VP of Marketing.
With previous launches like Ritz Bits Spicy Queso and Toasted Chips Sweet Habanero, the brand is committed to bringing the heat. Ritz Hot Honey crackers are now available in 13.7oz boxes at major food retailers across the US.
A dip with a kick
Cedar’s Mediterranean Foods is heating up the dip aisle with its latest creation, Hot Honey Dip. Combining Neufchatel cheese and sour cream with honey, sesame seeds and a subtle chilli kick, it offers a creamy yet spicy experience that pairs well with everything from crackers to crudités.
Perfect for spreading, dipping or drizzling over roasted vegetables, the gluten-free dip is part of Cedar’s growing lineup of Mediterranean-inspired products catering to consumers seeking dynamic flavours in their snacking repertoire.
The Hot Honey Dip is available in 8oz containers at select grocery stores across the US.
A fiery pickle twist
After years of fan requests and viral social media trends, Cheetos has finally launched Flamin’ Hot Dill Pickle.
According to Pinterest, pickles are among the top trends for 2025, while #Pickle has amassed over 3.7 billion views on TikTok. So, the new variant blends the tangy punch of dill pickles with the signature fiery heat of Flamin’ Hot seasoning, creating an electrifying twist on the classic crunchy treat.
Gen Z’ers - who are famously obsessed with pickles and spicy foods - turned Cheetos onto this match made in spicy-tangy heaven via social media. From dusting Flamin’ Hot Cheetle over pickle spheres to coating the viral ‘chickle’ (cheese-covered pickles) in crushed Cheetos Flamin’ Hot, it was these fan-created recipes that inspired Cheetos’ latest flavour.
The new Cheetos flavour is available at major US retailers nationwide, making it easier than ever for spice lovers to get their fix.
A sweet-heat power duo
Blue Diamond and Mike’s Hot Honey have teamed up to bring snackers a dynamic new snack.
Mike’s Hot Honey Almonds marries Blue Diamond’s signature roasted almonds with the signature sweet heat of Mike’s Hot Honey, offering an irresistible balance of chili spice and honey sweetness.
Available in both a 6oz can ($2.98) and a 1.5oz snack tube (14.99 for a 12-pack), these almonds are perfect for on-the-go snacking or adding a flavourful crunch to salads and cheese boards.
“Consumers crave big, exciting flavors, and these almonds deliver a mouthwatering combination of crunch, sweetness and heat that only Blue Diamond and Mike’s Hot Honey can provide,” said Maya Erwin, VP of Marketing & Innovation at Blue Diamond.
Available from Amazon and at select Walmart locations across the US.
The high-heat gamechanger
Olive oil brand Graza has unveiled Frizzle, a high-heat cooking oil designed for frying, baking and grilling. Crafted from a mix of olive pomace oil - derived from the tapenade remnants of the first cold press of Sizzle and Drizzle, that is then repressed - and Graza Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Frizzle is a higher quality and more wholesome alternative to traditional neutral cooking oils. Made with single varietal Picual olives, harvested at their peak for top-notch flavour and performance, Frizzle is naturally extracted and refined without chemicals, solvents or additives.
It has a buttery, yet neutral flavour and a high smoke point (up to 490°F) that makes it stand out among popular oils like canola, vegetable, grapeseed and avocado. Like all of Graza’s products, Frizzle is picked, pressed and bottled in Jaen, Spain.
“Frizzle is a game-changer for Graza, opening the door for us to reach even more home cooks across the country,” said CEO and cofounder Andrew Benin. “We’re unlocking even more ways to cook with our high-quality oil - empowering our customers to crisp, fry and grill with the same confidence they’ve come to expect from Graza. We have been working on this product since before our January 2022 launch, and we are thrilled to finally introduce it.”
Launching exclusively at Whole Foods Market and online, Frizzle is available in three formats: a 750ml squeeze bottle, a 5oz spray bottle and a soon-to-come 2L jug.
Fermented heat meets honey
Livingston-based Scottish Bee has introduced a honey with an unexpected new twist. Kimchi-Infused Hot Honey combines fermented Korean punch with the sweetness of honey to deliver a layered heat that’s perfect for drizzling over everything from fried chicken to cheese plates.
With the UK only producing a miserly 14% of its annual honey needs (50,000 tonnes) the opportunity for artisanal operators like Scottish Bee to reverse the nation’s stuttering bee population whilst championing rural regeneration has never been greater. The Livingston-based producer was founded in 2017 by Suzie and Iain Millar who were determined to resuscitate Scotland’s decimated bee population. The simple ‘collective’ thinking behind the business was to provide urgently needed funds for struggling/would-be beekeepers to build, repair and purchase hives – in return supporting the seeding of more wildflower spaces and offering a fair price for its nutritionally-dense blossom and heather honeys.
According to Scottish Bee Co-founder, Suzie Millar, ‘Fine quality food and drinks are now being appreciated like never before as growing numbers of consumers realise the glaring downsides associated with mass-market ultra-processed offerings,” said Suzie Millar.
“Honey enthusiasts from across the UK and overseas are tracking us down as they explore honey’s unrivalled versatility - baking, home-cooking condiments, post-gym pick-me-up, breakfast time hero - interest that fuelled our appetite to own a new compelling that reflected our growth ambitions.”
Scottish Bee’s Kimchi-Infused Hot Honey is available from Selfridges, high-end delis and select fine food retailers across the UK.
A fiery refreshment for the No & Low Market
Cornwall-based Jolly’s Drinks is rolling out its beloved Ginger Beer nationwide. The naturally flavoured, spice-packed beverage is crafted with a distinctive blend of ginger, Cornish spring water and a hint of chili for an added kick.
As the market for alcohol-free beverages grows, Jolly’s Ginger Beer offers a bold, satisfying alternative. Available in 250ml recyclable cans, it’s now available to foodservice operators across the UK. With the ginger beer market set to grow at a 6.9% CAGR from 2025 to 2030 - and 19% of the adult population now non-drinkers - there’s never been a better time to spice up your offering with Jolly’s Ginger Beer.
“Expanding nationally has been something we’ve wanted to do since we revitalised Jolly’s Drinks in 2019 and we’re so excited to bring the natural taste of Cornwall to restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes across the UK,” said MD Cheryl Ingram. “With taste appeal, health and wellbeing all driving purchases, our Jolly’s Ginger Beer will give your drinks offering a kick and appeal to a wide range of consumers who are looking for something different.
As part of Jolly’s Drinks’ journey to be better for the planet, the brand has opted for fully recyclable aluminium cans, available in 24 x 250ml cases.
A bold take on desi snacks
Curry Smugglers is bringing the vibrancy of Bollywood and the irresistible flavours of a bustling Indian bazaar to the UK – all packed into an unfortgetable beer car container. The desi snacks lineup includes fiery Bombay Mix, aromatic Chakli and crispy Pakora, each made with natural, locally sourced ingredients. These snacks are fresh, punchy and unapologetically spicy.
The brand is going from strength to strength, having secured a listing in Selfridges and over 60 independent retailers. Retailers, pubs and bars are also loving the unique 330ml beer can packaging. The eye-catching cans don’t just stand out - they’re airtight, lightweight, UV-free and 100% recyclable - freshness and sustainability is at their core. Their reach continues to grow with nationwide trade distribution via Mahalo Supplies.
Curry Smugglers craft snack cans are available online from the Margate-based producer.