In a competitive food franchise market, brands are increasingly teaming up with major consumer names to create buzzworthy, limited-time offerings that captivate customers. Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, known for its bold flavors and vibrant frozen treats, is the latest to embrace this strategy with the launch of Skittles® POP’d Candies as an exciting new Layer-In option.
For just $0.99, customers can now add these crispy, airy Skittles® POP’d Candies to their Italian Ice, Jelati, or Soft Ice Cream, offering a colorful crunch to every bite. The most eye-catching creation? The Rainbow Crunch Flavorite, which layers a full spectrum of Italian Ice flavors with Vanilla Soft Ice Cream and the new Skittles® POP’d topping.
Capitalizing on Food Trends and Big-Brand Appeal
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice isn’t just adding a fun new topping—it’s strategically tapping into viral social media trends to attract younger, trend-savvy consumers. Freeze-dried candy has exploded in popularity online, with fans raving about its light, crispy texture and intensified flavors. By integrating Skittles® POP’d Candies, a widely recognized brand, into their menu, Jeremiah’s is positioning itself as an innovator in the frozen dessert space.
“Jeremiah’s is fortunate to have a loyal fanbase, so we know our existing guests are already passionate about our menu offerings, but the goal is to appeal to an even wider audience, while keeping things fresh for our current guests,” said Erin Buono, Director of Research and Development at Jeremiah’s Italian Ice. “Introducing innovative and fun new Layer-Ins and Flavors to our menu helps us do just that.”
This type of big-brand collaboration isn’t new in the franchise world. Food brands are increasingly turning to household names in the snack and candy industry to create cross-promotional buzz. From fast-food chains teaming up with major cereal brands for milkshakes to donut franchises incorporating classic candy bars into their glazes, these partnerships have proven to be a recipe for success.
Other Big-Brand Collaborations That Got Customers Talking
Jeremiah’s isn’t the only franchise using high-profile collaborations to bring fresh excitement to their menu. Other brands have seen massive success by tapping into well-known names in the food industry:
Dairy Queen x Reese’s & Oreo – Dairy Queen frequently partners with top-tier candy brands like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Oreo to create limited-time Blizzard flavors. These partnerships drive seasonal excitement and encourage customers to return for new, exclusive flavor combinations. (Image Courtesy of Dairy Queen)
- McDonald’s x Krispy Kreme – In an effort to boost its bakery offerings, McDonald’s launched a partnership with Krispy Kreme, bringing iconic glazed donuts to select locations. The collaboration allowed both brands to leverage each other’s audiences—McDonald’s gained a premium bakery item, while Krispy Kreme expanded its reach beyond its own stores.
- Dunkin’ x Frank’s RedHot – Dunkin’ turned heads when it partnered with Frank’s RedHot to create a spicy ghost pepper donut. The bold move was part of a growing trend of blending sweet and spicy flavors—appealing to adventurous eaters and generating social media buzz.
- Taco Bell x Doritos – One of the most famous fast-food collaborations, Taco Bell’s Doritos Locos Tacos transformed the classic taco by using Doritos-flavored shells. The product became one of the brand’s most successful menu items, with over a billion sold in the first year alone.
These collaborations show that leveraging popular brands isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a proven strategy that helps food franchises boost sales, attract new customers, and keep menus fresh and exciting.
Boosting Franchise Appeal and Delivery Capabilities
Beyond customer excitement, innovative menu offerings like the Skittles® POP’d Candies Layer-In have another major benefit: they enhance franchise opportunities. A dynamic, evolving menu shows potential franchisees that Jeremiah’s Italian Ice is committed to staying competitive, adapting to trends, and driving year-round customer engagement.
“Innovation isn’t just about adding new flavors – it’s about creating excitement, enhancing the guest experience, and driving business growth,” said Michael Keller, President and CEO of Jeremiah’s Italian Ice. “By introducing bold new offerings like Skittles® POP’d Candies and strengthening our delivery capabilities with DoorDash, we’re ensuring that Jeremiah’s remains a go-to destination for fun, cool flavor, and franchise success.”
With over 160 locations across the country and continued expansion plans, the brand is poised to leverage its scale to continually refine its menu offering. The addition of DoorDash integration also makes it easier than ever for customers to enjoy Jeremiah’s frozen treats from the comfort of their homes, reinforcing the trend of convenience and accessibility.
For fans eager to try the new Skittles® POP’d Candies Layer-In, the offering is available for a limited time only at participating Jeremiah’s locations.
