In the ever-evolving landscape of viral trends, Walgreens has struck gold with its Nice! Gummy Mango Peelable Candy. Launched quietly last fall, this innovative treat has not only captivated TikTok users but has also led to sold-out aisles in numerous locations, with fans sometimes driving for hours to snag a bag.
Priced at a modest $1.99, the allure of this candy isn’t just its affordability but also its unique, peelable nature that mimics the feel of real fruit, making it a fun and engaging snack experience.
Walgreens: The Surprising Surge of a Snack
Marty Esarte, Walgreens’ Vice President of Owned Brands, shared with TODAY.com the unexpected viral success of the gummy candy. Initially released in about 2,500 of Walgreens’ 8,700 stores, the mango-flavored treat quickly became a phenomenon.
“We’re excited about the popularity of the Nice! Mango Gummy Candy,” Esarte remarked. Following this overwhelming response, Walgreens plans to expand the mango candy’s availability to 8,000 stores by May 22.
More Than Just Mango: Expanding the Flavor Lineup
Building on the mango madness, Walgreens isn’t stopping at just one flavor. Esarte revealed plans to add a banana variant of the peelable gummy to the lineup, set to hit 5,700 stores. This expansion promises to fuel a fresh wave of TikTok reviews and possibly replicate the mango version’s success when it launches in late May.
The Power of Social Media and TikTok Influence
The initial buzz around the gummy candy can be traced back to TikTok, where user @Trinhdoesthings shared her delightful discovery of the snack, amassing 8.9 million views.
Her enthusiasm was infectious, “This is so fun to eat,” she exclaimed, describing the candy’s realistic texture and enjoyable eating process. This single review sparked a frenzy, with Walgreens experiencing a sell-out within days.
The viral nature of the product continued to grow as more TikTokers shared their quests to find the elusive candy.
@crownmecutie and @angelinakhang are just two of the many who documented their journeys, highlighting the candy’s authentic mango taste and novel texture, which even led some, like @crownmecutie, to enhance their candy with a sprinkle of Tajin for added flavor.
Walgreens customers have been driving hours to find this sold-out snack. Now, the chain is adding a new flavor https://t.co/8WLmkoNaVk
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) May 4, 2024
Not Without Controversy: Mixed Reviews Amidst Viral Success
Despite its popularity, the Nice! Gummy Mango Peelable Candy has its share of detractors. Some customers on Walgreens’ website and social media have expressed disappointment, with criticisms ranging from an artificial aftertaste to less flattering comparisons in smell.
However, the snack has also garnered a substantial number of rave reviews, with satisfied customers affirming, “Believe the hype these are hella good.”
A Viral Candy Craze Continues
As Walgreens gears up to expand its fruity candy empire with the new banana flavor, the saga of the Nice! Gummy Mango Peelable Candy exemplifies the profound impact of social media on consumer behavior and product success.
Whether you’re a fan of the trend or skeptical of its appeal, this candy’s journey from a simple snack to a social media superstar highlights the unpredictable nature of viral fame in the digital age.
