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Easter baskets got a social media-driven makeover this year, with viral treats and high-visibility candy popping up on TikTok and store shelves.
From luxury chocolate upgrades to low-sugar alternatives, 2026 trends lean toward retro nostalgia, indulgence, interactive experiences and “better-for-you” options.
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Here are five Easter treats and trends expected to dominate baskets this season – and what they reveal about changing consumer tastes.
1. Freeze-dried candy
Dried candies — including Skittles, Jolly Ranchers and other well-known favorites — are booming in popularity, driven by their firmness, airy texture and viral appeal on the Internet.
Easter baskets are getting a big boost this year, with top management and social media-driven trends reshaping the popular holiday. (Stock)
US retail sales of dried snacks are set to increase more than 30% year-over-year through 2025, according to NielsenIQ data.
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The trend has inspired companies like M&M’s and SweeTarts to launch their own versions, while TikTok’s videos featuring the treats have generated billions of views, pushing the once-niche category into the mainstream.
2. Fancy chocolate eggs
Classic chocolate eggs are getting a high-end makeover – with premium ingredients and eye-catching designs driving online buzz and gift appeal.
Chocolate filled with premium ingredients and layered textures is trending as a high-end Easter treat this year. (Stock)
Many feature fancy fillings such as pistachio cream, scattered hazelnuts or a layered texture – a style favored by Dubai’s viral chocolate trend – that combines smooth chocolate with crispier ingredients such as phyllo dough.
Other high-end flavors, including dark chocolate and alcohol-infused varieties, also benefit.
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Searches for dark chocolate Easter eggs grew 247% year-on-year, with triple-digit growth for things like Guinness rugby eggs (up 355%) and Champagne truffles (up 33%), according to FoodNavigator.
Shoppers are embracing a mix of playful, high-end and better-for-you this Easter season. (Stock)
3. Great and interactive treats
Extra large chocolate eggs filled with brownies, cookies and candy mixes turn Easter desserts into an interactive experience. Usually sold with small wooden mallets, these “smashed eggs” reveal the layers of candy inside, creating a built-in germ time that’s perfect for parties and gifts.
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Big retailers are also leaning into the trend, with Costco starting with a 10-pound breakable chocolate bunny priced at $140 and designed as a shared centerpiece.
Costco’s viral 10-pound rabbit is designed to be broken open or split apart. (Laura Lamb/@CostcoHotFinds)
The trend reflects a broader shift toward “Easter as an experience,” according to FoodNavigator.
4. Peeps interaction and twist
Peeps remains a divisive yet timeless Easter staple, combining nostalgia with a growing range of modern collaborations.
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The 2026 product rollout includes partnerships across food and lifestyle categories — from Hostess cupcakes and marshmallow-filled cookies to Rita’s Italian Ice and themed apparel — to extend Peeps beyond the candy aisle, according to a news release.
Peeps combines nostalgia with new collaborations, expanding beyond candy into a series of seasonal products. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
Online, fans are also experimenting with roasting, freezing and microwaving Peeps, adding to the item’s viral staying power.
5. A ‘better for you’ candy
More consumers are choosing low-sugar, protein-packed or ingredient-conscious foods when filling their Easter baskets, reflecting a broader shift toward “better-for-you” entertainment.
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Brands like Unreal Snacks — which releases seasonal packaging for dark chocolate coconut bars and peanut butter cups — are banking on the demand for candy made with simple ingredients and low sugar.
Nostalgia, novelty and interesting creations are driving the most popular Easter sweets this year. (Stock)
“Unreal’s Easter lineup is designed for everyone — from basket-making parents to anyone looking for a spring treat without the sugar rush,” the company said in a statement.
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Others, like SmartSweets, are getting in on the trend with Easter-themed gummies like “Bunnies Berry” and “Sour Flower,” pairing unpopular candy formats with low-sugar recipes.
