Hershey 2025 launches Shaq XL sneaker gummies after 11M units sold in debut year

Bigger flavor and bigger bites are on shelves now as a candy legend expands his XL lineup with sneakerhead swagger.

A New Chapter for a Slam-Dunk Candy Brand

Basketball icon and self-proclaimed “biggest kid in the candy store,” Shaquille O’Neal is back to shake up the sweets aisle with his latest drop: sneaker-shaped Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies, crafted in partnership with The Hershey Company. Launched after the runaway success of his face-shaped XL gummies in 2024 (Hershey’s #1 sweets launch of the year, with more than 11 million units sold), the new lineup brings mouthwatering mango, lime, and strawberry to fans in an XL sneaker-shaped chew.

Big Shoes to Fill and Bold Flavors to Try

These oversized gummies are a nod to Shaq’s iconic shoe size 22 and signature SHAQ Footwear brand. The sneaker shapes join the original face-shaped gummies (offered in peach, berry punch, and orange) and the tangy Sour gummies inspired by Shaq’s legendary nicknames Diesel, The Big Cactus, and The Big Shamrock—delivering pineapple, mixed berry, and watermelon flavors.

Shaquille O’Neal said: “Shaq-A-Licious started with a big idea—make candy that’s bold, fun and full of flavor. Now we’re stepping it up with sneaker-shaped gummies and three wild new flavors for gummy lovers everywhere. I’ve been part of this from the start, from the flavors to the shapes, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come. This is just the beginning.”

A Brand Built for Fun and Community

The Shaq-A-Licious line is unique in the candy category—not only does it bring personality and playfulness through its flavors and shapes, but it also plays tribute to Shaq’s legacy on the court, love of sneakers, and connection to fans both young and old. The new XL sneaker gummies were ideated, developed, and taste-tested by the Big Man himself, ensuring every bite matches his larger-than-life persona.

Vivek Mehrotra, Senior Brand Manager, Shaq-A-Licious, The Hershey Company, said: “Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies isn’t just a candy; it’s a brand with serious momentum. The response to our first launch was huge, and the new sneaker-shaped gummies are our way of keeping that energy going. This is about more than flavor; it’s about building something fun, lasting and larger than life.”

Where to Find and What’s Next

All three major Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies varieties—original, sour, and now sneaker-shaped—are available at retailers across the United States and Canada. For details and store locators, visit the official Hersheyland Shaq-A-Licious page.

Now every Shaq-A-Licious fan can score big with the boldest gummy flavors and the freshest sneaker shape on the market—making every snack break a slam dunk, no matter your shoe size