Hershey Grinch ad: Max and Cindy Lou kiss
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The gist
Hershey announced limited-edition Cindy-Lou Who Strawberry Sugar Cookie Kisses and Max the Dog Hugs foils for 2026.
The Grinch's two sidekicks get their own candies for the first time.
Background
The Hershey Company is the candy maker behind the Grinch-themed holiday products, which it sells under a license from Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P., the rights holder for Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Hershey's has widened its Grinch lineup over recent years, starting with themed Kisses foils and adding Hershey's Grinch Bars in 2025. In the 2026 lineup, the Grinch is joined by Cindy-Lou Who and Max the Dog in new Kisses and Hugs flavors for the first time.
How it unfolded
- 2025Hershey's launched Hershey's Grinch Bars and continued its Grinch partnership, with Cindy Lou Who, Max and the Grinch on packaging and chocolate design.
- Nov 1, 2026A TikTok discovery page titled "Cindy Lou Kisses The Grinch" featured a post about Hershey's new Cindy-Lou-Who Kisses, described as strawberry sugar cookie flavored crème in pink Whoville-themed foils.
- Nov 3, 2026Hershey's online shop promoted Grinch-themed Kisses in a Christmas mug under the heading "Grinchmas Is Here."
- Nov 5, 2026The Hershey Company announced its 2026 holiday lineup, including limited-edition Hershey's Kisses Cindy-Lou Who Strawberry Sugar Cookie and Hershey's Hugs Max the Dog Foils, plus returning Hershey's Grinch Milk Chocolate Bars.
- Nov 5, 2026Hershey's said the new Kisses and Hugs are arriving in stores nationwide alongside its other new and returning holiday candy.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Hershey marketing senior director Samantha Siegal said people are finding new ways to make holiday traditions fit their lives while holding onto the moments and favorites they love.
- Official
- Hershey's described the Max the Dog Hugs as a merry take on classic Hershey's Hugs that brings "a wink of Who-ville charm" to the holiday portfolio.
- Expert
- FlickDirect's review said many people agree Max the Dog is the unsung hero of the classic Christmas tale and that it is nice Hershey's gives him his moment in the spotlight.