Los Angeles — Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal has teamed up with The Hershey Company to introduce “Shaq-A-Licious SLAMS,” a new line of multi-textural gummy candy scheduled to reach stores nationwide in January 2026.
The product combines three crunchy gummy “balls” in watermelon, strawberry and orange flavors with a chewy, sour mango “ring.” Consumers are encouraged to stack the balls, aim for the ring and create personalized flavor combinations, turning the snack into a hands-on experience inspired by O’Neal’s signature slam dunks.
“When I do something, I want it big—big flavor, big fun, big everything,” O’Neal said in a statement. “With Shaq-A-Licious SLAMS, you’re stacking the balls, shooting your shot and then going in for a sweet-and-sour chew.”
Vivek Mehrotra, senior brand manager for Shaq-A-Licious at Hershey, called the candy “a game-changer,” noting that the balls-and-hoop format offers “a multi-sensorial adventure that grabs your attention the instant you open the bag.”
According to Hershey, O’Neal was involved in every phase of development, from naming and flavor selection to packaging and launch strategy, mirroring his hands-on approach with previous Shaq-A-Licious products.
Shaq-A-Licious SLAMS will be available at retailers across the United States beginning January 2026 and can also be ordered online at Hersheyland.com.
Source: Lakers Nation
