Candy stocks are experiencing positive momentum in 2026 driven by seasonal demand around Easter and Mother's Day. Despite elevated cocoa prices and tariffs, three major players—Hershey, Mondelez, and Tootsie Roll—are posting gains. However, all three stocks trade at premium valuations well above market averages, raising questions about whether upside potential remains.

The article highlights three consumer staples dividend stocks trading at attractive valuations despite recent challenges: Diageo, a spirits company facing industry headwinds but trading at a 12x forward P/E; Campbell's Company offering a 7.2% dividend yield with solid free cash flow coverage; and Mondelez International poised to benefit from declining cocoa prices with 8% expected earnings growth.

Mondelez International is presented as an undervalued dividend stock offering both value and reliable income. Despite being down 10.6% over the past year, the company is achieving 4% organic sales growth with 18% operating margins and offers a 3.32% dividend yield with expected high-single-digit payout growth. The stock has gained 9% year-to-date and may benefit from lower cocoa prices and market volatility.

Americans are expected to spend a record $29.1 billion on Valentine's Day in 2026, up from $27.5 billion in 2025, with the average shopper spending nearly $200. Candy, flowers, and jewelry are the top gift choices, with jewelry commanding the highest spending at $7 billion. A record 35% of consumers plan to buy gifts for their pets. Middle- and high-income consumers are driving growth by expanding gift lists to include friends, colleagues, and pets.

Mondelēz International's Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share of Class A common stock, payable on April 14, 2026, to shareholders of record as of March 31, 2026.

The global advanced recycled materials (ARM) in packaging market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2026 to 2035, driven by stringent environmental regulations, corporate sustainability goals, and increased demand for rigid packaging. Europe currently leads the market with Germany as a key player, while Asia-Pacific, particularly China, represents the fastest-growing region. Recycled paper and cardboard dominate by material type, while corrugated and paperboard packaging lead by packaging type, with food and beverage as the largest end-use industry.

The global chocolate market is valued at USD 119.62 billion in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 152.45 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.97%. Growth is driven by premiumization, flavor innovation, ethical sourcing, and gifting occasions. Europe leads the market, while Asia-Pacific represents long-term growth potential. Large multinational companies and craft chocolatiers compete through different strategies.

A Motley Fool analyst recommends Chewy as a buy for his daughter's portfolio, citing the pet e-commerce company's strong operational improvements despite a 32% decline from its 52-week high. The company has doubled its active customer base to 21.2 million, achieved positive profitability margins, and is positioned for growth through higher-margin opportunities like Autoship, Chewy Vet Care, and advertising.

Mondelez International expanded its voluntary recall of CHIPS AHOY! Baked Bites Brookie items due to corn starch clumps that pose a choking hazard, particularly for young children and older adults. The expanded recall adds one additional code date (10MAY2026) and two more UPCs. The company has not received any injury or illness reports and issued the recall as a precaution.

Mondelēz Global LLC issued a voluntary recall of CHIPS AHOY! Baked Bites Brookie products due to an incorrect mixing process that created corn starch clumps, posing a potential choking hazard for young children and elderly consumers. The recall is limited to specific Best When Used By dates and a limited number of retail stores. No injuries or illnesses have been reported.

Mondelēz International announced a quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share, payable on January 14, 2026, to shareholders of record as of December 31, 2025.

The global augmented reality in packaging market is projected to grow from USD 383.34 billion in 2025 to USD 709.50 billion by 2034, expanding at a 6.35% CAGR. The market is driven by rising consumer demand for interactive product experiences and increasing adoption of smart technologies across industries.