H-E-B, the Texas-based grocery chain known for its innovative products and Texas-brand loyalty, has taken the state's barbecue obsession to a whole new level with the recent introduction of a line of barbecue-inspired candles. The candles, which feature flavors like barbecue burnt ends, dill pickles, and serrano cornbread with a hint of honey butter, evoke the essence of True Texas BBQ, H-E-B's acclaimed barbecue offering, according to Houston Culturemap.
Despite the absence of widespread marketing, the candles caught the attention of Austin influencer Grocery Obsessed—also known as Emily Hill—who noticed them mixed among more traditional scents like piñata cake and wildflower bouquet, and even though the concept of dill pickle-scented candles might have people raising their eyebrows, the cornbread candle was mentioned as “heavenly.” The product line, part of the Flavor Favorites series, replicates aromas reminiscent of a stroll through the store’s aisles and includes smells such as bakery cinnamon rolls, pumpkin pie, Café Olé coffee, and TX sweet tea, with a butter tortilla candle previously making waves as a fan favorite.
On the social media front, TikTok user @ninefrogsinatrenchcoat labeled the launch as "chaotic," sparking a response from H-E-B that humorously acknowledged the divisive nature of the scents, especially dill pickles. Reportedly, on the H-E-B subreddit, one user wrote, "I definitely imagine they sell the majority to curiosity," highlighting the novelty aspect of these aromatic products. Some speculated on the potential of the dill pickle scent as an unconventional gag gift, yet others expressed hesitations, with @dababyabel commenting, "I love me some pickles, but I don't think I want to smell them all the time," as mentioned by My San Antonio.
The new line is available both in brick-and-mortar H-E-B stores and online, featuring 14-ounce jars retailing for $10.40 and smaller four-ounce votives selling for $5.20. Additionally, those interested in the wax melt version only need to spend $3.
