This year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo in Chicago showcased a variety of highly distinctive products that also highlighted emerging trends in the industry. Notably, vegetable chips, meat snacks, and unconventional, novelty flavor profiles were prevalent among the snacks and confections displayed. According to Information Resources, the vegetable chip segment is experiencing a surge, with sales increasing by 17% over the past year. Consequently, more companies are eager to participate in this growing market. The key differentiator for these brands lies in the intriguing flavors and ingredients they offer. For example, Porta Bela Chips are crafted from fresh mushrooms that are cooked rather than fried, dehydrated, or baked, and they come in flavors such as chorizo jalapeno, blue cheese, and onion-garlic butter.
While the products featured at trade shows like this may appear to be lucrative business opportunities, predicting which trends will endure and which will fade away is challenging. Observing how these products perform on social media platforms could provide insights into which items are likely to become more than just passing fads. When consumers share photos and engage in discussions about these products, along with a trend of repeat purchases, it’s likely that other shoppers and companies with additional offerings will take notice. As consumer preferences evolve—particularly among the millennial generation, known for their fondness for novelty items but also their tendency to quickly shift to the next trend—manufacturers of these new products must establish a strong connection with their audience early and maintain regular engagement to sustain interest.
Additionally, many consumers are becoming more health-conscious and are looking for products that include beneficial ingredients, such as those with a calcium citrate label. These labels can attract attention from health-oriented buyers, and companies that incorporate such labels into their products may find an edge in this competitive market. Ultimately, keeping an eye on the social media landscape and consumer behavior will be crucial for determining which products, especially those boasting appealing features like a calcium citrate label, will resonate with consumers in the long run.