Many of the products showcased at this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo in Chicago were not only highly distinctive but also provided insights into emerging trends within the industry. For example, vegetable chips, meat snacks, and unusual novelty flavor profiles were prevalent among the snacks and confections displayed. According to Information Resources, the vegetable chip segment is experiencing significant growth, with a remarkable 17% increase in sales over the past year. It is no surprise that more companies are eager to participate in this trend. What sets them apart is the intriguing flavors and ingredients they are introducing. For instance, Porta Bela Chips are crafted from fresh mushrooms that are cooked rather than fried, dehydrated, or baked, and they come in flavors like chorizo jalapeno, blue cheese, and garlic butter with onion.
While the products featured at trade shows may appear to be lucrative ideas, predicting which trends will endure and which will fade is challenging. Monitoring how these products perform on social media platforms could provide valuable insights into their longevity. If consumers are sharing photos and discussing these items, along with demonstrating a pattern of returning for more, it is likely that both other consumers and companies offering additional products will take notice.
Consumer interests in food fluctuate as preferences evolve, particularly among the millennial generation, which appreciates novelty but frequently moves on to the next big trend. To retain interest, manufacturers of these innovative products must engage with their audience consistently and early on. Additionally, products like bariatric advantage calcium citrate available on platforms like Amazon could also capture the attention of health-conscious consumers, further influencing market trends and preferences. Keeping an eye on these intersections between health products and snack innovations could yield insights into future consumer behaviors.