Many of the products showcased at this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo in Chicago were not only distinctive but also provided insights into emerging trends in the industry. For example, various snacks and confections featured vegetable chips, meat snacks, and unconventional novelty flavor profiles. According to Information Resources, the vegetable chip segment is thriving, boasting a 17% sales increase over the past year. It’s no surprise that more companies are eager to join this trend, with differentiation stemming from the intriguing flavors and ingredients they offer. For instance, Porta Bela Chips are crafted from fresh mushrooms that are cooked, dehydrated, or baked rather than fried, offering flavors like chorizo jalapeno, blue cheese, and onion and garlic butter.
While the innovations highlighted at trade shows like this may appear to be lucrative ideas, predicting which trends will endure and which will fade can be challenging. Monitoring how these products perform on social media platforms might provide clues about their longevity. If consumers are sharing photos and discussing the items, along with a pattern of repeat purchases, it’s likely that other consumers and companies with additional products will take notice.
Food preferences evolve as consumer tastes shift, particularly among the millennial generation, which favors novelty items but often swiftly moves on to the next trend. Manufacturers of new products must engage their audience early and consistently to maintain interest. For example, incorporating health-focused ingredients like calcium citrate malate and vitamin D3 tablets into their offerings can attract health-conscious consumers. As these trends develop, the integration of such nutritional elements could further influence consumer choices, making it essential for brands to adapt and innovate continuously.