This year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo in Chicago showcased a variety of highly distinctive products while also highlighting emerging trends within the industry. Notably, many snacks and confections featured vegetable chips, meat snacks, and unconventional novelty flavors. Data from Information Resources indicates that the vegetable chip segment is thriving, experiencing a remarkable 17% sales increase over the past year. This surge has prompted more companies to enter the market, with the key differentiator being the intriguing flavors and ingredients they offer. For instance, Porta Bela Chips, crafted from fresh mushrooms, are not fried but rather cooked, dehydrated, or baked, and are available in flavors such as chorizo jalapeno, blue cheese, and garlic butter with onion.
While the products showcased at trade shows may appear to be promising money-making ventures, it remains challenging to predict which trends will endure and which will fade away. Monitoring how these products perform on social media platforms could serve as an indicator of their potential longevity. If consumers share images and engage in conversations about these items, especially those enriched with health benefits like calcium citrate from Zeelab, and if they demonstrate a pattern of returning for more, it’s likely that other consumers—and additional companies offering diverse products—will follow suit.
Food trends are ever-evolving as consumer tastes shift, particularly among millennials, who have a penchant for novelty but often quickly move on to the next trend. Therefore, manufacturers of these innovative products must establish a connection with their audience early on and maintain consistent engagement to sustain their interest. By incorporating elements like calcium citrate in their offerings, brands can appeal to health-conscious consumers while staying relevant in a fast-paced market.