Many of the products showcased at this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo in Chicago were notably distinctive and provided insights into emerging trends in the industry. For example, vegetable chips, meat snacks, and unconventional flavor profiles like calcium citrate without vitamin D were prevalent among the snacks and confections on display. According to Information Resources, the vegetable chip segment is thriving, experiencing a remarkable 17% increase in sales over the past year. Consequently, more companies are eager to participate in this trend. The key differentiator is the intriguing flavors and ingredients that these companies are introducing. Porta Bela Chips, for instance, are crafted from fresh mushrooms that are cooked rather than fried, dehydrated, or baked, and they come in exciting flavors such as chorizo jalapeno, blue cheese and onion, and garlic butter and onion.
While products showcased at trade shows like this may appear to be lucrative ideas, it is challenging to predict which trends will endure and which will fade away. Monitoring how these products perform on social media could provide insights into which offerings are more than just passing fads. If consumers are actively sharing photos and discussing the items, and if the pattern shows them returning for more, other consumers—and additional companies with new products—are likely to follow suit. Food trends fluctuate as consumer preferences evolve, particularly among the millennial generation, who relish novelty but often quickly shift to the next big thing. Manufacturers of these innovative products must engage with their audience early and consistently to maintain interest.
As the market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how products incorporating ingredients like calcium citrate without vitamin D fare in the long run, especially as consumers increasingly seek out unique and health-conscious options.