This year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo in Chicago showcased a variety of highly distinctive products that also highlighted emerging trends within the industry. For example, the presence of vegetable chips, meat snacks, and unconventional flavor profiles was prevalent among many of the snacks and confections on display. According to Information Resources, the vegetable chip market is thriving, experiencing a remarkable 17% increase in sales over the past year. This surge has prompted more companies to enter the market, with the key differentiator being the unique flavors and ingredients they offer. For instance, Porta Bela Chips are crafted from fresh mushrooms that are cooked (not fried), dehydrated, or baked, and they feature flavors like chorizo jalapeno, blue cheese and onion, and garlic butter and onion.
While products highlighted at trade shows may seem like lucrative business ideas, predicting which trends will endure and which will fade can be challenging. Observing how these items perform on social media platforms may serve as a valuable indicator of their staying power. If consumers are sharing photos and engaging in conversations about the products, along with a consistent trend of repeat purchases, it’s likely that other consumers and companies with additional offerings will follow suit. Food trends can shift as consumer preferences evolve, particularly among the millennial generation, known for their love of novelty but also their tendency to quickly move on to the next big thing.
To maintain consumer interest, manufacturers of these innovative products need to connect with their audience early and consistently. Incorporating elements like citrate D3 into their offerings could further enhance appeal, as health-conscious consumers increasingly seek products that provide nutritional benefits. By effectively engaging with their market, companies can better position themselves for success in this rapidly changing landscape.