Sweets & Snacks Expo 2019: Mindful Bites, Part Two

The arrival of summer traditionally brings with it a desire for delightful treats and satisfying snacks. Whether it’s indulging in nature’s bounty like fresh berries or exploring innovative confectionery, the warmer months offer a unique opportunity to savor a wide array of flavors. This year, consumers are increasingly seeking options that align with a conscious lifestyle – healthier choices that are mindful of both personal well-being and environmental impact. This growing demand for natural, sustainable, and better-for-you products was unmistakably evident at the latest Sweets & Snacks Expo, recently held in Chicago. The event served as a vibrant showcase for manufacturers diligently working to meet these evolving consumer preferences, with brands like Torie & Howard leading the charge with their organic hard candies, embodying the spirit of mindful indulgence.

Following closely on the heels of the centennial National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show, which brought the mindful eating trend into sharp focus, the Sweets & Snacks Expo seamlessly continued this important dialogue. Staged at the iconic McCormick Place Convention Center, the Expo underscored a significant shift in the food industry. Both events highlighted a collective move towards greater transparency, sustainability, and health-conscious offerings, positioning these themes at the forefront of culinary and confectionery innovation. This interconnectedness between major industry shows provides invaluable insights into the broader trends shaping what we eat and how it’s produced.

A Grand Scale of Innovation: The Sweets & Snacks Expo Experience

The Sweets & Snacks Expo is a monumental event in the confectionery and snack industry, a true melting pot of ideas, flavors, and business opportunities. With an impressive attendance of 15,000 industry professionals, the convention floor buzzed with energy. Over 800 candy and snack exhibitors proudly presented their latest creations, contributing to an astonishing 2,000 new product launches over just three days. This sheer scale guarantees that there truly is “something for everyone,” from established brands introducing new lines to ambitious startups seeking to disrupt the market. For industry insiders, retailers, and trendspotters, the Expo offers an unparalleled opportunity to gauge the pulse of consumer demand and identify the next big thing in snacking.

Beyond the numbers, the Expo serves as a critical platform for networking, collaboration, and education. Exhibitors gain direct feedback from potential buyers, while attendees discover cutting-edge manufacturing techniques and marketing strategies. The dynamic environment fosters a sense of community and forward-thinking, propelling the entire industry towards new horizons. The diverse range of products, from gourmet chocolates to functional snacks, underscores the vast and ever-expanding landscape of sweets and snacks.

Discovering Tomorrow’s Trends at Innovation Avenue

My journey through the Sweets & Snacks Expo invariably begins at the Innovation Avenue – and this year was no exception. This dedicated section is the true heart of the Expo, a curated showcase of the most groundbreaking, inventive, and forward-thinking products poised to shape the future of snacking. It’s here that the answers to critical questions about “what’s new?” and “what’s next?” are revealed. The Innovation Avenue is more than just a display; it’s a barometer for emerging trends, a glimpse into the minds of industry pioneers, and a testament to the relentless pursuit of novel flavors and healthier alternatives.

While familiar ingredients like quinoa and kale, once considered exotic, have now become commonplace in health-conscious snacks, the avenue also highlights a continuous evolution. It shows that innovation isn’t just about entirely new ingredients, but also about reinventing classics and finding creative applications for established components. The constant striving for differentiation and consumer appeal drives manufacturers to explore uncharted territory, ensuring that the snack market remains dynamic and exciting. The shift from niche health foods to mainstream consumer appeal for ingredients like quinoa in snacks demonstrates a significant maturation of the “better-for-you” category.

The Rise of Plant-Based and Vegan Snack Innovations

One of the most exciting revelations at the Innovation Avenue was the diverse and rapidly expanding range of vegan snack options. The plant-based movement is no longer a niche, but a powerful force transforming the food industry, driven by growing consumer awareness of health, environmental sustainability, and ethical considerations. Manufacturers are responding with ingenuity, developing delicious and satisfying alternatives to traditional snacks.

Among the standout products were Pan’s mushroom jerky, offering a savory, umami-rich experience that perfectly mimics the chewiness of traditional meat jerky, but with a plant-based twist. This innovation caters to those seeking satisfying, protein-rich snacks without animal products. Similarly, Shirakiku’s meaty mushroom crisps presented another ingenious way to harness the texture and flavor of mushrooms into a crispy, addictive snack. These products highlight the versatility of mushrooms as a sustainable and delicious base for plant-based alternatives.

Further demonstrating the creativity within the vegan snack segment, Avolov’s avocado chips offered a unique and healthy twist on a classic snack, transforming the beloved avocado into a crunchy, flavorful chip. These innovations are not just about mimicking existing products; they are about creating entirely new snack experiences that resonate with a health-conscious and adventurous palate.

Beyond land-based plants, the ocean’s bounty also featured prominently in the form of various seaweed-based products. Seaweed has long been recognized for its nutritional benefits and distinct umami flavor, and at the Expo, it was showcased in a multitude of innovative applications. From crispy snack sheets to savory seasonings, these products underscored the versatility and growing appeal of marine vegetables as a healthy and sustainable snack ingredient.

Convenience Meets Health: The Rise of Portable Fruit & Veggie Snacks

Modern lifestyles demand convenience, and this year, the emphasis on portability and bite-sized formats was unmistakable. Consumers are looking for healthy, easy-to-carry snacks that fit seamlessly into their busy schedules without compromising on taste or nutritional value. The Expo presented a fantastic array of fruit and vegetable-based sweets and snacks that perfectly embody this trend.

Among these convenient delights were Sunny Fruit’s tantalizing sun-dried tomato bites, offering a concentrated burst of natural flavor in a perfectly portioned package. These bites exemplify how simple, natural ingredients can be transformed into sophisticated and satisfying snacks. Nature’s Intent impressed with their tangy, subtly sweet, and utterly decadent chocolate-covered mandarins, proving that healthy indulgence is not an oxymoron. This combination offers a delightful textural and flavor contrast, appealing to those who crave a sweet treat with a touch of fruitiness.

Hailing from Europe, Fazer Nordi’s sea buckthorn snacking thins offered a deliciously distinctive flavor profile, showcasing the use of unique, nutrient-dense berries in convenient snack formats. These thinner, crispier snacks are perfect for those seeking light yet flavorful options. Rounding out this category, Rhythm’s organic cauliflower bites highlighted how vegetables can be creatively transformed into craveable, nutrient-packed snacks, perfectly aligning with the demand for vegetable-forward innovation.

Advanced Ingredients and Food Technology: Shaping the Future of Snacks

The Expo clearly demonstrated that innovation isn’t limited to just ingredients; it also extends to the cutting-edge technologies that transform these ingredients. The interplay between advanced food science and creative culinary vision is leading to a new generation of snacks. A prime example was the display by From The Ground Up, showcasing their technologically advanced cauliflower chips and pretzels. These products exemplify how modern processing techniques can be used to incorporate a higher percentage of vegetables into familiar snack formats, creating options that are both nutritious and appealing.

Such innovations are crucial in catering to consumers who want the taste and texture of their favorite snacks but with added health benefits. By leveraging technology, manufacturers can overcome challenges like maintaining crispness, enhancing flavor, and extending shelf life, all while using unconventional, healthier bases. This forward-thinking approach is fundamental to the industry’s ongoing evolution towards more functional and beneficial snack offerings.

Tru Fru: A Beacon of Innovation in Freeze-Dried Delights

If I were to single out one product that truly encapsulated the spirit of innovation at this year’s Expo, it would undoubtedly be Tru Fru’s award-winning freeze-dried chocolate-covered raspberries. This product not only stood out for its exceptional taste but also for its clever use of a preservation technology that maximizes both nutrition and flavor. Tru Fru’s approach involves taking 100% real fruit, freezing it fresh, immersing it in luscious white and dark/milk chocolate, and then hyper-chilling it. This unique process is what locks in the exceptional flavor and nutritional integrity of the fruit.

The magic lies in freeze-drying, a method superior to traditional preservation techniques like dehydrating or air-drying. While high-temperature methods can destroy over half of the food’s nutritional value, freeze-dried fruits typically retain an impressive 97% of their original nutritional content. This means consumers enjoy the vibrant taste and health benefits of fresh fruit, combined with the indulgent pleasure of high-quality chocolate, all in one convenient snack.

It’s no surprise that Tru Fru’s freeze-dried raspberries, enrobed in a harmonious blend of white and milk chocolate, swept the top accolades in this year’s Most Innovative Sweet SnackandGourmet categories. This recognition, achieved over numerous reputable competitors, speaks volumes about the product’s quality and market appeal. The flavor combination was nothing short of astonishing. By freeze-drying the raspberries, Tru Fru’s creators masterfully preserved their deep berry flavor and natural tartness, creating a perfect counterbalance to the sweet richness of the chocolate. Each bite was a symphony of flavors and textures, a truly memorable tasting experience. I wholeheartedly recommend seeking out this innovative product (their Store Locator can be found here); it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!

The Allure of Ruby Chocolate: Barry Callebaut’s Gem

Barry Callebaut’s ruby chocolate was another captivating highlight of this year’s Expo, signaling a revolutionary development in the world of confectionery. This fourth type of chocolate, after dark, milk, and white, stands out with its naturally vibrant pink hue and distinct flavor profile. Importantly, ruby chocolate contains no added flavors or colors, deriving its unique characteristics directly from the specific ruby cocoa beans used in its creation.

The flavor of ruby chocolate is frequently described as “a tension between berry-fruitiness and luscious smoothness.” This distinctive taste profile is attributable to the rare ruby cocoa beans, which thrive under very specific climate conditions in regions such as Ecuador, Brazil, and the Ivory Coast. These unique origins contribute to the chocolate’s inherent complexity and natural sweetness. My tasting experience, sampling ruby chocolate in an application of crispy cereal treats, confirmed this exquisite description. It was a unique gourmet elevation of a classic recipe, providing a delicate yet pronounced astringent berry flavor that I thoroughly enjoyed. The taste instantly evoked the perfect harmony of raspberry and milk chocolate – not too dark, not overly tart, but rather a perfectly balanced and utterly delicious sensation.

Classic Indulgences and Artistic Displays

While innovation was certainly a dominant theme, the Expo also offered a delightful journey through established classics. A visit to the Haribo booth was a pleasant reminder of universally loved sweets. Their iconic gummy bears, immensely popular globally and especially cherished in Europe, provided a burst of nostalgic joy. Beyond the familiar, Haribo also captivated visitors with their exquisitely crafted fresh fruit sculptures, demonstrating a unique artistic flair alongside their confectionery prowess. These vibrant displays showcased the brand’s dedication to quality ingredients and creative presentation, reminding attendees that even the most well-known brands continue to inspire.

To fully appreciate the breadth of the confectionery world, a stop at Godiva’s booth offered a moment of luxurious reprieve. Their chocolate-covered strawberries were a testament to timeless elegance and premium indulgence. The combination of fresh, juicy strawberries with rich, velvety chocolate is a classic for a reason, providing a perfect balance of sweetness and freshness. These iconic brands underscore that while the industry innovates, there’s always a place for beloved, high-quality traditional treats that continue to capture hearts and palates.

The Specialty Market Pavilion: A Hub for Conscious Snacking

My exploration continued into the Specialty Market pavilion, a dedicated area for “groundbreaking candy and snack makers displaying a dazzling array of organic, premium, free-from, and sustainable products.” This pavilion is arguably the most crucial section for anyone interested in the forefront of mindful eating, concentrating a vast range of health-conscious and ethically produced items in one vibrant space. It caters specifically to the burgeoning market of consumers seeking products that align with specific dietary needs, environmental values, and a desire for higher quality ingredients.

Among the many compelling products, Crunchy Rollers truly stood out. These vegan, certified organic, and non-GMO rice rollers, available in a variety of natural fruit flavors, exemplified simplicity and taste. As both a parent and a writer keen on healthier snack alternatives, I was particularly impressed by their delicate sweetness. Unlike many sugary snacks, Crunchy Rollers offered a subtle touch of sugar, beautifully complemented by authentic berry and rice flavors that were honest and straightforward. These snacks evoked cherished childhood memories, bringing a smile to my face, much like the joy I saw in my daughter’s expression when she tried them for the first time. They represent a perfect solution for parents seeking delicious, healthier options for their children without compromising on flavor or quality, and they embody the core values of the Specialty Market.

A Memorable Encounter with Yoga Pops: Ancient Grains, Modern Snacks

As my time at the Expo drew to a close, I had one final, truly memorable encounter with Nalini Mehta and Anita Balakrishnan, the visionary creators behind Yoga Pops. Their product represented a fascinating blend of ancient wisdom and modern snacking needs, leaving a lasting impression on me.

Yoga Pops are crafted from Asian water lily seeds, an intriguing and lesser-known ingredient that holds immense potential. These seeds are hand-roasted, delicately spiced, and packaged in small, artisanal batches in Minnesota and Atlanta. This commitment to small-batch production and meticulous craftsmanship ensures a high-quality product that reflects the care and dedication of its creators.

Beyond their unique origin, Yoga Pops boast impressive dietary credentials: they are gluten-free, non-GMO, and offer an array of exotic flavors coupled with a wonderfully crunchy texture. The variety I sampled, enhanced with cardamom, was particularly delightful – an aromatic and innovative product that truly stood out. This encounter underscored the Expo’s ability to showcase not only large-scale trends but also inspiring entrepreneurial ventures that bring unique, culturally rich, and incredibly healthy snacks to the market. Yoga Pops are a testament to how ancient ingredients can be reimagined for today’s health-conscious consumer.

Reflecting on the Future of Sweets & Snacks

My experience at this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo was truly enlightening and memorable. It offered an invaluable opportunity to sample a wide array of high-quality and innovative products, meet inspiring business owners and trend-setters, and gain a deeper understanding of the confectionery and snack industry’s current landscape and foreseeable future. The overriding message from the Expo was clear: the industry is rapidly evolving, driven by an undeniable shift towards more mindful, healthier, and sustainable choices.

From Tru Fru’s pioneering freeze-dried fruit technology and Yoga Pops’ innovative use of ancient grains, to Avolov’s plant-based avocado chips and Crunchy Rollers’ simple, organic appeal, manufacturers are working tirelessly. Their goal is to create products that not only satisfy evolving consumer palates but also address a growing demand for transparency, natural ingredients, and ethical production practices. This commitment to sustainable novelty and consumer well-being is shaping a dynamic future for sweets and snacks. With so many exciting developments on the horizon and countless innovative ideas yet to be fully researched and explored, I eagerly anticipate what next year’s Expo will bring, confident that the industry will continue to surprise and delight with its ingenuity.