After a four-year hiatus, my return to the Sweets & Snacks Expo was an experience brimming with more excitement and discovery than ever before. Was it my undeniable sweet tooth calling me back? A wave of nostalgia for past Expos? Or perhaps a deeper human desire to mindfully reconnect with the vibrant world of food innovation? Looking back now, as I reflect on the journey and pen these thoughts, I see a tapestry of joy, professional fulfillment, and, undeniably, a generous serving of truly scrumptious tastings.
Having previously immersed myself in this remarkable Expo (you can revisit my detailed reviews from earlier years here, here, and here), I was incredibly eager to once again share insights into the subjects that captivate me most: exceptional food, diverse flavors, entrepreneurial grit, and boundless creativity. Engaging with innovative minds, gleaning wisdom from experienced chefs and burgeoning small businesses, and savoring the delicious culmination of years of research, dedication, and reinvention – these are the elements that consistently fill my writer’s spirit with profound joy and inspiration. The Sweets & Snacks Expo offers an unparalleled platform for such connections, showcasing the best of the confectionery and snack industry.
The 2023 edition held a particular significance as it marked the final time the esteemed Expo graced the halls of McCormick Place in Chicago. This iconic venue has hosted the industry’s premier event for over two and a half decades, becoming synonymous with the candy and snack world’s annual gathering. However, a new chapter is unfolding for the Sweets & Snacks Expo. Starting in 2024, the event will embark on a strategic rotation of host cities. For two consecutive years, it will call Indianapolis home, followed by a year in Las Vegas, a cycle set to continue until 2032. This move signifies an important strategic evolution for the National Confectioners Association (NCA), the host organization of the Expo.
John Downs, President and CEO of the NCA, eloquently articulated this transition: “This year is an important inflection point for the Sweets & Snacks Expo, as it is the show’s final year in Chicago. For more than 25 years, we have worked in collaboration with the city of Chicago to build and host the world’s premier candy and snack show. The value that the Sweets & Snacks Expo brings to confectionery and snack companies is incredibly important and it contributes in a major way to the success of these two great categories.” This sentiment underscores the Expo’s critical role in driving innovation, facilitating business growth, and shaping the future of the confectionery and snack landscape. The move promises new opportunities and a refreshed experience for attendees and exhibitors alike.
The 2023 Sweets & Snacks Expo was a colossal event, drawing together an impressive roster of over 800 exhibitors. This included nearly 250 new exhibitors, all eager to showcase their latest creations to a global audience. Together, they transformed more than 210,000 square feet of exhibition space into a sprawling wonderland of sweet, salty, and sour delights. As always, I deeply valued the opportunity to explore the predominant trends shaping the sweet and snack industry. These trends not only reflect current consumer demands but also offer a glimpse into the future of confectionery and snacking:
- Brand Collaborations: This trend highlights how beloved treats and iconic brands are joining forces to forge exciting, novel products. It’s about leveraging brand recognition and combining unique strengths to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Think of a popular cookie brand teaming up with a well-known candy bar, resulting in a hybrid treat that captures the imagination of consumers and offers a fresh experience. These collaborations often tap into nostalgia while introducing innovative flavor profiles.
- Flavor Mashups: The era of simple flavors is evolving. Today’s consumers crave bold and unexpected combinations that tantalize the taste buds. From savory and sweet to sour, spicy, or umami, “flavor mashups” push culinary boundaries to deliver delightful surprises. Whether it’s a spicy chocolate or a sweet-and-sour gummy, there’s truly something to satisfy every adventurous palate, reflecting a growing consumer willingness to experiment with diverse tastes.
- Social Media Friendly Interactive Treats: In an increasingly digital world, food isn’t just for eating; it’s for sharing. This trend emphasizes treats designed for playfulness and visual appeal, encouraging consumers to interact with their food and share their experiences on social media platforms. Products with unique shapes, colors, or textures that lend themselves to engaging content are flourishing, turning snacking into a shareable moment and driving viral marketing.
- All About Options: Recognizing that individual preferences and occasions for treating and snacking vary widely, confectionery and snack companies are now offering an unprecedented range of package sizes and product types. This trend caters to diverse lifestyles, dietary needs, and consumption habits, ensuring that there’s a perfect option for every moment – from small, guilt-free indulgences to larger, shareable bags for gatherings. This focus on customization and convenience underscores a deeper understanding of modern consumer behavior.
Beyond exploring the overarching trends, one of the most exciting aspects of the Expo was the opportunity to discover the year’s most innovative new products. These groundbreaking creations were unveiled after a rigorous judging phase that involved prominent retail leaders. Representing a staggering 85% of the buying power within the confectionery and snack categories, these judges meticulously assessed entries based on taste, innovation, and packaging appeal. Over 300 candy and snack products, developed within the last year, were submitted for evaluation, showcasing the dynamic spirit of the industry. The winners, recognized for their outstanding contributions, were:
- Best in Show: Chunk Nibbles – Apple Cinnamon Chunk Nibbles. A delightful blend of classic flavors with an innovative snack format.
- Small Business Innovator: Jackson’s Chips – Farmhouse Ranch Sweet Potato Chips made with Avocado Oil. This award recognizes a small business pushing boundaries with healthier ingredient choices and popular flavors.
- Chocolate: Nuts.com/Kopper’s Chocolate – Mexican Hot Cocoa Bites. A sophisticated fusion of rich chocolate and a beloved spicy-sweet beverage.
- Non-Chocolate Candy: Shenzhen Amos Sweets & Foods Co., LTD – 4D Fruit Gummy Juicy Burst Strawberry. Highlighting multisensory experiences and intense flavor.
- Gum & Mints: Perfetti Van Melle USA, Inc. – Mentos Fruit Mints with Vitamins – Cool Fruity Mix. A functional twist on a classic mint, appealing to health-conscious consumers.
- Salty Snacks: Big Dipper Food Company – Peanut Butter Caramel Coated PopCrunch. A masterful blend of salty, sweet, and crunchy textures.
- Sweet Snacks: Tru Fru LLC – Parfait Poppers: Nature’s Raspberries Frozen Fresh in Greek Yogurt & Granola. Innovative preservation and a healthy-indulgent profile.
- Meat Snacks: PepsiCo Foods – Jack Link’s Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili Flavored Beef Jerky. A perfect example of brand collaboration creating exciting flavor mashups.
- Savory Snacks: Truly Good Foods – Henrietta Said Ancho Kimchi Flavored Peanuts. Showcasing global flavor inspiration and adventurous palates.
- Novelty/Licensed: Shenzhen Amos Sweets & Foods Co., LTD – TastySounds™ RecordableLollipop – Peach Nectar. A truly interactive and social media-friendly treat.
- Seasonal: Hawaiian Host LLC – Strawberries & Cream White Chocolate Macadamias. A luxurious and seasonally appropriate treat with premium ingredients.
- Gourmet/Premium | Candy: Tru Fru LLC – Nature’s Strawberries Hyper-Dried Fresh in White & Dark Chocolate. Emphasizing high-quality ingredients and sophisticated processing for a gourmet experience.
- Gourmet/Premium | Snack: Oh Snap! Pickling Co. – Cranberry Sweeties. An unexpected yet delightful savory-sweet combination in the gourmet snack category.
My exploration of the sweet side of the Expo included a particularly engaging visit to the Chocxo booth. It was a pleasure learning more about their exciting new offerings, which included the decadent Dark Milk Chocolate Toffee, Almond & Sea Salt Snaps, the creamy Dark Chocolate Coconut Cups, and their delightful lineup of holiday seasonal items. Chocxo stands out in the crowded chocolate market for its unwavering commitment to crafting treats that are not only delicious but also mindful of health and sustainability.
What truly sets Chocxo apart is their dedication to producing lower-sugar options without compromising on flavor. These exquisite chocolates, meticulously crafted by expert chocolatiers, contain no artificial sweeteners, making them a healthier indulgence compared to many counterparts on the market. Every Chocxo product undergoes rigorous review by dieticians and nutritionists, ensuring their nutritional integrity. Furthermore, the brand proudly upholds various important certifications, including USDA Organic, Project Verified Non-GMO, Certified Gluten-Free, Kosher, and Keto Certified. This comprehensive approach to quality and health consciousness resonates deeply with today’s discerning consumers. Moreover, Chocxo chocolates are made with 100% sustainable cocoa, sourced from grower co-operatives that are deeply committed to organic farming practices, fair compensation, ethical labor standards, and fostering high standards within their communities. As highlighted on the Chocxo website, “organic farming is shown to lower carbon emissions and promote greater biodiversity, which is why our chocolates are made with 100% Certified Organic Cocoa.” This commitment to both people and planet makes Chocxo a truly commendable brand.
Another thoroughly enjoyable stop was at the Endangered Species Chocolate booth. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting their representatives at previous Expo editions, and their chocolates have become my go-to choice for thoughtful gifts for friends. Consequently, I’m always keen to learn about their latest creations – eagerly anticipating what my next gift will be! This year, in addition to their beloved regular product lines, they were proudly showcasing an enticing new collection of seasonal chocolate shapes, perfect for celebrating holidays and special occasions with a conscience.
Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Endangered Species Chocolate has a rich history of crafting premium chocolate for three decades. Their dedication to ethical sourcing is evident in their use of Fairtrade certified cocoa beans, primarily from The Ivory Coast, ensuring fair wages and improved living conditions for cocoa farmers. Furthermore, all their products bear certifications for being non-GMO and gluten-free, catering to a broader range of dietary needs and preferences. As proudly stated on the Endangered Species Chocolate website, “We love the truly delicious product we create, and we’re on a mission to seed joy through abundant giving. By donating 10% of net profits to impactful organizations and initiatives, they can continue in their amazing work to improve our world every day.” This powerful mission of combining exceptional chocolate with significant philanthropic giving truly sets them apart and makes every purchase a contribution to a better world.
Many of the most scrumptious treats are often accompanied by deeply inspiring underpinning stories. From this perspective, familiarizing myself with Jojo’s Chocolate was an incredibly humbling and profoundly moving experience. Learning about the founder’s personal journey and the ongoing mission that drives the brand brought tears to my eyes, highlighting the powerful connection between passion and purpose. Simultaneously, the delicious, premium confections offered pure joy and deep satisfaction to my discerning sweet tooth, proving that healthy choices don’t have to compromise on taste.
Jojo’s Chocolate prides itself on using 70% dark chocolate, meticulously imported from Germany, which is crafted from fair trade cocoa beans responsibly sourced from Ecuador. This commitment to quality extends to all their ingredients, with other components sourced from Canada, the USA, and the Philippines, ensuring global excellence. As passionately stated on their website, “We’re clear about what our ingredients are, how we select them, and why they’re so good for you. With premium dark chocolate, high-quality protein, low or no-sugar, we’re giving chocolate lovers a delicious treat, and a healthier way to snack without tradeoffs. Every JOJO’s Chocolate bar is topped with real ingredients that pack nutrients into every bite without all the sugar.” This exemplifies a brand that is not only dedicated to creating incredibly delicious chocolate but also driven by a powerful purpose: to offer a truly healthier way to indulge. Their products are a testament to the fact that satisfying cravings can also be nourishing.
Speaking of purpose-driven brands, another truly exceptional small business that captured my attention at the Expo was Issei Mochi Gummies. These unique and delightful treats are the brainchild of Mika Shino, a Japanese American entrepreneur with an impressive cosmopolitan background and a deep-seated passion for cooking and providing wholesome, nourishing food for her family. Issei Mochi Gummies are lovingly inspired by the revered ancient Japanese tradition of mochi treats, which have been crafted for centuries using pure rice grains and pristine mountain spring water. Mika recognized the inherent purity of mochi, describing it as “probably one of the cleanest snacks ever invented.” Her vision was to create a snack that embodied this same level of purity and cleanliness for her own family, one that was entirely free from common allergens and undesirable additives. This led to the birth of Issei Mochi Gummies, a product carefully formulated without gluten, nuts, dairy, soy, and GMOs, making them completely vegan.
These soft, delightfully chewy, and pillowy Issei Mochi Gummies are a marvel of mindful snacking. They are not only vegan but also gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free, gelatin-free, and remarkably, shelf-stable, making them an incredibly convenient and accessible treat. Versatile in their enjoyment, they can be savored straight from the package as a satisfying snack, or creatively paired with various dishes such as ice cream, yogurt, oatmeal, puddings, or your favorite dessert to add a unique texture and subtle sweetness. Currently, Issei Mochi Gummies are widely available at Whole Foods Market locations nationwide, and can also be conveniently purchased directly from the Issei Mochi Gummies website. I was particularly impressed by the clean, natural flavor and the wonderfully soft, yet resilient texture of these treats, and I wholeheartedly recommend them as a delicious, healthy, perfectly portable, and truly purpose-driven snack that aligns perfectly with modern dietary needs and ethical values.
I simply cannot conclude my comprehensive overview of the incredible sweet treats I discovered at the Expo without giving a special mention to Frooze Balls. I vividly recall experiencing a similar profound level of excitement – a true “wow!” moment – a few years prior, upon first encountering Tru Fru. Frooze Balls, hailing from New Zealand, are quickly becoming a beloved plant-based snack in the US market, and for very good reason. These delightful energy balls are meticulously crafted with a profound respect for the environment and are packed with an array of wholesome, natural ingredients. Staples like creamy peanut butter, nutrient-rich dates, fragrant coconut, vibrant fruit purees, and a touch of pink salt come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures.
Frooze Balls are a testament to clean eating: they contain no added cane sugar, are completely gluten-free, non-GMO verified, kosher, and proudly vegan. This commitment to pure, unadulterated ingredients makes them an ideal choice for health-conscious consumers seeking nourishing options. Having had the pleasure of trying several varieties at the Expo, I can confidently attest to their exceptional taste and quality. I wholeheartedly agree with the brand’s charming description that Frooze Balls “taste like a healthy version of your favorite truffles.” The phenomenal flavors, the satisfying textures, and the holistic goodness packed into each bite make Frooze Balls a truly outstanding and guilt-free indulgence, perfectly aligning with the rising demand for plant-based and wholesome snack solutions.
Transitioning from the sweet to the savory, one of the undeniable highlights of my Expo experience was discovering and trying out CauliPuffs. These innovative snacks, made from a thoughtful blend of rice, corn, and cauliflower, are aptly described as “the perfect poppable anytime-snack you and your family will love” – a sentiment with which I wholeheartedly concur! It was a genuine pleasure to chat with the founders of this inspiring small, Salinas-based family business. Their story is a familiar one: a couple driven by a desire to find better-for-you snack options for their two young daughters, leading them to create a product that filled a genuine need. CauliPuffs are meticulously baked, not fried, ensuring a lighter, healthier crunch. They are also soy-free and seed-oil free, kosher, and proudly certified gluten-free, addressing a wide range of dietary concerns. Available in three distinct and delicious varieties, CauliPuffs are poised to satisfy both children and adults alike with their wholesome ingredients and satisfying taste.
My savory journey also included thoroughly enjoying samples of The Only Bean Edamame Beans, a product I had previously reviewed extensively here. These nutritious and crunchy beans continue to impress with their simple goodness and versatility.
As a devoted fan of mushroom-based snacks (a category I’ve previously covered in detail before), I was particularly thrilled to try out the Instagram sensation Evil Snacks mushroom chips. These unique chips are crafted from hand-picked, organic, non-GMO whole oyster mushrooms, offering an innovative and healthy alternative to traditional potato chips. These vegan chips come in a variety of delicious and wholesome flavors, providing both sustained energy and an impressive protein content, making them a superb functional snack. As proudly stated on the Evil Snacks website, “Our farmers hand-pick and curate the mushrooms to ensure only best quality mushrooms make it to our snack bags” – a testament to their commitment to quality and natural goodness. This meticulous sourcing and preparation result in a snack that is not only flavorful but also genuinely nourishing, appealing to health-conscious consumers and those seeking adventurous new snack experiences.
Speaking of Instagram sensations and innovative products, the Expo also introduced me to the super popular and remarkably trendy Nude Mints. These unique mints are ingeniously described as “the world’s first functional 2-in-1 breath & gut mint,” offering a dual benefit that addresses both immediate freshness and internal wellness. Made in Japan, these mints are entirely zero-sugar, catering to various dietary preferences, including keto-friendly, sugar-free, and gluten-free diets. Beyond their functional advantages, Nude Mints are presented in a super cute, highly portable, and environmentally conscious pocket-sized recyclable packaging. Their aesthetic appeal, combined with their precious and refreshing qualities, makes them a standout product in the personal care and functional food space. They embody a perfect blend of style, convenience, and health benefits, making them a desirable accessory for modern, health-aware consumers.
My visit to the Sweets & Snacks Expo was a truly enriching journey through the latest innovations and beloved classics of the confectionery and snack industries. The energy, the creativity, and the sheer volume of delicious products were inspiring. Which of these exciting sweets or savory snacks have you had the pleasure of trying before, or which one piques your interest enough to try first? Share your thoughts and favorites in the comments below!
*Disclaimer: I was not financially compensated by any of the companies mentioned or shown in this post. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own, based on my personal experience at the Expo.