Fish jerky, ramen-flavoured popcorn, and high-caffeine gum were among the standout innovations showcased by 1,000 exhibitors at the 2024 Sweets & Snacks Expo.
Food industry giants like Hershey, Ferrero, Conagra Brands, and Mars Wrigley unveiled their latest and greatest offerings, while hundreds of smaller innovators displayed their unique products in packed booths, hoping to catch the eye of retailers and competitors alike.
Here are five products that grabbed attention:
- Hooked on Sustainable Fish Jerky
Nick Mendoza, a former marine scientist turned entrepreneur, launched Neptune Snacks in 2020 with a mission to improve ocean health and promote sustainable seafood. Neptune’s fish jerky, available in four flavours from U.S. wild-caught fish, caters to consumers seeking alternative proteins and healthier snacks. The company prioritizes using imperfect fish, such as smaller fillets unsuitable for restaurant portions, and offers high-protein, low-calorie options rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Putting the Pop Back in Popcorn
Chef Dan Sobek of San Diego saw the need for innovation in the popcorn industry and responded by launching Nomad. Featuring flavours like ramen and chimichurri, Nomad popcorn aims to revolutionize the snack category with bold, food-inspired seasonings. Despite only being on the market for six months, Nomad has exceeded expectations in early tests at independent grocers, indicating a strong consumer desire for a popcorn flavour reboot.
- Bringing Energy Back to Gum
Maax Brands, founded by Mariano Cuesta, offers a high-caffeine gum as a convenient alternative to coffee. Each piece of Maax gum contains as much caffeine as one and a quarter cups of coffee, making it a potent pick-me-up. Available in flavours like spearmint, cinnamon, and tropical mango, Maax gum has found a niche in mom-and-pop stores and online, with plans to expand its product range to support energy needs for students, workers, and athletes.
- Sour Power with Brain Smack
Brain Smack, a new entrant in the sour candy market, distinguishes itself with a lingering sweet-sour flavour. Developed by 4 Aces Import, Brain Smack offers five products, including sour candy sprays and lollipops with a sour liquid or powder. The brand’s playful marketing challenges consumers to “smack with caution,” aiming to attract both adventurous eaters and sour candy enthusiasts.
- Making Pickles Pop
Jorge Ramos combines the growing U.S. love for pickles with chamoy, a Mexican condiment, to create a unique flavour experience. His company, Kids Kan Sa De CV, launched products like pickle-flavoured chamoy sauce, paste, and chilli seasoning, offering a blend of sour, sweet, spicy, and salty flavours. These products, already available at H-E-B and on Amazon, have quickly gained popularity for their versatility and addictive taste.
These innovative products showcase the creativity and diversity of the snack industry, providing a glimpse into the future of flavours and trends.