Snack Trends

If you want a glimpse into the future of candy and snacks, simply walk the rows of the Sweets & Snacks Expo in Indianapolis.

The Sweets & Snacks Expo is THE place for the latest launches from the leading manufacturers in the snacking space.

With hundreds of exhibitors, it’s hard to see it all! We’ve done the work for you. Our team of experts has identified the candy trends going into overdrive for 2024 and beyond.

The hottest trend in candy right now is actually cold! Freeze-dried candy.

Don’t let the name fool you. Freeze dried candy isn’t actually cold. It’s the process of freeze drying beloved packaged and bulk candy items for a distinctly different candy.

Even though there’s a lot of buzz around it and new players keep entering the space, there’s still an air of mystery around Freeze-dried candy.

Mystery no more. We’re answering your most burning questions about this cool, trending treat.

Snacking is the new meal. 45% of consumers said they eat snacks instead of meals at home, according to the National Confectioners Association.

This isn’t the only fact that will surprise you. Let’s delve into the mini-meals that are having a moment.

In today’s snacking climate you truly can have it all. Rich luxury AND sticking to that resolution.

The secret – bite sized indulgences.

Bite-size snacks delivering BIG on flavor and indulgence are, in fact, one of the top food trends right now (Food Business News).

There are many ways to get in on the bite size indulgent snack game.

Instagram Influencers? That’s sooo yesterday! The hottest social media platform driving sales across the entire retail community — TikTok. Described as “Instagram meets YouTube,” TikTok allows individuals to post short clips of anything from comedic skits, to the latest dance moves or — here’s where it gets juicy for those in the food industry – to food reviews AND food challenges!

With 100 million TikTok users in the US alone according to AdAge, that’s A LOT of potential eyeballs to see your business. Major brands selling everything from cleaning products, to apparel, to food already see the potential. The demand for products featured on TikTok is so high, that Amazon has an “as seen on social media” section, AdAge also reports. Take a cue from the big brands. Attract customers with TikTok trend worthy treats.

2020 turned us all a little salty – or at least where snack cravings are concerned. Salty snacks sales were up 14% for the year according to Nielsen, with 58% of consumers snacking more than they were previously. So far for 2021, this new snack order is here to stay.

Customers want to be a-salted with that salty flavor, but at the same time are looking for something a little outside the snacking norm. In fact, 40% of younger consumers say they are more likely to try a snack option if it’s new, according to Progressive Grocer. You know what time it is – time to shake up your salty snack selection. Here’s how.