Indiana Convention Center. The Sweets & Snacks Expo is the largest sweets and snacks event in North America, bringing together nearly a thousand sweets and snacks exhibitors to showcase the most innovative ideas, concepts and products in the sweets and snacks industry. By summarizing these innovative ideas and products, the SPINS team released the top 10 cutting-edge trends in sweets and snacks. 

Trend : Freeze-dried candies are becoming popular. 

According to Mordor data, the freeze-dried food market size in 2023 is about US$ 2.98 billion, and it is expected to reach US$ 4.45 billion by 2028 , with a compound annual growth rate of 8.35% during the forecast period ( 2023-2028 ) . Thanks to the demand of the younger generation of consumers for fast and convenient eating, freeze-dried candies have been popular in the past two years. Unlike traditional candies, freeze-dried candies are made by freeze-drying technology with extremely low moisture content. Previously, this technology was mainly used for the preparation of dried fruits and vegetables. Due to the extremely low water activity, freeze-dried candies can maintain a long shelf life without adding or with little preservatives. For example, the Sow Good brand has launched a variety of freeze-dried candies, including sour, sweet and other flavors.Share a Smile llc brand has launched a freeze-dried toffee, the main ingredients of which include corn syrup, coconut oil, sea salt, egg white, etc.

 Trend : Caffeinated energy bars 

According to data, the energy bar market size is expected to be US$ 3.28 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 3.85 billion by 2029 , with a compound annual growth rate of 3.32% during the forecast period ( 2024-2029 ) . Conventional energy bars are mainly composed of carbohydrates and proteins, which can quickly provide energy to people and maintain stable blood sugar levels. Caffeinated energy bars are not only nutritious, but also help people refresh themselves in the afternoon and relieve fatigue. SPINS believes that for people who don't want to drink coffee, this kind of portable caffeinated energy bar snack can help. For example, Verb 's energy bar gets caffeine from green tea, is vegan and all-natural, and each energy bar is equivalent to a cup of espresso. 

Trend : Nutritious fruit bars     

SPINS believes that it is difficult for shoppers to eat fruits rich in various nutrients every day. At this time, they can eat some fruit bars with a focus on nutrition as a supplement. The energy, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and other nutrients in fruits are concentrated in fruit bars, making them more convenient to eat. Fruit bars can also be combined with other snacks to give people more health benefits. In addition, compared with fresh fruits, fruit bars are easier to store. Studies have shown that fig fruit bars have strong antioxidant capacity and can be stored for 90 days.
days. This is also one of the reasons why this type of product has become popular.
South Forty 's fruit bars are made of tropical fruits, free of preservatives and concentrates. The varieties include mango, pineapple mango lime and pineapple passion fruit. Each fruit bar contains 1-3 fruit ingredients.
Trend : Peanut butter has richer flavors .
According to data, the peanut butter market size will be US$ 7.2 billion in 2023. It is expected to reach US$ 11.4 billion by 2029 , with a compound annual growth rate of 7.3% from 2024 to 2030. Tastewise data shows that social discussions about chocolate peanut butter have increased by 29.18% in the past year. As young people's demand for high-protein foods and complex flavors grows, the flavors of peanut butter around the world will become richer. For example, Dr. Peanut has launched a variety of peanut butter flavors such as Brazilian chocolate, condensed milk, and white chocolate coconut. Nerdy Nuts has launched a variety of compound flavors of peanut butter such as Boujee Brownie, Salted Caramel Cheese, and Chocolate Chips. These products can be enjoyed in sandwiches or as snack ingredients. 

Trend : Carry-on meat protein  

Mordor data shows that The meat snack market size is estimated to be $ 19.37 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $ 26.75 billion by 2029 , with a compound annual growth rate of 6.67% during the forecast period ( 2024-2029 ) . Consumers' preference for portable snack products is driving the market. Grass-fed meat snacks that are free of preservatives, have controlled portions, and have a variety of flavors and textures are becoming increasingly popular.     SPINS believes that despite the continued popularity of plant protein products, meat snacks are not at risk of disappearing. In addition, meat snacks have a strong influence in convenience stores. Exhibitors at the expo include meat snack brands such as Chomps , Space Rocket Jerky and CHYLER'S ™, including beef, turkey, salmon, bison, elk, venison, etc.     CHYLER'S ™-Hawaiian Beef Slices® - Original Roasted Garlic is one of the most innovative products at the expo. The brand uses traditional Hawaiian slow cooking techniques to bring out the full flavor of the meat and achieve a unique crispy texture, which is more flavorful than jerky. 

Trend : More plant-based raw materials 

As consumers become more health conscious, more and more companies are developing various plant-based products to replace milk, cheese, meat and egg products. Plant-based foods have long been popular, especially in Europe and the United States. Plant-based raw materials are becoming more and more abundant. In addition to traditional soybeans and chickpeas, beets, sweet potatoes, rice, etc. are also beginning to become plant-based raw materials.
For example, Theo's brand has launched vegetable snacks made from beets and sweet potatoes to replace meat snacks. Lenny & Larry's has launched a plant protein cookie that is baked with pea and rice protein. These plant-based products contain 9 essential amino acids, are easy to digest, and can effectively curb people's hunger. 

Trend : Spicy foods are still popular. 

As a flavor enhancer, chili can activate the digestive system, promote saliva secretion and intestinal peristalsis, and make dry food taste more delicious, which is why people can't resist spicy food. The Frito-Lay Summer Snack Index shows that 41% of consumers will choose interesting flavor combinations, such as spicy and sweet, instead of familiar flavors. People's love for spicy and strong flavors is still on the rise. SPINS found that whether it is desserts or snacks, there seems to be a spicy version at this expo. For example, Julio's is famous for its original corn chips and potato chips, but the brand also launched Freakin' Hot Chips  , a spicy potato chip. Jovy , a maker of healthy snacks and gourmet confectionery with more than 30 years of experience, has launched a chilli lollipop as part of its We Are Spicy range. Australia, located in the southern hemisphere, has developed agriculture and animal husbandry, fertile farmland, and excellent conditions for sugarcane planting, which can provide high-quality candy raw materials. The sweetness and diversity of the country's candy make it popular worldwide. In addition, the production process of Australian candy is complex and delicate, which ensures the exquisite style and taste of the candy. SPINS found that no matter what candy Australia exports, candy lovers seem to like it.     Allen's is one of Australia's most well-known candy brands. Allen's Jelly Beans lollipops contain 9 bright colors and a variety of fruit flavors (such as raspberry, apple, orange, etc.), and its main sugar comes from sucrose. 

Trend : Continuous innovation of popcorn 

Popcorn is generally a puffed food made by mixing corn, ghee and sugar. Classic popcorn has two flavors: cheese and butter. SPINS noticed that many brands are launching unique flavors of popcorn with various spices, and there are also innovations in the way of eating. For example, Bad Monkey  popcorn has launched a variety of flavors such as buffalo wings and dill pickles. The brand is also known for its "heat and eat" packaging. Although the popcorn has already popped, consumers can still put the entire bag into the microwave or on the grill to heat it repeatedly, making the popcorn taste better and making it more fun to eat. 

Trend : Traditional brands reshape classics     

SPINS pointed out that in an era of consumption upgrades and industry upheavals, some traditional brands are still looking for ways to reshape classics. Product innovation is the core of traditional brand innovation. On the basis of maintaining classic tastes, brands can meet the increasingly diverse needs of consumers by developing new product lines, new packaging, new flavors, etc. For example, Tic Tac 
It is a mint candy brand owned by the Italian Ferrero Company. It was first produced in 1969. At this exhibition, Tic Tac first displayed the fruit candy Tic Tac Chewy . The launch of Tic Tac Chewy marked the brand's and Ferrero's