Held from May 13–15 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo brought together over 15,000 professionals and nearly 800 exhibitors from around the globe. Organized by the National Confectioners Association, the event showcased the latest in candy, chips, chocolate, and better-for-you innovations.
Pre-show highlights included the Supplier Showcase and an awards ceremony on May 12, setting the stage for what would become the largest industry gathering of its kind.
This year’s themes revolved around bold global flavors, special-occasion treats, and a wave of health-forward, ingredient-conscious products. Over 400 new items debuted across 12 categories — each pushing the boundaries of taste and wellness.
Featured brands
Nebula Snacks
Austin-based Nebula Snacks is reimagining chocolate with zero-sugar-added, non-glycemic dark chocolate bites. Crafted from 73 percent organic dark chocolate sourced from the Dominican Republic and sweetened with monk fruit and allulose, these treats are keto- and diabetic-friendly. Flavor standouts include:
- Red Razz: White chocolate raspberry cream
- Cosmic Caramel: Gooey salted caramel
- P’Nut Butta: Sea-salted roasted peanut butter
- Minty Way: Mint cream colored naturally with chlorella
- Cub’s Crunch: Puffed quinoa in double dark chocolate
Founder David Jacobowitz launched the brand after struggling with restrictive diets, turning customer feedback into their now-popular filled bites, available in over 20 Austin locations.
Tao Kae Noi
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Thailand’s seaweed snack titan continues to grow its global fanbase. Founded by Itthipat “Tob” Peeradechapan in 2004, the brand now exports to more than 50 countries. Top offerings include:
- Crispy Seaweed (Original, Wasabi, Spicy)
- Tempura Seaweed
- Big Roll seaweed wraps
The brand’s humble beginnings and Tob’s journey were immortalized in the Thai biopic “The Billionaire.”
Mano’s Authentic
Michigan-based Mano’s Authentic serves up thin-crust pita strips inspired by their Middle Eastern family restaurant. Baked (not fried) and packaged in resealable bags, their flavors range from Original Unsalted to Lemon & Herb. They’re low in sodium and carbs, made without preservatives or artificial flavors.
Tortilla Mi Niña
Brockton, MA’s Tortilla Mi Niña blends Aztec tradition with modern quality. Using volcanic stone-ground masa made daily from U.S. organic corn, their tortilla chips are gluten-free, kosher, and additive-free. The flavor lineup includes:
- Sea Salt
- Pico de Gallo
- Jalapeño Agave
- Spicy Chipotle Lime
- Cinnamon Churro
Available at Whole Foods, Wegmans, and more.
The Good Chocolate
San Francisco’s The Good Chocolate delivers zero-sugar, organic bean-to-bar indulgence. Keto-friendly and FODMAP-certified, their dark chocolate bars offer only 2 net carbs per serving.
Popular flavors include Himalayan Salt, Ginger, and Classic Dark.
Foods Alive
Based in Indiana, Foods Alive focuses on small-batch, plant-based products like flaxseed crackers, cold-pressed oils, and protein powders. They also offer nutrient-rich superfoods, trail mixes, and organic salad dressings — all non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free.
Thomas Cattle Company (TCC)
From Idaho’s Owyhee Mountains, TCC raises certified all-natural Angus beef on 100,000+ acres of pasture. Their steaks, jerky, and tallow-based products are hormone- and antibiotic-free. They also practice regenerative agriculture in partnership with the USDA and NRCS.
Takis
Known for heat and flavor, Takis has become a Gen Z staple. Owned by Grupo Bimbo’s Barcel, this brand rose to fame with its rolled tortilla chips. The brand’s Iconic flavors include:
- Fuego (Hot chili + lime)
- Blue Heat (Spicy and neon blue)
- Crunchy Fajita
- Guacamole
Product extensions include Takis Pop!, Stix, and Nuts.
Nutriart
This Quebec-based manufacturer offers everything from chocolate chips to custom caramel fillings. Nutriart’s 250,000 sq ft peanut-free facility produces private label and co-manufactured goods, supplying major North American food brands. They’re certified Kosher, BRC, and Rainforest Alliance.
Russell Stover Chocolates
Celebrating over a century in business, Russell Stover continues to evolve. Now under Lindt & Sprüngli, the company focuses on handcrafted sugar-free chocolates and classic boxed assortments. Their 2023 centennial included unveiling a 5,000-pound chocolate box.
Bridgford Foods
Founded in 1932, Bridgford Foods is a NASDAQ-listed company offering everything from frozen breads to shelf-stable military rations. Despite a recent net loss, the company remains focused on innovation and expanding its national footprint.
Corn Nuts
Owned by Hormel since 2021, Corn Nuts delivers ultra-crunchy roasted corn in flavors like Loaded Taco, Chile Picante con Limon, and Jalapeño Cheddar. Though American-made, the snack has cultural roots in traditional Peruvian and Filipino corn snacks.
Wild West Chocolate
Based in Montana, this woman-led company uses only organic fruit to sweeten their oat milk and dark chocolate confections. Bestsellers include Huckleberry Bear Claws and variety packs. A portion of proceeds supports river preservation via the River Management Society.
Joon Pistachios
This family-run brand brines pistachios using a 300-year-old method, delivering bold flavors like Dill Pickle and Salt & Pepper — all without using seed oils. They’re plant-based, paleo-friendly, and non-GMO.
Uncle Ray’s
Detroit’s Uncle Ray’s potato chips come with a side of storytelling, literally. The brand prints founder Ray Jenkins’ autobiographical anecdotes and Bible verses on every bag. With flavors like Hot, BBQ, and Cheese Curls, they’ve earned loyal fans across the U.S. and Canada.
Carian’s Bistro Chocolates
Based in Illinois, Carian’s Bistro blends European techniques with luxurious giftable confections. Their offerings include Dubai Bars, truffle gift boxes, and praline collections — certified Kosher, Halal, and FDA-approved.
Hu Chocolate
Hu (“Human”) was born from a NYC paleo restaurant and quickly became a clean-label favorite. Acquired by Mondelēz in 2021 for $340 million, Hu still crafts vegan, gluten-free chocolate free from refined sugar and additives. Their “Ultrasimple” philosophy continues to guide their wildly popular product line.
Liberty Orchards
Best known for Aplets & Cotlets, this century-old Washington confectioner was rescued from closure in 2021 by KDV USA. They now produce gluten-free Orchard Bars and expanded fruit-and-nut confections rooted in their Armenian heritage.
Cornexi Food Kft.
Hungary’s Cornexi brings oat-based innovation to global shelves. With sugar-free and gluten-free muesli bars, cereals, and porridges, the company saw a 239 percent profit jump in 2023 and is a proud RSPO member promoting sustainable palm oil sourcing.
Uglies Kettle Chips
Turning food waste into crunchy goodness, Uglies uses “imperfect” potatoes to make kettle chips in flavors like Hot Honey Sweet Potato and Buffalo Ranch. Since 2017, they’ve saved 25+ million pounds of potatoes and donate 10 percent of profits to charity.
HealthSmart Foods
Based in Indiana, HealthSmart makes low-carb snacks and chocolates under brands like ChocoRite and Keto Wise. Their sugar-free, protein-packed options include fat bombs, bars, and even commercial soft-serve mixes—all crafted with ingredients like erythritol, inulin, and the fat replacer EPG.
Frankie’s Organic
Inspired by their grandfather’s farm in Quebec, this family brand makes vegan, organic puffs in flavors like Churro Sweet Potato Fries and Jalapeño Cheddar. Every snack is gluten-free and baked with sprouted grains — no wonder they’re frequently sold out.
With such an array of bold flavors and health-conscious snacks on display, this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo proved that the future of snacking is not just indulgent—it’s innovative, inclusive, and intentional.
