2025 Sweets & Snacks Show Recap

The Chex Finer Foods team was on the ground at the 2025 Sweets & Snacks Show, uncovering the latest breakthroughs, buzzworthy launches, and category-shaping innovations in the world of treats and snacking. From reimagined classics to globally inspired creations, this year’s show confirmed that bold flavor, thoughtful formulation, and creative packaging are driving excitement across the category.

Here are five key trends and category opportunities we’re watching closely:

1. Global Inspirations

Snacks and sweets are becoming passports to flavor, with brands drawing from international cuisines to spark consumer curiosity. This year, we saw a rise in luxurious Middle Eastern influences, including Dubai chocolate—known for its ultra-smooth texture, elegant packaging, and rich flavor profiles often infused with pistachio, saffron, and rose. Another standout was angel hair chocolate, a delicate, flaky confection that melts in your mouth and adds a sophisticated edge to dessert formats. Whether it’s Dutch chocolate covered licorice, Swedish candy, Shelf Stable Mochi, or pistachio-forward treats, globally inspired snacking continues to deliver excitement and refinement.

Category Opportunity: Merchandising global-inspired items together can help tell a flavorful story and drive discovery. Consider themed promotions or limited-time assortments to tap into this exploration trend.

2. Familiar Favorites

While innovation is everywhere, comfort and nostalgia are still powerful purchase drivers. Brands are leaning into updated takes on classic formats—from retro candies with cleaner labels to homestyle toffee and a certain pirate’s favorite cookie. Our team saw all kinds of innovation from brands we already know and love. These products resonate with shoppers looking for new products from their favorite brands.

Category Opportunity: Retailers can capitalize on tried-and-true brands to offer customers something comforting with a fresh new twist.

3. Bold Flavors

Flavor was front and center at this year’s show—especially when it came to spice, tang, and contrast. Products pushed the envelope with pickle-spiced chips, curry flavored snacks, and hearty bread crisps. Consumers are clearly embracing intensity and experimentation in their snacking routines, seeking out bold experiences that excite the palate.

Category Opportunity: Creating a “Flavor Adventure” section or promotional endcap can help feature these crave-worthy, conversation-starting snacks that appeal to younger shoppers and flavor seekers.

4. Smarter Snacking

Health and indulgence are no longer mutually exclusive. The show highlighted a growing wave of better-for-you options—think electrolyte gum, shelf stable snacking bacon, protein snacks, and low-sugar confections. These products don’t sacrifice flavor or fun, making them attractive to the growing number of consumers reading labels more carefully.

Category Opportunity: Position these items in a “Smarter Snacks” section or as part of a wellness-focused endcap to meet rising demand for thoughtful treats that fit a range of lifestyles.

5. Seasonal Specialties

Limited-edition and holiday-themed offerings continue to be a hit, with brands investing more in seasonal formats, flavors, and packaging. From spring-inspired candy assortments to valentines day treats and everything in between, these limited-time launches bring excitement and urgency to the category.

Category Opportunity: Seasonal rotations keep shelves fresh and invite repeat visits. Curated displays that spotlight festive, themed offerings across brands can help boost basket size and drive impulse purchases.

What’s Next for Sweets & Snacks?

The Sweets & Snacks Show 2025 reinforced that today’s consumers want adventure, comfort, and intentionality—all in snackable form. At Chex Finer Foods, we’re excited to help our retail partners bring these trends to life on shelf, with a focus on quality, innovation, and of course delicious taste!

Ready to refresh your snack set with what’s trending now? Contact your Chex sales rep today!