Chex Finer Foods at Summer Fancy Food Show 2025: Top Trends Unveiled

This July, the Chex Finer Foods team explored the vibrant Summer Fancy Food Show in NYC, uncovering three standout trends set to shape the gourmet snack and beverage aisles this summer and beyond:

1. Dubai 2.0 – Beyond Chocolate Bars

Dubai chocolate took center stage once again—but this year, it extended far beyond the classic chocolate bar.

• Dubai chocolate confections have evolved, revealing a new wave of premium formats: Spreads, filled cones, Protein Bars, and kadayif-infused treats—all wrapped in elegant packaging and perfect for Instagram moments .

• Buzz around “Dubai 2.0” signals that these luxurious flavor-texture combos are now budding stars across a wide range categories including bars, nuts, cookies, and spreads.

• Chex recommends: Merchandisers could spotlight a “Dubai Indulgence” feature—pairing various Dubai inspired products to elevate aisles and excite adventurous shoppers.

  
  

2. Indian Flavors Infusing the Snack World

Indian-inspired snacking has officially arrived—and it’s bold, portable, and delicious.

• Spiced potato chips and pretzels like Bombay Spice and Naan Spice infuse elevated global flavors into familiar snacking vehicles.

• Modern chaat-style mixes delivered a sweet‑savory crunch that’s perfect for grab‑and‑go.

• Chex recommendation: Feature an “India Snack Trail” endcap—featuring chips, snack mixes, and pretzels—with visuals and flavor descriptors to invite discovery.

  
  

3. Clean Energy + Functional Beverages

The thirst for beverages that energize and offer health benefits was clear—and “clean energy” innovations are leading the charge.

• Traditional caffeine was joined by adaptogenic drinks, featuring functional mushrooms (lion’s mane, ashwagandha) for stress relief and mental clarity.

• Broader mix of functional beverages from energy‑infused sparkling waters to sparkling tea and antioxidant drinks also had strong showings at Fancy Food.

• Chex tip: Carve out a “Clean Energy Hub” adjacent to refrigerated grab‑and‑go sections—to display adaptogenic seltzers, sparkling teas, and functional beverages.

  
  

Why These Matter Now

• Cultural curiosity + visual appeal: Dubai chocolate’s viral popularity taps into both social media buzz and luxury snacking.

• Global palates, anytime snacks: Indian flavors now go beyond dining tables to snacks consumers eat everywhere.

• Health-forward energy: Consumers seek better-for-you alternatives—supporting daily function without guilt.

At Chex Finer Foods, we're eager to help retailers shape shelves that tell flavorful, purposeful stories—blending luxury with accessibility, novelty with familiarity, and health with enjoyment.

Let us know which trend sparks the most shelf excitement for your shoppers!