10 New Snacks and Candies Spotted at the 2018 McLane National Trade Show
By Brett Dworski on Sep. 07, 2018ORLANDO, Fla. – Snack and candy sampling at the recent McLane Tradeshow was inescapable. New crunchy, chewy products were showcased at all corners of the show floor at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando, Fla., where convenience retailers and suppliers from around the country flocked to peep the hottest products manufactured by the Temple, Texas-based supplier.
Here are ten snack and candies featured at the show that caught CSP’s attention …
1. Giants Dill Pickle Cashews
Sunflower seed and nut snack producer Giants is bringing pickled flavored cashews to the market. The Dill Pickle Cashews, which are rich in protein and other nutrients, combine salty pickle and nutty flavors into one product. The company called the product a “dill-icious” snack. It is available in Mega Size packages, which contain six, 4-ounce bags, for $25.50.
Photograph courtesy of Brett Dworski
2. Small Batch Pork Rinds
Snacking company Southern Recipe Small Batch showcased its Small Batch Pork Rinds, which come in four flavors: Korean Kimchi BBQ, Sea Salt & Cracked Black Pepper, Spicy Dill and Pineapple Ancho Chili. The crispy snacks are fried in sunflower oil, making them gluten-free. They arrive in 4-ounce bags.
Photograph courtesy of Brett Dworski
3. Airheads Fruit Gummies and White Mystery Bites
Perfetti Van Melle USA, Inc. showcased two new Airhead chewy snack products. The first, it’s Airhead Gummies, which come in six flavors: Cherry, Blue Raspberry, Green Apple, Orange, Strawberry and Watermelon—all which come in 3.8-ounce and 6-ounce bags for suggested retail prices of $1.25 and $1.99, respectively.
The second product, Airheads White Mystery Bites, contain chewy candies with a white shell exterior. The flavor is a mystery, hence the name. Airheads White Mystery Bites are available in 2-ounce and 6-ounce packs for SRPs of 89 cents and $1.69, respectively.
Photograph courtesy of Brett Dworski
4. Hi-Chew Plus Fruit
The 2-in-1 flavor trend continues with Hi-Chew’s Plus Fruit mix bag. This 3.17-ounce bags contains traditional Hi-Chew candies filled with small pieces of real fruit. They come in two flavors: Mango & Pineapple and Cranberry & Grape. Each bag contains roughly 18 Hi-Chew candies and is available for an SRP of $2.79.
Photograph courtesy of Brett Dworski
5. TGI Fridays Party Bites
TGI Friday’s displayed new varieties of its Party Bites in two flavors: Chipotle Cheese and Cheddar Bacon. The puffed corn snacks come in 6.75-ounce bags and are also available in Buffalo Ranch and Mac & Cheese varieties.
Photograph courtesy of Brett Dworski
6. Jalapeno Cheddar Combos
Mars’s Combos Stuffed Snacks were on display in its newest flavor, Jalapeno Cheddar. The snack contains spicy cheese wrapped in a baked tortilla coating and is available in 6.3-ounce pouches. This expands the Combos flavor roster, which already features varieties such as Pizzeria Pretzel, Pepperoni Pizza Cracker, 7 Layer Dip Tortilla and Buffalo Blue Cheese.
Photograph courtesy of Brett Dworski
7. Torie & Howard Chewie Fruities Stick Packs
Organic candy brand Torie & Howard revealed its new Chewie Fruities Stick Packs at the show, which are now available in select convenience-store chains nationwide. The stick packs have an SRP of $1.99 for 2-ounce packs and $3.99 for 4-ounce packs. Its flavors include Italian Tarocco Blood Orange and Wildflower Honey; California Pomegranate and Sweet Freestone Nectarine; Meyer Lemon and Raspberry; Sour Apple; Sour Cherry and Sour Berry.
Photograph courtesy of Brett Dworski
8. Snack Club Tajin Toasted Corn
Century Snacks showcased the newest product for its flagship brand, Snak Club, that merges spicy and sweet flavor notes. The Chili and Lime Toasted Corn with Tajin flavoring expands the brand’s repertoire of nearly 30 flavors, which includes the Southwestern Snack Mix, Hot and Spicy Peanuts and Honey Cashews. The Toasted Corn snacks arrive in a resealable zip bag in various sizes, none larger than 4-ounces.
Photograph courtesy of Brett Dworski
9. Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers Fruit & Fire
Ferrera Candy Co. has launched its Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers Fruit & Fire, which come in two 2-in-1 flavor combinations: Cherry Mango-Habanero and Cherry-Watermelon-Jalapeno. The spicy gummies come in 5-ounce pouches.
Photograph courtesy of Brett Dworski
10. Sour Punch Boltz
The American Licorice Co. debuted its new Sour Punch Boltz bags, which contain four sweet and sour gummy flavors: Cherry, Watermelon, Lemon and Tangerine. The lightning bolt-shaped candies are available in 4-ounce bags and are free of high fructose corn syrup.
Photograph courtesy of Brett Dworski