Here at Associated, we’ve got the in on the latest and greatest snacking trends and we’re excited to share with you our findings from our trip to 2019 Winter Fancy Food Show.
The 2019 Winter Fancy Food Show was held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. For those who aren’t familiar with this event, Fancy Food Show is an exhibit presented by Specialty Food Association where manufactures from all over the world showcase their unique and exciting offerings. There are over 80,000 specialty food and beverages on display and 3 full days to experience as much as you can. Talk about a challenge!
This season, we found that the focus was less on sweets and more on savory and bold flavors, animal and alternative proteins as well as nutrient dense, healthful beverages. Check out some of our favorite finds and rising trends we picked out from 2019 Winter Fancy Food Show:
Puffs in Bold & Savory Flavors
Who doesn’t like a good puff? They come in all sorts shapes, sizes and flavors. And some pack quite the punch, like Vegan Rob’s Dragon Puffs and Spokes Mango Habanero air-puffed potato snacks. Both snacks were at Fancy Food this year and were a smokin’ hit. Sun Tropics showcased their crunchy Mochi Rice Bites, a modern spin on the traditional soft rice dough.
Plant Based Protein
Siren Protein Bites have been a customer favorite since we added them to our product line-up. Siren Snacks are vegan and utilize pea and almond protein, prebiotic fiber and natural sweeteners to make their delicious craveable bites. At 2019 Winter Fancy Food Show they debuted their latest flavor, Birthday Cake.
Turmeric and Adaptogen Beverages & Teas
The term “adaptogen” was coined in 1947 to describe plants that increase the body’s resistance to stress resulting from trauma, anxiety, and fatigue. We continue to see a rise with functional foods and beverages which utilize hard-working adaptogens, such as ashwagandha, maca, and reishi. We were ecstatic to see REBBL in attendance at the 2019 Winter Fancy Food Show. REBBL is well known for their tasty elixirs, which fuse function with flavor.
Did you know? REBBL was born out of a passionate collaboration between global thought-leaders to identify an innovative solution to uplift vulnerable communities around the world. What emerged was the concept of crafting a beverage from native ingredients grown in regions in need of economic improvement. REBBL also gives back 2.5% of their net sales to Not For Sale, which provides shelter, education, healthcare, legal services, and job training for survivors of exploitation.
Coconut, Cactus & Kelp Water
Water is life, and we love to see creative new twists on it. We discovered Kalena, makers of sparkling coconut water that is made from responsible grown and harvested organic coconuts. With eight current flavors, they aim to elevate your coconut water experience. Ocean’s Halo shared their kelp-based superfood drinks which contain desalinated deep sea water, natural electrolytes, and kelp extract for additional nutrients & minerals. They’ve crafted some truly unique and creative flavors, like hibiscus cinnamon, honey ginger, kiwi aloe and watermelon lime. Green-Go Cactus water was another awesome find. Green-Go is made from the nopal, or prickly pear, cactus paddle and has a light and refreshing lemongrass taste. PS, you should totally meet Green-Go’s self-appointed ambassador, Chad.
Oat Milk
There are several dairy milk alternatives, but one in particular was emerging at the 2019 Winter Fancy Food Show: oat milk. The oat milk craze started here in the States several years ago when Swedish company Oatly arrived. The demand was so outrageous, it created a shortage on east coast coffee shops who offered the dairy-free alternative. Several companies have since jumped aboard the trend, including Califia’s Oat Barista Blend and PepsiCo’s Quaker Oats Oat Beverage.
Interested in learning more about dairy milk alternatives? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Plant Based Milk.
Pumpkin Seed Butter
Move over peanut and almond butter; 88 Acres is bringing a new nut butter to the table; pumpkin seed butter, that is. Expect a light and sweet taste and a warm, earthy spread. A unique experience for seed and nut butter loves alike.
Booth Spotlight: Belgian Boys
We must admit, the Belgian Boy’s booth had a sweet set up! Their sweet treats are simply delicious and crafted from fresh, quality ingredients. Have you heard of their #rockthatstash challenge? Grab yourself a bag of mini cookie stash cookie butter cookies, take a selfie, nominate your charity and share it. A portion of their products’ proceeds are then donated to that month’s winner!
We can’t wait to share with you more exciting details from our next Fancy Food Show adventure. Until then, snack on, friends!
Excited by any of these items and wish to see them available for your product mix? Send us your thoughts! We’d love to hear from you.
