2025 Most Innovative New Product Awards Showcase
This digital portal provides access to more than 400 products submitted into the 2025 innovation awards program. Product submissions were taste-tested by more than 40 judges from leading retailers and distributors representing nearly 85 percent of U.S. confectionery and snack industry buying power. Four weighted criteria were used to assess each item: innovation, taste, packaging and salability.
SPONSORED BY:
Best In Show
Belle’s Gourmet Popcorn
Matcha Latte Popcorn
SRP: $5.99 | 5.5 oz
Sweet, earthy, and snackable—this Matcha Latte kettle corn is drizzled in white chocolatey and crafted with clean ingredients. A premium, non-GMO treat that delivers indulgence without compromise and meets the rising demand for better-for-you snacks.
Small Business Innovator
International Snack Company
Nomad Snacks
Pad Thai Flavored Ready-to-Eat Popcorn
SRP: $4.99 | 4 oz
Pad Thai flavored ready-to-eat popcorn. Savory-sweet flavors of lime, soy, herbs, and a hint of chili.
Chocolate
Winner:
Kopper’s Chocolate / Nuts.com
Pop & Sol
Coconut Flaked White Chocolate Covered Cashews
SRP: $5.99 | 4oz
Our Coconut Flaked White Chocolate-Covered Cashews are coated in 100% artisanal white chocolate, with crunchy coconut flakes under each layer for fruity flavor.
Finalists:
Harison Chocolate
Dubai Kunafa Chocolate 200g
SRP: $20.00 | 7.05oz
Harison Kunafa Chocolate 200g features milk chocolate, crunchy kunafa, and smooth pistachio cream filling. Made with an authentic recipe, it’s an indulgent treat and an elegant gift for any occasion.
Solen Cikolata Gida San ve Tic AS
MiLanGo
Dubai Chocolate Bite Size
SRP: $14.99 | 8.6oz
Individually wrapped bite size Dubai Chocolates. A unique combination of quality, taste, luxury, design, and special experience. The intense pistachio flavour and deep green colour comes from “Boz Pistachio”; one of the highest quality and the most delicious pistachio varieties in the world.
Chocolove
Pistachios & Sea Salt in Milk Chocolate Bar
SRP: $3.99 | 3.2oz
Introducing Chocolove’s Milk Chocolate Bar with Pistachios & Sea Salt – where creamy premium chocolate indulgence meets viral pistachio trends. Sustainable, nutritious, and irresistibly trendy in eye-catching green packaging. A must-have for today’s flavor-forward, taste-driven chocolate lovers.
Kopper’s Chocolate / Nuts.com
Pop & Sol
Banana Dusted Dark Chocolate Covered Walnuts
SRP: $5.99 | 4oz
Our Banana Dusted Dark Chocolate-Covered Walnuts are coated in 55% artisanal dark chocolate and topped with a delicate powder from real bananas.
Gourmet/Premium – Confections
Winner:
MONARK
Mattigan’s
Dubai Style Chocolate Spread
SRP: $5.99 | 7.05oz
Discover the decadence of our unique candy bar in a jar! Featuring the luxurious combination of pistachio cream swirled with chocolate hazelnut, and then layered with delicate, golden kataifi for that irresistible crunch. One bite and you’ll be hooked—no passport required!
Finalists:
Astor Chocolate Corp.
Gudlife by Astor Chocolate
Gudlife Mega Krunch Mint Cookies & Cream
SRP: $7.99 | 3 oz
Indulge in a 3oz mint-flavored white confection bar, bursting with a luscious cookies and cream filling. Smooth, creamy, and irresistibly cool, this decadent treat melts in your mouth with every bite—ooey, gooey, and packed with a crunch for the ultimate sweet escape.
Crack Corn / Puffy Pop
Puffy Pop – Dubai Chocolate style puffs
SRP: $6.99 | 4.23 oz
Puffy Pop takes popcorn to the next level—no kernels, no hulls, just pure, tooth-friendly crunch! Our new Dubai Chocolate flavor blends rich chocolate, roasted pistachios, and delicate shredded phyllo dough for a sweet and satisfying twist.
Promise Confections / Edward Marc Brands
Edward Marc Chocolatier
Dubai Style Chocolate Strawberry Pistachio Truffle Bites
SRP: $13.99 | 20oz
Dubai style chocolate with Dried Strawberry, Pistachios and Kataifi Style Shredded Wheat enrobed in our Sustainably Sourced Dark Chocolate.
Tru Fru LLC
trü frü
Nature’s Hyper-Dried Raspberries & Crème
SRP: $5.99 | 3.4oz
Tru Fru’s Hyper-Dried Raspberries and Crème is the perfect on-the-go indulgent treat. Our real white chocolate and crème makes fruit better by complementing the fresh flavor of the hyper-dried raspberries.
Gum & Mints
Winner:
breathROX
Popping Breath Mints – Blue Raspberry
SRP: $2.99 | 0.42oz
breathROX are sugar-free popping candy breath mints. They’re an awesome, nostalgic experience that are fun to share with friends. Other breath mints are just perfumed candy. Zinc helps neutralize gas. Popping helps activate saliva. Pieces help scrub mouth.
Finalists:
CandyRific LLC/ Hilco Sweets LLC
Kraft Heinz Kool-Aid
Strawberry Cotton Candy Bubble Gum Peg Bag 1oz.
SRP: $1.99 | 1oz
Kool-Aid Cotton Candy Bubble Gum Peg Bag 1oz. Delicious strawberry cotton candy that turns into bubble gum as you chew it. A unique and exciting new gum format first launched for Easter 2025.
Packed 4×12 = 48ct. Master Cases.
REV GUM
Pink Lemonade
SRP: $2.99 | 1.2oz
Introducing Pink Lemonade—our newest electrolyte gum with a bold citrus kick. Now sweetened with monk fruit and colored naturally, it’s a cleaner, smoother way to hydrate. Same benefits, better formula. Hydration meets innovation in every chew.
The PUR Company
PUR JUMBO SOURZ Gum
Blue Raspberry & Watermelon Sugar-Free Chewing Gum
SRP: $4.49 | 2.9oz
JUMBO SOURZ is the clean-label gum disrupting the booming sour trend. JUMBO pieces 3x the size, bold fruity-sour flavor & better-for-you ingredients. 100% sweetened with xylitol, aspartame free & no artificial colors or flavors. It’s just what consumers want from the fastest growing gum in the US.
Promise Confections / Edward Marc Brands
Myntz!
Breathmints Chai-Caffeine
SRP: $2.99 | 1.75oz
A chai latte in a breathmint with a kick of caffeine. Our product is sugar-free, vegan, allergen free and gluten free using only plant based sweeteners and verified as a non-gmo project.
Non-Chocolate Candy
Winner:
Bazooka Brands
Juicy Drop®
Gummy Mystery Cube 5oz Original Flavor
SRP: $4.99 | 1.4 oz
NEW Juicy Drop Gummy Mystery Cube is a unique, two-in-one gummy cube that has a surprise 3D gummy animal inside! Peel to reveal what animal and flavor you get, then eat the whole thing! Available in kid-favorite flavors Cherry, Apple, and Blue Raspberry
Finalists:
Promise Confections / Edward Marc Brands
Edward Marc Chocolatier
Strawberry Licorice Magic Bites
SRP: $6.99 | 6oz
Experience the most Magical Strawberry Licorice bite ever! Each bite begins with a white confectionary coating followed by a strawberry licorice nib center. Handcrafted in small batches, we remarcably redefine indulgence!
American Licorice Company
Sour Punch®
Filled Straws – Blue Raz Lemonade
SRP: $2.99 | 5oz
Soft, Playable, and Electrifying – Stretchy-soft filled rope candy booming with a blend of Blue Raz and Lemonade flavors, turned up a notch with our superb sour coating that Sour Punch is known for. Available in a 5oz hanging bag with 12-count caddy.
Mars Wrigley North America
SKITTLES®
POP’D Original
SRP: $5.96 | 5.5oz
SKITTLES® POP’D Original brings a crispy, crunchy twist to the iconic fruity flavors of the brand. Initially launched through TiKTok Shop following 1.6B #FreezeDriedSKITTLES views on TikTok in 2023, SKITTLES POP’D delivers an all-new experience for fans as a fun, poppable treat.
The Hershey Company
Jolly Rancher
Freeze Dried Candy
SRP: $3.99 | 3.1oz
Jolly Rancher Freeze Dried takes their bold, signature huge fruit flavors – Green Apple, Blue Raspberry, and Watermelon – and transforms them into ultra-crunchy bites that puff up in size with cutting-edge freeze-drying technology. This revolutionary treat offers an airy, melt-in-your-mouth crunch.
Novelty/Licensed
Winner:
Easy Pops LLC.
Ezee Freezee
Freeze-n-Peel Strawberry Pop
SRP: $5.99 | 10.8oz
Ezee Freezee is your favorite freeze-n-peel fruit pop—shelf-stable, made with real fruit, and totally clean (no artificial flavors here!). When you’re ready: freeze it, peel it, love it. Or twist the cap and sip it slushy-style. Natural goodness in every bite—any time, your way.
Finalists:
Amos Sweets Inc.
Amos Tastysounds
Music Lollipop Gift Box-4packs
SRP: $32.99 | 3.45oz
Turn up the flavor and the beats with Tastysounds Music Lollipop Gift Box, where bold taste meets hip-hop vibes. This 4-pack graffiti-inspired gift box bursts with personality and attitude—perfect for music lovers, candy fans, and anyone who appreciates a sweet surprise with a twist.
Smith Co. Distributing
Evil Coffee
Clutch Cups – Light, Medium, Dark Roast
SRP: $17.99 | 4.1oz
Clutch Cup is the ultimate coffee revolution—single-serving, freeze-dried coffee that dissolves instantly in hot or cold water. No machines, no mess—just bold, barista-quality flavor in seconds. Perfect for coffee lovers on the go, it’s convenience and innovation in every sip!
Tillamook Country Smoker
Tajín Chili Lime Beef Jerky
SRP: $7.49 | 2.2oz
Tillamook Country Smoker takes 100% premium beef, seasons it with simple, all natural ingredients, and slow smokes it over real hardwood for unparalleled flavor. Our Tajín-flavored Beef Jerky delivers a bold twist with the tangy kick of Tajín – it’s chiles, lime, and sea salt on savory goodness.
Promise Confections / Edward Marc Brands
Edward Marc Chocolatier
Girl Scouts Thin Mints™ Snappers
SRP: $6.99 | 6oz
Inspired by the iconic flavors of Girl Scout Thin Mints® cookies, this decadent cluster is sure to delight fans of sweet treats. Crunchy cookie bits, mint truffle filling and mint green cording – so simple, yet so remarcable!
Seasonal
Winner:
Amos Sweets Inc.
Amos Tastysounds
JinglePop Graffiti
SRP: $5.99 | 0.4oz
Tastysounds – JinglePop Graffiti features exclusive holiday melody and is perfect for Secret Santa gifting. Made with plant-based ingredients and natural colors, it appeals to health-conscious consumers. Highly interactive, it drives strong e-commerce engagement and repurchase rates.
Finalists:
Hawaiian Host Group
Hawaiian Host
Ube White Chocolate Macadamias
SRP: $7.99 | 4oz
Purple perfection in every bite. Earthy-sweet ube meets creamy white chocolate, coating rich, dry-roasted macadamias layer by layer. The finishing touch: a delicate dusting of ube powder. Bringing a trending global flavor to market through premium, crave-worthy indulgence.
Like Air
Thanksgiving Dinner Puffcorn
SRP: $1.49 | 0.5oz
Our seasonal Thanksgiving Dinner flavored puffcorn brings together delicious stuffing, buttery mashed potatoes, and savory herbs in a perfect Thanksgiving blend! With no hard hulls or kernels & only 80 calories per bag, this snack melts in your mouth and is the solution to on-the-go snacking!
LUPY LUPS!
Cotton Candy Easter Glitter Kit
SRP: $12.99 | 5oz
Edible glitter cotton candy kit has edible paper, edible cotton candy glitter and edible glue, so little kids can glue to a paper a glitter art image and afterwards they may eat it.
Promise Confections / Edward Marc Brands
Edward Marc Chocolatier
Candy Cane Caramel THiNS
SRP: $6.99 | 6oz
Experience the ultimate Cocoa Caramel Candy Cane THiN. Each bite begins with a cocoa caramel center, covered in a white confectionary creme and crowned with candy cane pieces. Handcrafted in small batches, this masterpiece delivers a silky, creamy texture with a cool peppermint crunch.
Meat Snacks
Winner:
Oberto Snacks, Inc.
Bavarian Meats
Original Lil’ Landjaeger Individually Wrapped Stick
SRP: $1.99 | 1oz
Bavarian Lil’ Landjaeger offers an unparalleled taste in a convenient grab and go format. We don’t compromise. Our sticks are slow-smoked in small batches, ensuring all the rich flavors. Plus, they’re free from sugar, fillers, and artificial ingredients.
Finalists:
Wicked Cutz LLC
Wicked Cutz
Breakfast Stick – Ham Egg & Cheese
SRP: $2.29 | 1.5oz
Wicked Cutz Breakfast Sticks are a first-of-their-kind, on-the-go breakfast solution made with real egg, cheese, and ham. Naturally hardwood smoked, gluten-free, and packed with 12g of protein—these shelf stable handheld sticks deliver a full, flavorful breakfast in every bite.
Jack Link’s Protein Snacks
Jack Link’s Duos
Frank’s RedHot & Ranch Chicken Sticks
SRP: $2.49 | 1.84oz
HOT buffalo and chill ranch flavors in stick form?! This first-to-market concept in meat snacks delivers bold flavored DUOs for fans to enjoy. With sticks being the fastest growing meat snack segment, Jack Link’s continues to bring excitement and fun with this sharable, on-the-go protein innovation.
Jack Link’s Protein Snacks
Jack Link’s Duos
Jalapeno & Mango Beef Jerky
SRP: $9.99 | 3.25oz
Will you feed your sweet side? Or your spicy side? How about BOTH. DUOS brings 2 bold flavors in 1 bag. Mango & Jalapeño=an unexpected flavor combo that ignites consumers’ taste buds as they seek exciting snacking experiences. Jack Link’s innovates flavors that make jerky exciting & fun to chew on.
Pearson Ranch Healthy Meat Snacks
Pearson Ranch
Elk Jalapeno & Cheese Snack Sticks 4 oz
SRP: $8.49 | 4oz
Spice up snack time with Pearson Ranch Elk Jalapeño Cheese Snack Sticks! This 4 oz pack blends premium elk, zesty jalapeños, and rich cheese for a bold, flavorful experience. Packed with protein and full of smoky goodness, these sticks are the perfect companion for your adventures.
Salty Snacks
Winner:
Belle’s Gourmet Popcorn
Dubai Chocolate Popcorn
SRP: $7.99 | 6.5oz
Belle’s Dubai Chocolate Popcorn is a sweet-savory fusion of kettle corn coated in pistachio butter, drizzled with rich milk chocolate, and topped with crispy kadaif. Inspired by Middle Eastern desserts, it’s indulgent, trend-forward, and truly one-of-a-kind.
Finalists:
SimplyProtein
Protein Tortilla Chips – Hint of Lime
SRP: $4.99 | 4.58oz
Wait, can a tortilla corn chip that is plant-based AND with 7g of plant protein and still be loaded with the kind of taste that belies its goodness? You bet it can. Our restaurant-styled, protein tortilla chips only taste indulgent. So go ahead, snack away. Share away.
Conagra Brands
Vlasic
Pickle Balls
SRP: $2.29 | 2oz
Serve up a winning combination of big crunch and bold flavor with Vlasic Pickle Balls Dill Pickle Flavored Corn Puffs. Crunch into the perfect doubles team of dill and vinegar flavor in every bite. Have an absolute pickle-ball on and off the court with Vlasic Pickle Balls.
International Snack Company
Nomad Snacks
Parmesan & Pepper Flavored Ready-to-Eat Popcorn
SRP: $4.99 | 4oz
Parmesan & Pepper flavored ready-to-eat popcorn with parmigiano, reggiano and cracked pepper corn. Inspired by the classic Italian dish- Cacio e Pepe.
Big Dipper Food Company
PopCrunch
Peanut Butter & Strawberry PopCrunch Clusters
SRP: $5.79 | 5oz
Peanut Butter & Strawberry popcorn is the perfect pairing of strawberry-infused peanut butter coated onto a scrumptious, crunchy caramel popcorn center with real strawberry pieces — a sweet treat with a “PopCrunch” that’s sure to satisfy!
Savory Snacks
Winner:
Century Snacks
Snak Club
Ramen flavored Snack Mix
SRP: $3.79 | 3.5oz
Skip the bowl—Snak Club’s Ramen Crunch Mix delivers that craveable ramen flavor any time of the day. Featuring crunchy ramen pieces, toasted corn, sesame sticks, nuts, soybeans & edamame, it’s a savory, craveable snack twist on a dinnertime favorite. Ramen lovers won’t want to miss this one!
Finalists:
SPI West Port Inc.
Woodridge
Brussels Sprouts with Sticky Rice Chips – Sweet Thai Chili
SRP: $4.69 | 1.05oz
A dynamic duo of Vacuum Fried Brussels Sprouts mixed with delicately crunchy Sticky Rice Chips! Savory, crispy, and utterly addictive, each bite bursts with the bold flavors of sweet Thai chili sauce with just the right touch of heat. It’s gluten free, non-gmo, and vegan snack bursting with flavor.
Wonderful Pistachios
No Shells Dill Pickle 2.25oz
SRP: $4.49 | 2.25oz
In a snacking pickle? Look no further! Dill Pickle Wonderful Pistachios No Shells are a delicious tangy mix of dill, vinegar, salt, and roasted pistachios. Ships in a case of 24 8ct cartons.
We Are Nuts
Blueberry Almond Granola
SRP: $14.99 | 16oz
3 Uniques. Handcrafted excellence- family sourced & small batch made. Unforgettable taste- impressionable snacks with extraordinary loyalty. Perfectly packaged- thoughtfully practical & disruptively merchandisable. Everyday protein filled snacking made for my kids healthy breakfast, loved by all!
Poshi
Kosher Petite Dill Pickles
SRP: $1.99 | 2oz
POSHI Petite Dill Pickles come in single-serve, liquid-free pouches, offering the perfect mess-free snack on the go. Firm, crisp, and bursting with flavor, they’re ready to enjoy straight from the pouch. They’re shelf-stable and ready when you are, made with care to suit your snacking needs!
Sweet Snacks
Winner:
Chunk Nibbles
Toffee Sweet & Salty Clusters
SRP: $5.49 | 4.25oz
This newest Chunk Nibbles blend features velvety, buttery milk chocolate toffee intertwined with crunchy pretzels and corn squares, all gently enveloped in a delicate coating. Each delightful cluster promises a burst of nostalgia, evoking the warm taste of homemade treats with a smooth finish.
Finalists:
Tootsi Impex USA Inc.
YUPIK
Birthday Cake Mix
SRP: $5.24 | 6.5oz
Make every day your birthday with Yupik Birthday Cake Mix. Crafted for year-long celebrations, you won’t get enough of these party-perfect sugar cookies, chocolate almonds, rainbow nonpareils, and so much more! Keep the party going with every bite.
Cibo Vita-Nature’s Garden
Nature’s Garden
Probiotic Lemonberry Yoggies
SRP: $6.98 | 8.5oz
Real fruit bites, covered in yogurt, containing 2 billion gut-healthy probiotics, 3g dietary fiber & 80 cal per srv. Non-GMO, no artificial colors/flavors, recyclable packaging. Patented microencapsulated delivery system allows probiotic strain to reach the gut intact. 12 indiv pkg’d snacks per box.
San Diablo Artisan Churros
Itty Bitty Churros — Classic — Cinnamon Sugar
SRP: $4.99 | 2.5oz
Introducing Itty Bitty Churros—the first-ever crunchy gourmet churro bits dusted in cinnamon sugar! The beloved treat reimagined as shelf-stable, irresistible mini bites that deliver nostalgic indulgence, global flavor appeal, and snackable joy on-the-go, on ice cream—anytime, anywhere.
Hilco Sweets LLC
Hostess
Ding Dongs 5ct. Cereal Straws Peg Bag 1.76oz.
SRP: $1.99 | 1.76oz
Hostess Ding Dongs 5ct. Cereal Straws Peg Bag 1.76oz. – Ding Dongs-flavored light and crispy Wafer Rolls filled with Cream Center. Works as a straw for milk or any-time consumption. 4 x 13ct. = 52ct. case
Baked Goods
Winner:
Molly Bz Cookies
Trashy Gourmet
Shortbread Cookies with Mini Strawberry Boba
SRP: $9.99 | 18oz
Introducing our partially baked, frozen shortbread cookies with mini strawberry boba that’s ready to be devoured in just minutes!
The best part? You can enjoy just 1 or 2 cookies, thanks to our convenient resealable bags! Simple ingredients.
Finalists:
San Diablo Artisan Churros
Itty Bitty Churros — Spicy Inferno — Habanero Cinnamon Sugar
SRP: $4.99 | 2.5oz
Introducing Spicy Inferno Itty Bitty Churros—the first-ever crunchy gourmet churro bits dusted in habanero cinnamon sugar! A fiery plot twist on the classic churro, these shelf-stable irresistible mini bites bring bold heat, nostalgic indulgence, and sweet-meets-spicy snack joy anytime, anywhere.
Cookie Man
Loaded Cookies
Pumpkin Spice with Chocolate Frosting Loaded Cookie
SRP: $3.99 | 3.5oz
Get ready to fall in love – literally. Our Pumpkin Spice Loaded Cookie is the ultimate seasonal treat, combining all the warm, cozy vibes of autumn in one irresistible bite. A soft, chewy pumpkin spice cookie packed with aromatic cinnamon, nutmeg, clove is taken to the next level.
Legendary Foods
Caramel Sticky Bun Protein Sweet Roll
SRP: $3.49 | 2.3oz
Decadence doesn’t have to tax your will power! Legendary Foods NEW Caramel Sticky Bun Protein Pastry has iconic notes of caramel and pecan, while packing 20g of protein, only 6g net carbs, and 1g of sugar. Warm in the microwave, kick back, and take your flavor to the next level.
Legendary Foods
S’Mores Protein Pastry
SRP: $3.49 | 2oz
Take yourself back to the campfire with Legendary Foods NEW S’Mores Protein Pastry. Melted chocolate, gooey roasted marshmallow, and warm graham cracker packed with 20g of protein, only 5g net carbs, and <1g sugar. Warm in the microwave for next level flavor. No flannel required!
Gummy Candy
Winner:
Ferrara
Nerds
Juicy Gummy Clusters – Strawberry Punch
SRP: $3.50 | 7.15oz
New! Juicy Gummy Clusters unleash all of your senses with an epic bigger-than-ever candy experience. A delicious strawberry punch flavor combined with the crunchy, gummy, juicy textures in a satisfying bite for a next level experience that only NERDS can bring.
Finalists:
Mount Franklin Foods
Stuffed Puffs Gummy Fuzions
Sour Watermelon
SRP: $2.99 | 4.36oz
Get ready for a confection like no other with Stuffed Puffs Gummy Fuzions! Imagine biting into a piece that starts with a tantalizingly sour center, surrounded by soft, chewy gummy candy, and then coated with a blast of sour. The combination of textures and flavors creates a unique candy experience.
Mondelēz International, Inc
SOUR PATCH KIDS
Strawberry-Watermelon Glowups
SRP: $3.19 | 6.7oz
SOUR PATCH KIDS Strawberry-Watermelon Glow Ups are sour gummies feature edible confetti that glows under blacklight & a SOUR THEN SWEET strawberry-watermelon flavor that electrifies your taste buds. The edible confetti in this unique sour candy contains turmeric extract, which gives it its fun glow!
Rotten
Original Gummy Cruncheez
SRP: $3.99 | 1.8oz
Experience a freakishly delicious texture mash-up with our Original Gummy Cruncheez! These mind-blowing treats feature a tangy crunchy exterior paired with a chewy gummy ring interior. Featuring 60% less sugar, 7g of gut-friendly prebiotic fiber, and colors from fruits, veggies, and superfoods.
Amos Sweets Inc.
Amos Chew Topia
Gummy Jerky Passion Fruit
SRP: $4.99 | 6oz
Amos ChewTopia Gummy Jerky – Passion Fruit blends 50% real fruit juice with chia seeds rich in Omega-3, fiber, and antioxidants.Plant-based and vegetarian-friendly, it delivers a chewy, elastic texture that tastes like real dried fruit with an intensely rich passion fruit flavor.
