Record-breaking number of products compete across expanded award program at the 2026 Sweets & Snacks Expo in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS — The Sweets & Snacks Expo announced the winners of the 2026 Most Innovative New Product Awards, recognizing the most innovative candy and snack products shaping the future of the industry. With nearly 500 products entered this year – the largest field in program history – the awards spotlight breakthrough innovation, emerging trends and products poised to drive consumer excitement and category growth.
“The Most Innovative New Product Awards celebrate the creativity, ingenuity and consumer-focused innovation that continue to move the confectionery and snack industries forward,” John Downs, president & CEO of the National Confectioners Association, the host organization for Sweets & Snacks Expo, said. “With a record number of entries this year, the 2026 finalists and winners demonstrate how brands are responding to evolving consumer preferences and creating opportunities for innovative treating.”
This year’s awards program introduces two new top honors – the Trailblazer Award and Powerhouse Award – replacing the previous Best in Show and Small Business Innovator categories. The updated structure reflects the evolving marketplace while ensuring the Most Innovative New Product Awards continue to recognize both disruptive emerging ideas and high-impact launches from established brands.
The 2026 Most Innovative New Product Awards winners are:
- Powerhouse Candy: WARHEADS Loud Mouth Bites | CandyRific
- Powerhouse Snack: Dot’s Snack Mix | The Hershey Company
- Trailblazer Candy: Mochi Gummies – Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry | Issei
- Trailblazer Snack: Raspberry Rose (Beauty + Glow) Popcorn | Belle’s Gourmet Popcorn
- Chocolate: Alli & Rose Strawberry Moochies | CAL Marketing
- Gourmet/Premium Confections: Frozen Fresh Bananas in Greek Yogurt with White Chocolate + Granola | Tru Fru
- Gum & Mints: Bubblicious Gummy Gum – Strawberry Orange | Perfetti Van Melle
- Gummy Candy: Squashies Sours – Cherry & Apple | Smarties
- Non-Chocolate Candy: Sour Tiniez | Rotten
- Novelty/Licensed: Mashups Candy Salad Kit | 1UP Candy
- Seasonal: Brach’s Crunchy Chewy Jelly Beans | Ferrara
- Meat Snacks: Cinnabon Bakery Inspired Flavored – Bacon Jerky | Wicked Cutz
- Salty Snacks: Cholula Hot Sauce Flavored Tortilla Chips | Xochitl, Inc.
- Savory Snacks: Everything Bagel Pretzels | Promise Confections / Edward Marc Brands
- Sweet Snacks: Nutella Ice Cream Cones | Ferrero North America
- Baked Goods: Strawberry Milkshake Cookie | The Graceful Cookie
Beginning May 19, products will be displayed in the Featured Product Showcase.
The Sweets & Snacks Expo brings together candy and snack manufacturers, retailers and industry partners from around the world to showcase the latest innovations and trends driving the future of snacking and confectionery.
To set up an interview with a Sweets & Snacks Expo spokesperson, please email sweetsandsnacks@teamlsg.com.
Visit the official Sweets & Snacks Expo Media Kit for more information on the show and media resources.
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À propos du salon Sweets & Snacks Expo
Le salon Sweets & Snacks Expo est le rendez-vous incontournable des secteurs de la confiserie et des snacks. Mettant à l'honneur les lancements de nouveaux produits, les solutions de développement commercial et les innovations en matière de merchandising, ce salon annuel rassemble des professionnels qualifiés de la vente au détail de confiseries et de snacks ainsi que des représentants d'entreprises qui présentent les dernières nouveautés dans ce domaine. L'événement est organisé par la National Confectioners Association. Pour en savoir plus, rendez-vous sur SweetsAndSnacks.com.
À propos de la National Confectioners Association (NCA)
La National Confectioners Association est le porte-parole de l'industrie américaine de la confiserie. Nos entreprises membres créent des moments de joie grâce au chocolat, aux bonbons, aux chewing-gums et aux pastilles à la menthe, génèrent 55 milliards de dollars de ventes au détail et ajoutent une touche de douceur à la vie. La NCA défend des politiques qui aident les fabricants de confiseries et les autres acteurs de ce secteur unique à prospérer, tout en rappelant aux consommateurs que le chocolat et les bonbons sont des friandises. Pour en savoir plus, rendez-vous sur CandyUSA.com ou suivez la NCA sur Facebook, X et Instagram.
