2023 Most Innovative New Product Awards Showcase 

This digital portal provides access to 300+ products submitted into the 2023 innovation awards program. Product submissions were taste-tested by 30 judges from leading retailers and distributors representing nearly 85 percent of U.S. confectionery and snack industry buying power. Three weighted criteria were used to assess each item: taste, innovation and packaging.

Go to: Best in Show | Small Businness Innovator | Gourmet/Premium – Candy | Gourmet/Premium – Snack | Gum & Mints | Chocolate | Non-Chocolate | Seasonal | Savory Snacks | Salty Snacks | Sweet Snacks | Novelty/Licensed | Meat Snacks

SPONSORED BY:

Circana

Best In Show

Chunk Nibbles

Apple Cinnamon Chunk Nibbles

SRP: $5.49  |  4.25 oz

Hard not to FALL in love with these delicious clusters of salty pretzels, dehydrated apples, organic cinnamon, cinnamon crumbles, and corn squares all bound together with a light coating to form a delicious and ADDICTING cluster that will have you reaching for another bite! 

Small Business Innovator

Jackson’s Chips

Farmhouse Ranch Sweet Potato Chips made with Avocado Oil

SRP: $4.49  |  5 oz

A delicious, dairy-free version of America’s favorite dressing meets the sweet potato chip, in this heroic flavor pairing. The cool tang of classic Ranch and herby flecks of dill and chive are the perfect complement to our crispy, crunchy kettle-cooked sweet potatoes. 

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Gourmet/Premium – Candy

Winner:

Trü Frü, LLC.

Nature’s Strawberries Hyper-Dried Fresh in White & Dark Chocolate

SRP: $4.99  |  4.2 oz

Nature’s Strawberries™ ripened on the vine, Hyper-Dried Fresh to preserve taste/nutrition, now featuring our fruit enhancing double immersion of decadent white & dark chocolate. It’s a magical strawberry forward double-dip-delightful gourmet moment.

Finalists:

Alter Eco

Creme Brulee Truffle Thin

SRP: $3.99  |  2.96 oz

The classic combination of caramel and chocolate just got sweeter. A decadent caramel crunch, creamy truffle-stuffed center, covered in 60% Ecuadorian cacao and mixed 3x longer for a smoother taste. Like all Alter Eco products, new innovations are Organic and support regenerative agriculture.

Edward Marc Brands, Inc. / Snappers®

Oat Milk Granola Cluster with Dried Blueberries

SRP: $12.49  |  20 oz

Our newly crafted, one-of-a-kind oat milk caramel combines with a perfect granola crunch, dried blueberries and our sustainably sourced oat milk chocolate to create an exceptional treat. No preservatives or artificial flavors, vegan friendly. 

Hammond’s

Peanut Butter Pillows

SRP: $8.95  |  9 oz

Peanut Butter Pillows are smooth and crunchy.  An innovative, hand made process, finds a thin candy shell wrapping around a flaky center packed with natural peanut butter.   Launched during Q3 2022, this unique candy drives incremental candy sales.

Quality Candy Company LLC / Better4U

Organic Elderberry & Vitamin C Drops

SRP: $8.99  |  3.39 oz

Quality Candy’s Elderberry Vit. C Drops – made with a novel base formula comprised of IMO and Inulin, flavored with antioxidant elderberry and 50% DV Vit. C per piece. Natural. Plant-based. Vegan. Kosher. Allergen-free. Organic. No sugar alcohols. Zero sugar. Too good to be true? No, it’s Better4Ü!

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Gourmet/Premium – Snack

Winner:

Oh Snap! Pickling Co.

Cranberry Sweeties

SRP: $2.50 |  5 oz

Natural fruit juice infused cranberries.  Contains all key antioxidants and vitamins.  Preservative Free!  270 day shelf life into first receiver.  Requires refrigeration.

Finalists:

Trü Frü, LLC.

Parfait Poppers: Nature’s Strawberries Frozen Fresh in Greek Yogurt & Granola

SRP: $4.99  |  5 oz

Nature’s Strawberries Hyper-Chilled Fresh to preserve taste/nutrition and Immersed in Greek Yogurt and Granola. This season’s gourmet ambrosia comes in scrumptious strawberry, live greek yogurt, and granola. No platter needed for this poppable parfait.

EverGreen USA LLC / Just The Fun Part

Waffle Cones filled with Hazelnut Cream & Milk Chocolate

SRP: $6.00  |  4.23 oz

Just The Fun Part, is a delicious snack that is sure to satisfy and delight your taste buds. The best bite of a classic sundae cone. The chocolate filled bottom! We use 100% Belgian chocolate, and German waffle cones to craft our one-of-a kind snack.

Cibo Vita / Nature’s Garden

Probiotic Strawberry Yoggies

SRP: $11.99  |  21 oz

Yogurt-coated (via panning), real fruit strawberry morsels are infused with Probiotics (2 billion live cultures) through a patented microencapsulation delivery system. Contains 3 grams of fiber per serving .Recyclable packaging, kosher certified.  

Ruby Jewel 

Mocha Macchiato Ice Cream Sandwich

SRP: $4.99  |  5.25 oz

Our Mocha Macchiato Ice Cream Sandwich is made with premium caramelized espresso ice cream sandwiched between two decadent double chocolate chip cookies. 

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Gum & Mints

Winner:

Perfetti Van Melle USA, Inc. / Mentos

Fruit Mints with Vitamins – Cool Fruity Mix

SRP: $3.99  |  3.67 oz

Discover new Mentos Sugarfree Fruit Mints with Vitamins, Cool Fruity Mix. Just 4 pieces provide 30% Daily Value (DV) of Vitamin B6, 15% DV of Vitamin C and 50% DV of Vitamin B12. 

Finalists:

Mars Wrigley North America / EXTRA

Pink Lemonade

SRP: $1.99  |  1.32 oz

As a beloved nostalgic flavor, EXTRA Pink Lemonade transports consumers to brighter, happier moments throughout their day through the familiar sweet and tart flavor of lemonade with the bright, refreshing, and long-lasting flavor that EXTRA is known.

Ferrero North America / Tic Tac®

Sprite Lemon-Lime Flavored Mints

SRP: $1.69  |  1 oz

Tic Tac® Sprite® aims to recreate the tingly, refreshing experience people have come to know and love when drinking a Sprite®. Available in the iconic Tic Tac® packs, making them perfect to enjoy on the go as well as for being shared with friends.

Annabelle Candy & Seattle Gourmet Foods / Myntz!

Breathmints – Wintermint

SRP: $2.99  |  1.75 oz

The mainstream gum and mint category is still filled with products containing artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors.  Our reformulated Myntz! Wintermint is all natural and Non-GMO certified, using plant based sweeteners and natural flavors.

The Hershey Company / IceBreakers

Ice Cubes Crystal Mint Gum

SRP: $3.99  |  3.24 oz

Ice Breakers Ice Cubes Mint Crystal Gum is a uniquely refreshing, sweeter minty flavor featuring dozens of cooling flavor crystals. Available in a 3.24 oz. bottle pack.

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Chocolate

Winner:

Nuts.com / Kopper’s Chocolate

Mexican Hot Cocoa Bites

SRP: $3.99  |  4 oz

Sweet chunks of marshmallow dough are smothered in dark chocolate infused with chili, then dusted with cinnamon and sugar.

Finalists:

Trü Frü, LLC.

Natures Raspberries Hyper-Dried Fresh in White & Dark Chocolate 

SRP: $4.99  |  4.2 oz

Nature’s Raspberries ripened on the vine, Hyper-Dried Fresh to preserve taste/nutrition, now featuring our fruit enhancing double immersion of decadent white & dark chocolate. What’s better than a Raspberry in Chocolate? Another layer of Chocolate.  

SweetWorks Confections, LLC / Niagara Chocolates

Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew Dark Chocolate Cups

SRP: $5.99  |  4.1 oz

Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew Cups elevate the irresistible sensation of sipping your morning roast. Bite into rich dark chocolate to taste a vanilla sweet cream filling that’s sure to perk you up- like your favorite blend fresh from a cold press. Proudly hand crafted in Buffalo, NY.

SweetWorks Confections, LLC / Niagara Chocolates

Churros & Hot Chocolate Milk Chocolate Clusters

SRP: $5.99  |  4.1 oz

Devour the decadence of a warm cinnamon dessert dunked and dipped in steamy cocoa with our Churro & Hot Chocolate Clusters. Every bite of spiced delight is paired with hot chocolate cookie pieces and enveloped in creamy milk chocolate. Proudly hand crafted in Buffalo, NY. 

G.O.A.T Foods

Milk Chocolate Popsters

SRP: $18.00  |  14 oz

Experience the refined marriage of both flavor & texture: the crunch of caramel corn enrobed in a rich, velvety chocolate blanket, balanced with a sprinkle of artisanal sea salt to create a

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Non-Chocolate Candy

Winner:

Shenzhen Amos Sweets & Foods Co., LTD / AMOS

4D Fruit Gummy Juicy Burst Strawberry

SRP: $3.49  |  6 oz

Introducing the Ultimate 360° Fruit Gummy Experience! Made with Real Fruit Juice, these lifelike 3D Strawberry-Shaped Gummies are Center-Filled with a Juicy Burst of Flavor. A Perfectly Balanced treat for both your taste buds and your eyes!

Finalists:

Haribo of America, Inc.

Berry Clouds

SRP: $2.49  |  4.1 oz

HARIBO Berry Clouds is a unique, triple-layered gummi that come in dreamy cloud shapes to highlight their irresistibly soft and fluffy texture. Berry Clouds comes in three delicious flavors of blueberry, wildberry, and strawberry

Shenzhen Amos Sweets & Foods Co., LTD / AMOS

4D Fruit Gummy Juicy Burst Peach

SRP: $3.49  |  6 oz

Introducing the Ultimate 360° Fruit Gummy Experience! Made with Real Fruit Juice, these lifelike 3D Peach-Shaped Gummies are Center-Filled with a Juicy Burst of Flavor. A Perfectly Balanced treat for both your taste buds and your eyes!

Pearson’s Candy Company / SKIPPY®

Peanut Butter Salted Nut Roll

SRP: $1.49  |  1.8 oz

Salted Nut Roll partners with SKIPPY to bring together a national peanut butter brand with the classic ingredients of a Salted Nut Roll. The delicious combination of roasted peanuts, caramel, and a creamy peanut butter center will satisfy the peanut butter lover. A great front end impulse purchase.

The Hershey Company / Twizzlers

Twizzlers Gummies

SRP: $2.99  |  7 oz

Twizzlers Gummies are a new twist to an all-time favorite. It comes with a variety of colorful, soft and chewy gummy pieces, available in the twisting taste of Peach & Cherry, Grape & Cherry, and Lemonade & Cherry flavors.

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Seasonal

Winner:

Hawaiian Host LLC

Strawberries & Cream White Chocolate Macadamias

SRP: $6.99  |  4 oz

Crafted from creamy white chocolate and infused with strawberries, the iconic brand Hawaiian Host, launched the new flavor, Strawberries & Cream White Chocolate Macadamias. It is a delightful mix of sweet decadence and tart tang – a flavor combo that will tantalize anyone’s taste buds. 

Finalists:

Shenzhen Amos Sweets & Foods Co., LTD / AMOS

TastySounds™ RecordableLollipop – Shimmering Strawberry

SRP: $12.99  |  .56 oz

TastySounds™ RecordableLollipop is a sparkly, shimmery gift and speaks from the heart! This Luxurious Diamond-Shaped Lollipop has Bone Conduction Technology allowing it to record any message and play it secretly for your very special Valentine.

Shenzhen Amos Sweets & Foods Co., LTD / AMOS

TastySounds™ RecordableLollipop – Cupid’s Kiss

SRP: $12.99  |  .56 oz

TastySounds™ RecordableLollipop is a Cherryrific, Fun, Unforgettable Gift that is Cupid Approved!!! Record a message, sing a song or share your love (secretly) using the built-in Bone Conduction Technology where only they will hear the message.

Ferrara / Brach’s 

Swirly Twirly Gum Drops

SRP: $1.49  |  2.5 oz

For the first time ever, BRACH’S is bringing the famous Swirly Twirly Gum Drops to life from Warner Brother’s ELF movie! These swirled jellies come in three Buddy the Elf approved flavors: Merry Cherry, Icy Blue Raspberry, and Sweet Sugarplum.

Edward Marc Brands, Inc. / Snappers®

Caramel and Peppermint Cluster

SRP: $5.99  |  6 oz

Our legendary cocoa caramel combines with perfect brownie crisps and just the right touch of crushed peppermint to create an exceptional Caramel & Peppermint Brownie Cluster, perfect for the holiday season.  No preservatives or artificial flavors.

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Savory Snacks

Winner:

Truly Good Foods / Henrietta Said

Ancho Kimchi Flavored Peanuts

SRP: $4.99  |  5 oz

HENRIETTA SAID was created from the concept of a vegan chicken wing and the desire to take a familiar ingredient everyone knows and loves (peanuts) and experiment with exciting global flavors like ancho and kimchi in a more approachable way. HS repositions flavored peanuts to a whole new generation.

Finalists:

Truly Good Foods / Henrietta Said

Nashville Hot Chicken with Pickle Flavored Peanuts

SRP: $4.99  |  5 oz

Henrietta Said is a nod to our Southern heritage and that we’re proudly women-owned. The “HEN” in Henrietta is a subtle allusion to chicken wing flavors. Spicy & bold Nashville Hot Chicken with Pickle is a fun & different addition to the flavored snack category, bringing in younger consumers.

Calbee America Inc. / Harvest Snaps

Selects Honey Dijon Baked Navy Bean Snacks

SRP: $4.99  |  4.2 oz

Made with farm-picked navy beans as the #1 ingredient, Harvest Snaps Selects Honey Dijon are a BFY baked snack with tangy-sweet flavor in every crunchy bite. Packed with plant protein and fiber, plus free of artificial flavors and preservatives, these bold shells are taking taste to the next level!

Truly Good Foods / Henrietta Said

Lemon Pepper Flavored Peanuts

SRP: $4.99  |  5 oz

HENRIETTA SAID was created from the concept of a vegan chicken wing and the desire to take a familiar ingredient everyone knows and loves (peanuts) and experiment with unique and exciting flavors. With 7g of protein per serving, this vegan snack packs a primarily primo punch of lemon pepper.  

Truly Good Foods / Henrietta Said

Original Buffalo Flavored Peanuts

SRP: $4.99  |  5 oz

HENRIETTA SAID was created from the concept of a vegan chicken wing and the desire to take a familiar ingredient everyone knows and loves (peanuts) and experiment with unique and exciting flavors. With 7g of protein per serving, this vegan snack packs a bold punch of buffalo flavor.  

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Salty Snacks

Winner:

Big Dipper Food Company / PopCrunch

Peanut Butter Caramel Coated PopCrunch

SRP: $3.49  |  6 oz

The perfect pairing of tasty popcorn smothered in scrumptious caramel and a rich peanut butter coating – a sweet treat with a pop crunch that’s sure to satisfy!

Finalists:

Big Dipper Food Company / PopCrunch

Almond Butter Caramel Coated PopCrunch

SRP: $4.49  |  6 oz

The perfect pairing of tasty popcorn smothered in scrumptious caramel and a rich almond butter coating – a sweet treat with a pop crunch that’s sure to satisfy!

Pork King Good

Old Timey Butterscotch Pork Rinds

SRP: $3.49  |  3oz

This sweet, rich, and buttery flavor mash up will surprise and delight existing category consumers while enticing  a new audience to the category through sheer curiosity alone. Bonus? This sweet & salty treat still remains an extremely low carb snack

The Hershey Company / Pirate’s Booty

Crunch Attack Great White

SRP: $1.00  |  8 oz

The perfect pairing of tasty popcorn smothered in scrumptious caramel and a rich almond butter coating – a sweet treat with a pop crunch that’s sure to satisfy!

General Mills / Old El Paso

Fiesta Twists Queso

SRP: $2.99  |  2 oz

OEP is a household name with 40.8% HHP, volume growing at a +11.5% 3-Yr CAGR. Fiesta Twists target OEP consumers looking to try their favorite Mexican-inspired flavors in an exciting, new form now in the salty aisle. Striking yellow bag and shape.

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Sweet Snacks

Winner:

Trü Frü, LLC.

Parfait Poppers: Nature’s Raspberries Frozen Fresh in Greek Yogurt & Granola

SRP: $4.99  |  5 oz

Natures Raspberries Hyper-Chilled Fresh to preserve taste/nutrition and Immersed in Greek Yogurt and Granola. Now anytime that sweet snack urge emerges just greek out on a raspberry cornucopia for all the ages.

Finalists:

Pearson’s Candy Company / Salted Nut Roll 

Snack Mix

SRP: $2.49  |  2 oz

Pearson’s is entering snack mixes with a sweet/salty combo that is perfect for the front-end impulse shopper. A combination of protein-packed peanuts, vanilla nougat drops, and caramel-filled confection cups deliver a classic flavor in a whole new way.

Hostess

 KAZBARS Chocolate Caramel Creamy & Crunchy Layer Bar

SRP: $4.49  |  10 oz

KAZBARS when it’s time for a sweet treat, reach for creamy, crunchy HOSTESS Chocolate Caramel KAZBARS. Bite into the sweet crunch pieces of this chocolate caramel layer bar whenever snack time strikes. With HOSTESS Chocolate Caramel KAZBARS, you’ll discover a Kazillion things to love!

Issei

Mango Mochi Gummies

SRP: $4.99  |  1.76 oz

Issei Mochi Gummies is the very first shelf-stable, delicious, chewy, natural candy made with rice and tapioca flours without any gelatin, artificial flavor/color with tangy mango flavor capturing the essence of the fruit at its ripest. 

7th Heaven

Pistachios & Halva Cream Chocolate Snack Bar

SRP: $3.00  |  1.6 oz

Chocolate treat with pistachio and halva cream; An exciting meeting of the most unique type of nuts and a mediterranean delight. A sweet, salty and buttery hafla, that will add a little magic to your snack-break.

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Novelty/Licensed

Winner:

Shenzhen Amos Sweets & Foods Co., LTD / AMOS

TastySounds™ RecordableLollipop – Peach Nectar

SRP: $4.99  |  5 oz

Create a unique gifting experience with TastySounds™ RecordableLollipop. Whether it’s Congrats, Thank You, Goodbye or I Love You, Record it in Your Voice, Your Way. With Bone Conduction Technology, the message is only for their ears. That’s Peachy!

Finalists:

Stuffed Puffs, LLC

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Filled Marshmallow BITES

SRP: $4.24  |  2.68 oz

Introducing Stuffed Puffs Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bites: a sensational fusion of two fan favorites. These bite-sized marshmallows boast Cinnamon Toast Crunch creme filling and cereal crumble coating, delivering a scrumptious cinnamon cereal experience in a convenient, pop-pable format. Happy Snacking!

Edward Marc Brands, Inc. / Edward Marc Chocolatier

Girl Scouts Thin Mints Bites

SRP: $11.99  |  20 oz

Inspired by the iconic flavor of the Girl Scout Thin Mints Cookies, these doubled layered crispy bites are enrobed with sustainably sourced cocoa and infused with peppermint oil to delight Girl Scout cookie fans far and wide! No artificial flavors or preservatives. 

Flix Candy

Pop Up Surprise!

SRP: $6.99  |  .7 oz

Pop Up Surprise! Is the newest to the widely known Pop Ups! Line.   The item comes packed in a box with 1 Pop Up!, 1 Figurine(surprise! You dont know which one) and 2 Strawberry Flavored Lollipops!  Collect all 6 characters!

Ferrero North America / Kinder Joy

Variety (NBA)

SRP: $2.19  |  .7 oz

Kinder Joy and the NBA partner to bring the playfulness of fans favorite mascots home. Featuring delicious treats and 12 NBA toys, this collection connects fans across generations, especially when you bring them to life in Applaydu’s mini games!

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Meat Snacks

Winner:

PepsiCo Foods / Jack Link’s Doritos 

Spicy Sweet Chili Flavored Beef Jerky

SRP: $8.49  |  2.65 oz

Level up your snack game with JACK LINK’S® DORITOS® SPICY SWEET CHILI flavored beef jerky.  Experience this bold, epic mashup that will make your tastebuds scream, what is this deliciousness?!

Finalists:

ICON Meats

Bison and Pork Sticks – Honey BBQ Flavor – 4 oz 4 pack

SRP: $7.99  |  4 oz

Regenerative & natural, minimally processed with clean ingredients and no gluten, no MSG, no nitrates or nitrites & shelf stable. Being a rancher owned brand, it was important for us to create products that are healthy, high in quality and protein while being low in carbs, calories and sugar. 

Bulk Jerky

All-Natural Sweet and Spicy Brisket Jerky

SRP: $8.00  |  3 oz

Introducing a game-changer in the world of beef jerky – super soft and tender brisket jerky! This product has delightful initial sweetness with a smooth spicy chaser. We use all-natural ingredients, gluten-free soy sauce, and no added nitrates, nitrites, or msg. America’s finest arsenal of flavor. 

ICON Meats

Elk and Pork Stick – Original Flavor – 1 oz single

SRP: $2.49  |  1 oz

Regenerative & natural, minimally processed with clean ingredients and no gluten, no MSG, no nitrates or nitrites & shelf stable. Being a rancher owned brand, it was important for us to create products that are healthy, high in quality and protein while being low in carbs, calories and sugar. 

Fat Cow Jerky

Sour Cream and Onion Jerky Chips

SRP: $8.99  |  2.5 oz

Looking for a healthier alternative to potato chips? Look no further than Fat Cow Jerky Chips. Our Delicious Meat Snack is thinly sliced meat dried out to an “Udderly Perfect” Chip like  consistency. We then season to Perfection with sour cream and onion dust. 

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