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:
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Gum & Mints
Winner:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chocolate
Winner:
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.
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.
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
Non-Chocolate Candy
Winner:
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
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
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!
SKIPPY® Salted Nut Roll
Peanut Butter
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.
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.
Seasonal
Winner:
Hawaiian Host
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Savory Snacks
Winner:
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:
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.
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!
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.
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.
Salty Snacks
Winner:
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:
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
Pirate’s Booty
Almond Butter Caramel Coated PopCrunch
SRP: $4.49 | 6 oz
These crunchy rice and corn puffs feature the delicious white cheddar flavor Pirate’s Booty is known for, now with a crunchier texture. This new snack satisfies kids’ requests for crunch and parents’ requests for a better-for-you option that tastes great.
PopCrunch
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!
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:
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.
Novelty/Licensed
Winner:
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
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 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!
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!
Meat Snacks
Winner:
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 Chips
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.
