2024 Most Innovative New Product Awards Showcase
This digital portal provides access to nearly 350 products submitted into the 2024 innovation awards program. Product submissions were taste-tested by more than 35 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.
SPONSORED BY:
Best In Show
Nerdy Nuts
Avalanche Peanut Butter Treat
SRP: $12.99 | 14.5 oz
Avalanche is a rice crispy bar in a jar! Packed with white chocolate peanut butter, marshmallow fluff, caramel sauce, crispy rice cereal, and dehydrated mallow bits. This peanut butter treat has gone viral on TikTok x2. Grab a spoon & dig in like your favorite pint of ice cream!
Small Business Innovator
Issei
Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberry Mochi Gummies
SRP: $8.99 | 3.53 oz
Introducing the very first Chocolate Covered Strawberry Mochi Gummies. Dark chocolate covered mochi gummies are a fusion of rich, velvety dark chocolate and chewy, sweet mochi gummies.
Chocolate
Winner:
Morris National
SKIPPY
Milk Chocolate PB Minis
SRP: $4.99 | 5oz
New for 2024, SKIPPY® Milk Chocolate PB Minis. Smooth and creamy SKIPPY® Peanut Butter, surrounded by a crunch wafer, covered in rich milk chocolate, and topped with thinly chopped crunchy peanuts. Available in a Single bar, 3oz Peg, and 5oz Gusset Bag.
Finalists:
7th Heaven Chocolate
Oat Milk Peanut Butter Cups
SRP: $2.49 | 1.5oz
“Unbelievably dairy-free oat-milk PB cups.
The childhood flavor you remember, tasting even better than what you remember. Taste saltier (yet with lower Sodium) and with their creamy-sweet shell, these 100% dairy-free PB cups bring the full indulging experience of milk chocolate without the dairy.”
Candy Dynamics
Toxic Waste®
Slime Licker® Chocolate Bar – Strawberry
SRP: $3.49 | 1.75oz
The Strawberry Slime Licker® Chocolate Bar from Toxic Waste® fuses creamy Belgian chocolate with a sour tangy gel; a combination like no other. Each display includes 24 bars of one flavor at $3.49 SRP. These innovative treats redefine chocolate indulgence, delivering a unique flavor profile.
Century Snacks
Snak Club
Tajin® Chocolate Covered Corn & Peanut Cluster
SRP: $7.69 | 4oz
You’ve never had this before, and you didn’t know you were missing it, but you were. Don’t be fooled by the chocolate coating, underneath is the salty crunch of toasted corn & peanuts with flavorful Tajin seasoning. Be one of the first to bring surprise and delight to your consumers.
Century Snacks
Snak Club
Tajin® Chocolate Covered Gummy Bears
SRP: $6.49 | 4oz
The popular Snak Club Tajin Gummy Bears are getting a surprise touch of indulgence with creamy chocolate. These gummy bears covered in delicious milk chocolate still pack the same big, bold, sweet flavors & sprinkling of the #1 seasoning in the United States, Tajin® Clasico chili lime seasoning.
Gourmet/Premium – Candy
Winner:
Lakrids by Bulow
Passionfruit Chocolate-Coated Licorice
SRP: $13.00 | 4.41oz
LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW-gourmet chocolate-coated Danish licorice. B-Corp, Gluten/GMO-free, Organic option. 2023 US e-com sales +40%, 50k customers, $40 AOV. Surprising flavors/taste journeys, eco-pack, seasonal lines, new/repeat & incr. $ basket. PASSIONFRUIT: licorice enrobed in PF infused white chocolate.
Finalists:
Sconza Chocolates
Crème Brûlée Almonds
SRP: $3.99 | 5 oz
Roasted California almonds covered in a layer of caramelized vanilla toffee and wrapped in silky white chocolate. A flawless combination of crunchy and smooth, it’s a poppable bite of Crème Brûlée perfection.
Marich Confectionery Company
Marich Pancrafted Chocolates
Dark Chocolate Blueberries
SRP: $5.99 | 3.5 oz
Elevate sales with our 3.5 oz Dark Chocolate Blueberries – a perfect blend of sweet blueberries and velvety dark chocolate. The perfection of this innovative treat adds on-trend appeal, making it a valuable addition to any retail store.
Promise Confections
Snappers
Strawberry Waffle Cone
SRP: $10.99 | 20oz
Delight in the perfect blend of our strawberry truffle center, crunchy waffle cone pieces, and savory pretzels. It’s a cluster experience that’s simply irresistible. No artificial flavors or preservatives.
Marich Confectionery Company
Marich Pancrafted Chocolates
Yuzu Lemon Caramels
SRP: $2.50 | 2oz
Drive incremental sales with this conveniently packed, 2 oz grab & go single serve unit. The irresistible and trending favor fusion of soft, handcrafted caramels covered in the silky Yuzu Lemon flavored white chocolate is the ideal blend of sweet and tangy.
Gum & Mints
Winner:
Mars Wrigley North America
HUBBA BUBBA
Mini Gum in Skittles Original Flavors
SRP: $3.49 | 2.1oz
The first new gum format from the brand since 1988, HUBBA BUBBA® Mini Gum offers a sugar-free soft and chewy gum experience in fan-favorite SKITTLES® Original flavors. The new mini format gives consumers a fun, candy-like taste to enjoy while maintaining its bubble-blowing core.
Finalists:
Bubblegum Kids
Bubblegum Kids Gum
SRP: $4.99 | 2.91oz
Step into Bubblegum Land where flavors crafted by the Bubblegum Kids come to life with unique tales. With our five original characters and upcoming collaborations with brands like Popeye, Care Bears, Archie and others, our gum offers a vegan & healthier alt free of sugar, gluten, aspartame, peanuts.
REV GUM
REV ELECTROLYTE GUM
Watermelon Lime
SRP: $2.99 | 1.2oz
Amplify Hydration with REV ELECTROLYTE GUM! Packed with essential electrolytes like potassium and magnesium along with B Vitamins to boost muscle performance, help prevent cramps and support cellular hydration! Sodium, sugar and caffeine free.
Promise Confections
Sqyntz!
Raspberry Lemonade Sourz
SRP: $3.49 | 1.5oz
Experience tangy bursts of real raspberry lemonade flavor in these Non-GMO, plant-based sourz. Guaranteed to make your lips pucker with delight, they also pack a punch of vitamin C. A mouthwatering indulgence for any time of the day!
Ferrero North America
Tic Tac
Citrus Adventure
SRP: $2.69 | 1.7oz
Innovative variety mix that focuses on trendy flavors (lemon, lime and mandarin). A unique mix of sour & tangy fruit flavored mints that stimulate the senses and delivers premium taste! The portable pack fits perfectly in your pocket or purse—great for on-the-go sharing and refreshment.
Non-Chocolate Candy
Winner:
Amos Sweets Inc.
Amos Peelerz
Gummy Mango
SRP: $3.49 | 6 oz
1. Peelerz gummies are peelable, replicating a real fruit experience.
2. The mango core contains real fruit juice, providing consumers with the sensation of tasting a real mango.
3. The elastic outer skin is also edible and tastes like real fruit.
4. Mango Peelerz are the most viral gummy on TikTok!
Finalists:
Morinaga America, Inc.
HI-CHEW®
Dessert Mix Peg Bag
SRP: $3.59 | 3oz
HI-CHEW® Dessert Mix Peg Bag showcases beloved dessert-inspired flavors to take your taste buds on a decadent journey! The mix includes three mouthwatering flavors: citrusy Key Lime Pie complemented by hints of graham cracker, Strawberry Ice Cream, a classic nostalgic treat, and bright Candy Apple.
Morinaga America, Inc.
HI-CHEW®
Gummies Sour Mix
SRP: $3.29 | 4.24oz
Pucker up and experience the mouthwatering HI-CHEW® Gummies Sour Mix! Covered in a sour coating with a chewy exterior and jelly-like interior, HI-CHEW Gummies Sour Mix brings a fun, new bouncy texture to flavors you know and love. Try the tart Green Apple, tangy Pineapple, and juicy Watermelon!
Just Born Quality Confections
MIKE and IKE®
Mega Mix Sweet or Sour
SRP: $1.50 | 4.25oz
MIKE AND IKE® Mega Mix Sweet or Sour: Mega Me Up™! This summer, find out if you’re on team #sweet or #sour with new, *Limited Time Only* MEGA MIX Sweet or SOUR fruity, chewy candies.
Albanese Confectionery Group, Inc.
Albanese World’s Best®
True to Fruit American Favorite Fruits
SRP: $3.49 | 7.75oz
We captured the essence of America’s favorite fruits to boldly craft the True to Fruit™ sensation. These true to fruit flavors unfold like fresh fruit picked at the peak of ripeness. Experience the flavors you know and love in a way that could only be the World’s Best.
Novelty/Licensed – Candy & Snacks
Winner:
Amos Sweets Inc.
Amos Peelerz
Gummy Banana
SRP: $3.49 | 6oz
1. Peelerz gummies are peelable, replicating a real fruit experience.
2. The banana core contains real fruit juice, providing consumers with the sensation of tasting a real banana.
3. The elastic outer skin is also edible and tastes like real fruit.
4. Peelerz are currently going viral on TikTok!
Finalists:
Dippin’ Dots
Frozeti Dough Ice Cream
SRP: $3.79 | 2.5oz
Dippin’ Dots, the original beaded ice cream, introduces Frozeti Dough! Inspired by mascot Frozeti the Yeti, blue sugar cookie flavored ice cream dots are mixed with a duo of doughs – Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Sandwich. This combo is a first for Dippin’ Dots, mixing two inclusions into one flavor.
Promise Confections
Edward Marc Chocolatier
Girl Scouts Coconut Caramel Bites
SRP: $5.99 | 5.5oz
Inspired by the iconic flavor of Girl Scout Coconut Caramel cookies, these coconut caramel flavored bites are sure to be a favorite of Girl Scout Cookie fans! Enrobed with sustainably sourced cocoa and coconut.
Stuffed Puffs, LLC
Stuffed Puffs
Jolly Rancher Sour Watermelon Filled Marshmallows
SRP: $3.00 | 2.96oz
Stuffed Puffs just launched its latest innovation, marshmallows bursting with sour candy filling, under a licensing agreement with The Hershey Company featuring the JOLLY RANCHER brand. These unique marshmallows promise to revitalize stagnant Easter baskets with a burst of sour excitement and fun!
American Licorice
Company Sour Punch®
Pickle Roulette Straws Tray
SRP: $1.99 | 4.5oz
Make snack time fun with Sour Punch Pickle Roulette Straws! Brace yourself for a game of chance where every bite is a surprise – will you get green apple, watermelon, lemon-lime, or pickle? Available in 4.5oz Straw trays with 12-count caddy and 5oz Bites hanging bags.
Seasonal – Candy & Snacks
Winner:
Crazy Candy
Andersen’s Crazy Candy
Peanut Brittle
SRP: $7.99 | 3oz
This nostalgic, home made candy has been freeze-dried and taken to the next level! You’ll love and recognize the rich, familiar flavor of peanut brittle as you take that first crunchy bite. The way it melts in your mouth will bring you back again and again all year long.
Finalists:
Astor Chocolate Corp.
Gudlife by Astor Chocolate
Candy Cane Cookies & Cream Peanut Butter Cup
SRP: $9.99 | 4.23oz
We’re obsessed with making real good, feel good snacks. On-the-go or finding a moment of quiet indulgence, there’s no judgment here! We value balance, moderation & deliciousness. Our chocolate is perfectly rich, sweet,& made with the types of ingredients that will make you feel good about your snacking.
Promise Confections
Snappers
Girl Scouts Lemonades
SRP: $11.99 | 20oz
Experience summertime bliss with our Girl Scouts Lemonades® inspired Snappers! Our Lemon Truffle is paired with perfect shortbread cookie crisps and a vanilla crème drizzle. Summer never tasted so refreshing, indulge in this one-of-a-kind treat! No artificial flavors or added preservatives, ever.
Amos Sweets Inc.
Amos 4D
Luckyfish Gummy – Raspberry
SRP: $1.50 | 2.1oz
1. LuckyFish is a gummy candy specially made for Lunar New Year (celebrated by 1/5 of the global population).
2. LuckyFish symbolizes bringing good luck to the consumers (in cultural symbolism, koi fish represents good luck).
3. 360° three-dimensional fish-shaped gummy candy, the first in the world.
Crazy Candy
Andersen’s Crazy Candy
Peppermint Puffs
SRP: $7.99 | 2.5oz
These Peppermint Puffs are whimsical and like nothing you’ve experienced before when it comes to Peppermints! Puffy, colorful and fun, they will bring a smile to your face. You’ll find your self having a whole new experience as you crunch into one of these Puffs and feel it melt away in your mouth.
Meat Snacks
Winner:
CHYLER’S™
Hawaiian Beef Chips® – Original with Roasted Garlic
SRP: $15.99 | 1.5oz
Created in exotic Hawaii, our wafer-thin beef chips are perfectly sliced, marinated in our secret flavor and spice blend, and slow-roasted to create a crispy full-flavored beef chip. Each of our Hawaiian Beef Chips® are bursting with flavors with a thin crispy texture unlike any other.
Finalists:
Oberto Snacks, Inc.
Cattleman’s Cut + Yellowstone
American Wagyu Beef Stick
SRP: $2.49 | 0.9oz
Immerse yourself in the bold flavors of the American West with Cattleman’s Cut + Yellowstone American Wagyu Beef Sticks. Hardwood smoked and seasoned to perfection, each stick boasts five grams of protein and less than one gram of sugar per serving for a hearty, delicious on-the-go snack.
Wenzel’s Farm
Bacon Cheddar Snack Stick
SRP: $2.49 | 2oz
A blend of rich, smoky beef flavor with cheddar cheese and bacon to create a mouth-watering snack stick that tastes as good as it sounds, and combines two Midwestern favorites for an unforgettable culinary experience. It’s like taking the flavor sensation of your favorite bacon cheddar burger.
Stoney Point Inc.
Bronco Billy Beef Jerky
Buffalo Chicken Jerky
SRP: $8.99 | 3oz
Bringing the same great flavor you get when you sit down with a dozen wings. Bold Buffalo Chicken flavor in every lean bite product. Taste like you are eating a dozen wings right from the kitchen.
Jack Link’s Beef Jerky
Jack Link’s Wild
Dr Pepper Inspired Stick
SRP: $2.09 | 2.2oz
Jack Link’s® and Dr Pepper® have teamed up to bring you a one-of-a-kind flavorful experience. Infused with the distinctive flavors inspired by Dr Pepper®, each bite of Jack Link’s meat sticks delivers a delightful blend of sweet and savory sensations.
Pearson Ranch Healthy Meat Snacks
Pearson Ranch
Duck Snack Sticks
SRP: $7.99 | 3oz
Pearson Ranch Duck Snack Sticks are made from a tasty blend of duck and pork. Our sticks are gluten-free, soy-free, and contain no MSG. We’ve also skipped the nitrites and nitrates, so you can snack guilt-free. We are a 5th generation family-owned ranch, we take pride in our product.
Ranch House Sausage Co.
Ranch House
Hawaiian Pizza Style Snack Sticks – Single Serve
SRP: $2.99 | 2oz
A savory slightly sweet slice of pizza without the mess. The creamy cheese and sweet pineapple with the right amount of pizza sauce flavor makes this a stick your kids will love. No need to refrigerate, great source of protein.
Salty Snacks
Winner:
Nomad Snacks
Ramen Popcorn
SRP: $5.99 | 4oz
Savory and delicious , ramen-flavored ready-to-eat popcorn
Finalists:
Pork King Good
Appley Cinnamon Flavored Pork Rinds
SRP: $3.99 | 3oz
Pork King Good’s Appley Cinnamon Pork Rinds are the sweet & salty mashup that you never knew you needed! Heavy on flavor and with a melt-in-your-mouth texture unlike any other brand on the market, our Appley Cinnamon Pork Rinds are an addictively delicious, low carb and gluten free sweet treat!
General Mills
Chex Mix
Chex Mix Remix Zesty Taco
SRP: $4.29 | 4.25oz
Remix your craving with Chex Mix Remix Zesty Taco! Chex Mix Remix delivers complex and intense layers of flavor to create a more exciting eating experience for new eating occasions. Its thematic flavor pieces build a more engaging way to enjoy “craveable” consumer favorites (like Tacos)!
Hain Celestial
Garden Veggie Snacks
Flavor Burst Tortilla Chips, Zesty Ranch
SRP: $3.99 | 6oz
From the makers of Veggie Straws, Flavor Burst is the FIRST kid-loved, parent approved flavored tortilla chip; addressing an unmet need for family fun tortilla chips. Most BFY tortilla options are adult focused. Flavor Burst is certified GF & combines veggies, non-GMO corn with no artificial flavors
Big Dipper Food Company
PopCrunch
Peanut Butter w/Pretzels
SRP: $3.99 | 6oz
The perfect pairing of pretzel-infused peanut butter coated on to a scrumptious, crunchy caramel popcorn center – a sweet treat with a PopCrunch that’s sure to satisfy.
Our Home
YOU NEED THIS
Zesty Ranch Fries
SRP: $3.99 | 5.5oz
Play it cool & get zesty with YOU NEED THIS’ Zesty Ranch Fries. Made for Gen Z & Millennials, our fries serve ridiculously good taste at a great value WITHOUT junk. Zesty Ranch Fries are gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO and fill the gap in the category for an easy-to-eat social snack.
Savory Snacks
Winners:
Our Home
YOU NEED THIS
Hot Cheddar Fries
SRP: $3.99 | 5.5oz
Made for Gen Z & Millennials, our fries deliver ridiculously good taste at a great value WITHOUT junk. Hot Cheddar Fries fill a gap for spicy snacks that are gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO. The category lacks an easy-to-eat social snack & the hot cheddar flavor aligns with popular flavor profiles.
PepsiCo Foods
Doritos Dinamita
Smoky Chile Queso
SRP: $6.29 | 9oz
69% of Gen Z say they crave a snack that is not only spicy but has multidimensional flavor as well. With a mix of green chile & smoky cheese paired with a crispy crunch & medium heat, our new Dinamita Smoky Chile Queso sticks are here to deliver on that Gen Z craving & change the intense snack game!
Finalists:
Simply Good Foods Company
Quest®
Cheese Crackers Spicy Cheddar
SRP: $2.79 | 1.06oz
Introducing Quest Spicy Cheddar Cheese Crackers – a spicy twist on the cheesy crackers you know and love. These crunchy, protein-rich crackers are packed with flavor and spice to give you the heat & delicious taste you want without the carbs you don’t.
-10g Protein
-5g Net Carbs
We Are Nuts
Ginger Turmeric Honey Peanuts
SRP: $8.99 | 10oz
Organic Ginger & Turmeric Root, Lemons, Thai Chili Peppers fermented in Mason Jars filled with raw pure honey-layered over Georgia peanuts with our famous toffee coating. Convenient on-the-go jar for joyful sharing experiences. 10 UPSPW, incremental, merchandisable, high protein snacking. Taste=Win
Bad Monkey Popcorn Inc.
Heat N’ Eat™ Sweet & Salty Popcorn
SRP: $3.49 | 3.52oz
It is the World’s first ever heatable popcorn bag that is 100% compostable (no plastic at all). The popcorn inside the bag is pre-popped and seasoned. You can put the bag directly into an oven, microwave and warmer. The result is hot, crunchy, popcorn – just like at the movie theatre.
OMG! Pretzels
Lemon Pepper Gourmet Seasoned Sourdough Pretzels
SRP: $8.99 | 6.5oz
Tastebuds deserve a revolution not repetition. A unique blend of fresh citrus and savory pepper boasts a 2-note tasting experience. Made from family recipes without artificial ingredients and a light, airy crunch, ours are the only authentically-aged seasoned sourdough pretzel nuggets on the market.
Sweet Snacks
Winner:
Nerdy Nuts
Banana Cream Pie Peanut Butter Treat
SRP: $12.99 | 14.5oz
Banana Cream Pie is a peanut butter treat mixed with a southern staple: White chocolate peanut butter, marshmallow fluff, caramel sauce, banana mallow creme, vanilla wafers, and banana chips. This flavor was an influencer collab in 2021 and completely sells out every time it’s released.
Finalists:
Endangered Species Chocolate Company
Endangered Species Chocolate
Dip ‘n Joy Salted Caramel
SRP: $3.79 | 1.75oz
Rich dark chocolate batons sit alongside a pool of rich salted caramel dip, allowing you to be in control of your indulgence. Inspired by one of ESC’s best-selling bars!
Tru Fru LLC
Trü Frü Hyper-Chilled Fresh
Nature’s Strawberries Frozen Fresh in White & Dark Chocolate
SRP: $6.99 | 8oz
We take Nature’s Strawberries fully ripened, double immersed in a premium white and then dark chocolate before hyper-chilling it in our proprietary chamber of frozen freshness. Tru Fru is a “permissibly indulgenct snack” made of real ingredients that satisfy that craving!
Cibo Vita
Nature’s Garden
Probiotic Mixed Berry Yoggies
SRP: $6.98 | 8.4oz
Real fruit center, coated in yogurt, Yoggies are infused w/2 billion CFU of Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG Probiotics=gut health. Added sugars are comprised of real fruit juice. 3g prebiotic fiber. Non-GMO. Does not contain corn syrup or artificial colors, unlike leading fruit snacks on the market.
Crazy Candy Andersen’s
Crazy Candy
S’more Crunchers
SRP: $7.99 | 2.5oz
Crafted for the first time ever, this freeze-dried delight combines classic s’more flavors into a crunchy, irresistible snack. With freeze-dried marshmallows, delicious graham & rich chocolate, every piece promises a party in your mouth—with textures & flavors that dance together in perfect harmony
Baked Goods
Winner:
Simply Good Foods Company
Quest®
Strawberry Cake Frosted Cookies
SRP: $2.79 | 1.76oz
“Introducing Quest Strawberry Cake Frosted Cookie Twin Packs. Featuring a sweet coating around a soft-baked fruit flavored center, Quest Frosted Cookies provide the sweet satisfaction of a sugary bakery cookie with 1g of sugar.
-10g Protein
-2g Net carbs
-1g Sugar
-200 Calories
Finalists:
Flathau’s Fine Foods
Maddy’s Sweet Shop
Cinnamon Cayenne Shortbread Cookies
SRP: $6.95 | 5oz
Prepare your tastebuds! Our new Cinnamon Cayenne Shortbread cookies start off sweet, but have a pinch of heat at the end.
Alli & Rose
Crispy Croissant Bites with Caramel & Sea Salt
SRP: $9.99 | 9.17oz
Everyone’s favourite baked good is now available in snack format! Light, crispy and lightly glazed with caramel and sprinkled with sea salt. Our Crispy Croissant Bites are your new go to snack for just about any occasion!
Hostess Brands
Double Chocolate Meltamors
SRP: $3.99 | 9.31oz
HOSTESS Double Chocolate Meltamors, Melting Chocolate Center. Elevate snacking with HOSTESS Double Chocolate Meltamors. Indulge in a carefree moment to lighten your day. Warm in the microwave & savor the melting “Lava” filled center. Or simply eat straight from the wrapper as tasty on the go treats!
Cookie Man
Red Velvet Cheesecake
SRP: $3.00 | 3.5oz
This delicious creation takes the classic red velvet cake to new heights. Enjoy the perfect mixture of generously studded rich couverture white chocolate chunks with our velvety and gooey cream cheese filling.
