Expo West | Spring 2024: Recap and Highlights

The canvas of Natural Products Expo West never fails to captivate us at CCDI. It’s an abundance of creativity, where we had the chance to engage and connect with clients, industry friends and emerging brands, exploring a wide variety of products and treats.

This year, our team was invigorated by the evolution of several food and beverage trends, signaling an exciting year to come. It's no surprise that the ‘Better for You’ indulgent snacks category is growing in formats and benefits. According to the fifth annual State of Snacking report by Mondelēz International, 88% of consumers snack at least once a day. The report further explores the rationale behind this trend, explaining that consumers perceive snacking benefits such as an energy boost (75%), mood improvement (74%) and fitness alignment (70%).

In addition to ‘Better for You’ snacks, we’ve witnessed continued growth in innovative beverage types and ingredients, while bold flavors and unique formats are captivating consumer interest. For a deep dive into these trends, check out the full article below!

Brain, Beauty, and Gut Health Snacks

Significant growth in the ‘Better for You’ snacks category indicates a discerning consumer base is looking for a blend of indulgence with health benefits. All the while consumers are making a shift from full meals to snacks, and brands are responding by leveraging ingredients that offer specific body benefits.

Gut health continues to be a trending topic in healthcare, leading to tasteful evolutions of pro-biotics from pre- to post- along with variations of high fiber and fermented ingredients. 

In women’s health, targeted products such as Winged hormone-balancing gummies, skin and health-boosting functional powder mixes, and bars for menopause management are gaining momentum.

All ages are honing in on emotional benefits and brain health by creating ‘brain boosting’ treats. Brands that stood out include Brainiac Foods, offering a kids’ snacks line, and Mindright, known for its protein bars that promote a boost in mood and energy.

Better for You Beverages

Beverage developers are joining in on the ‘Better for You’ trend with unique ingredients aimed at physical and mental wellness.

‘Dry January’ appears to be morphing into a lifestyle choice, as non-alcoholic beverages increase in popularity and continue throughout the year. From de-alcoholized wines by No Alcohol Company, beer-inspired sparkling water by Hoplark, to Parch Spirits’ agave cocktails with adaptogens, there's a creative, health-conscious alternative to everyone's favorite drink.

Wellness teas and mixes from brands like Magic Mind, Pinky Up, BRAINJUICE, and Pretty Tasty are stepping up, offering benefits like improved focus, stress management, collagen enhancement, and holistic wellness. Emotional Utility Beverages are turning heads with their adaptogenic concoctions designed to enhance mental performance and alleviate stress.

Bold Flavors and Formats

Is the food adventurer in you ready to branch out from basic flavors? If so, you’re in luck! We noticed bold and experimental flavors offering a range from bold global experiences to new twists on sweet treats!  

Asian flavors dominated the floor, featuring vibrant Korean flavors like gochujang, Korean BBQ, and frozen Kimbap. Japanese cuisine was represented with flavorful yuzu-infused snacks and ice cream and ramen varieties from brands like House Foods.

UNiTE Food represents a tribute to global culinary and sweet-flavor fusion with their unique protein bar flavors including Churro, Mexican hot chocolate, baklava, bubble tea and more. Nostalgic flavors like birthday cake, PB&J, and S’mores were a popular addition to flavor lineups for quite a few brands as well.

The trend of ‘crispification’ of snacks continues – if sweet isn't your go-to, there’s no lack of savory, salty and crispy. Health-forward options like seed-based crackers from The Humble Seed, watermelon seed cookies from Simple Mills and high-protein snacks like Whips cheese crisps, can provide the crunch you crave while adding nutrients to your snack break.

What’s Next

Consumers are not just craving variety in flavors and formats, but also desire tangible health benefits. Brands are answering this shift with a blend of health-driven, flavorful products.

At CCDI, we find these insights inspiring. It aligns with our ethos of culinary innovation and fuels our Chef's Council mandate of crafting flavorful, in-demand products. Through our commitment to culinary excellence, we strive to elevate food experiences and enrich lives by combining health, flavor, and innovation.