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SPINS releases 10 leading trends for sweets and snacks in 2024
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SPINS releases 10 leading trends for sweets and snacks in 2024

2024-09-21

On May 14, the 2024 Candy & Snack Expo was successfully held at the Indiana Convention Center. Confectionery & Snack Expo is the largest confectionery & snack event in North America, bringing together nearly 1,000 confectionery and snack exhibitors to showcase innovative ideas, concepts and products from the confectionery and snack industry. By putting together these innovative ideas and products, the SPINS team has released 10 leading trends in sweets and snacks.


Trend # 1: Freeze-dried candies are starting to pop


According to Mordor, the freeze-dried food market size is approximately $2.98 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $4.45 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 8.35% during the forecast period (2023-2028). Thanks to the demand of the younger generation of consumers for fast and convenient eating, freeze-dried candies have been widely popular in the past two years.


Unlike traditional candies, freeze-dried candies are processed by freeze-drying technology with an extremely low moisture content, which was previously mainly used for the preparation of dried fruits and vegetables. Due to the extremely low water activity, freeze-dried candies can maintain a long shelf life with no or few preservatives added.


For example, the Minicrush brand has launched a variety of freeze-dried candies, including sour, sweet and other flavors. Share a Smile llc brand released a freeze-dried toffee with key ingredients including corn syrup, coconut oil, sea salt, egg white and more.

PROUDUCT

Freeze-Dried Vanilla Ice CreamFreeze-Dried Vanilla Ice Cream-product
01

Freeze-Dried Vanilla Ice Cream

2025-06-19

MiniCrush presents Freeze-Dried Vanilla Ice Cream, a timeless favorite transformed into a lightweight, crispy delight. Using our advanced freeze-dry process, we preserve the creamy richness and subtle sweetness of traditional vanilla ice cream—without the need for refrigeration.

This product is ideal for retail chains, outdoor snack kits, travel-friendly desserts, and novelty candy lines. Its airy texture and classic taste make it a top choice for consumers looking for guilt-free indulgence and better shelf stability.

read more
Freeze-dried Chocolate Ice CreamFreeze-dried Chocolate Ice Cream-product
02

Freeze-dried Chocolate Ice Cream

2025-06-19

Satisfy chocolate cravings the smart way with freeze-dried chocolate ice cream—a light, crispy, and intensely flavorful snack made by MiniCrush using premium freeze-dry technology. Unlike traditional confections, this treat delivers the rich, creamy taste of chocolate in a shelf-stable, mess-free form ideal for modern snacking.

As part of our Freeze Dry Candy wholesale lineup, this product offers long shelf life, reduced moisture, and bold taste with less bulk—making it ideal for retailers, travel snack kits, and novelty candy shops.

Many consumers ask: does freeze dried candy have less sugar? The answer is yes in many cases, especially when moisture is removed without needing excess sweeteners or preservatives. That’s what makes our freeze-dried chocolate ice cream a better option for health-conscious snackers.

read more
Freeze-dried Strawberry Ice CreamFreeze-dried Strawberry Ice Cream-product
03

Freeze-dried Strawberry Ice Cream

2025-06-19

MiniCrush proudly presents its signature freeze-dried strawberry ice cream, a light and crunchy version of the classic dessert that retains the full-bodied flavor and vibrant color of real strawberries. Using state-of-the-art freeze-dry technology, we preserve the original texture and taste in a form that requires no refrigeration and delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite.

As one of the best freeze dried candy company choices for wholesale buyers, MiniCrush offers flexible, export-ready freeze dried candy supplies, with international certifications and low MOQs to support global businesses.

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Freeze-dried Chocolate (coffee Flavor)Freeze-dried Chocolate (coffee Flavor)-product
04

Freeze-dried Chocolate (coffee Flavor)

2025-06-19

MiniCrush introduces a rich and aromatic treat: freeze-dried chocolate with coffee flavor, crafted through advanced freeze-dry technology to lock in the deep, roasted notes of coffee and the smooth richness of cocoa. The result is a light, crispy texture that satisfies both coffee lovers and chocolate fans—a perfect example of modern crunch freeze dried candy.

This product is especially suitable for brands exploring the freeze dried candy market, or those building a diversified freeze dried candy business plan. With its bold flavor and trendy appeal, it performs well in farmers market freeze dried candy settings, specialty coffee shops, and gourmet gift packs.

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Trend # 2: Caffeinated energy bars

The energy bar market size is expected to be $3.28 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $3.85 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.32% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

Regular energy bars are mainly composed of carbohydrates and protein, which can provide quick energy and maintain stable blood sugar levels. And caffeinated energy bars are not only nutritious, but also help people wake up in the afternoon and relieve fatigue. SPINS believes that for people who prefer not to drink coffee, such carry-around caffeinated energy bar snacks could help.

Verb's energy bar, for example, gets its caffeine from green tea, is vegan and all-natural, and each bar is equivalent to a cup of espresso.


Trend # 3: Nutritious fruit bars

According to SPINS, it will be harder for shoppers to eat a variety of nutritious fruits every day, so they will be able to supplement their diet with nutrient-focused fruit bars. The energy, vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber in the fruit are concentrated in the fruit bar, making it more convenient to eat. Fruit bars can also be combined with other snacks to give people even more health benefits.

In addition, compared to fresh fruit, fruit bars are easier to store, and studies have shown that FIG fruit bars have strong antioxidant capacity and can be stored for 90 days. This is one of the reasons why this type of product is starting to sell well.

South Forty's fruit bars are made from tropical fruits without preservatives or concentrate. Varieties include mango, pineapple mango lime and pineapple passion fruit. Each bar contains 1-3 fruit ingredients.


Trend #4 : Peanut butter has more flavor

Data show that the market size of peanut butter in 2023 is $7.2 billion. It is expected to reach $11.4 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.3% from 2024 to 2030. Tastewise data shows that social discussions about chocolate peanut butter have increased by 29.18% in the past year. With the growing demand of young people for high-protein foods and complex flavors, the taste of peanut butter will become more abundant around the world.

For example, Dr. Peanut offers a variety of peanut butter flavors, including Brazilian chocolate, condensed milk, and white chocolate coconut. Nerdy Nuts has launched Boujee brownies, salted caramel cheese, chocolate chips and other multi-flavored peanut butter products that can be enjoyed in sandwiches or as snack toppings.



Trend # 5: Carry meat protein with you

According to Mordor, the meat snack market size was approximately $19.37 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $26.75 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.67% during the forecast period (2024-2029). Consumer preference for portable snack products is driving the market. Grass-fed meat snacks with no preservatives, manageable portions, and a variety of flavors and textures are gaining popularity.

SPINS believes that while plant-based protein products continue to thrive, meat snacks are not at risk of disappearing. In addition, meat snacks have a strong influence in convenience stores. Exhibitors at the expo include Chomps, Space Rocket Jerky and CHYLER'S™ meat snack brands, including beef, Turkey, salmon, bison, elk, venison and more.

CHYLER'S™ - Hawaiian Beef Slices ® - Original Roasted Garlic is one of the most innovative products at the fair, utilizing traditional slow cooking techniques in Hawaii to bring out the full flavor of the meat and achieve a unique crispy texture that is more flavourful than jerky.




Trend # 6: More plant-based raw materials

As consumers become more health conscious, more and more companies are developing a variety of plant-based products to replace milk, cheese, meat and egg products. Especially in Europe and the United States, plant-based foods have long been popular. Plant-based raw materials are also becoming more and more abundant, in addition to traditional soybeans, chickpeas, beets, sweet potatoes, rice, etc., have also begun to become plant-based raw materials.

For example, Theo's brand introduced vegetable snacks based on beets and sweet potatoes to replace meat snacks. Lenny & Larry's has a plant-based protein cookie baked with pea and rice protein. These plant-based products contain nine essential amino acids and are easy to digest, effectively curbing hunger pangs.