From May 19-21, the Sweets & Snacks Expo returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center, bringing together thousands of candy and snack manufacturers, distributors and retail buyers from across the country. For independent grocers looking to capture impulse sales and differentiate their front-end offerings, more than 3,000 exhibitors will be showcasing the latest innovations in candy, chocolate, gum and salty snacks. Here is a look at some of the new products hitting the show floor that independent operators should have on their radar.
Hidden Valley Ranch
Hidden Valley Ranch is bringing ranch flavor to the refrigerated aisle with the launch of Hidden Valley Ranch Dippers, a new line of protein-forward, ready-to-eat snacks developed through a licensing partnership with Carl Buddig and Company. The dippers mark the brand’s first entry into the refrigerated protein snack space, pairing 100 percent natural seasoned grilled chicken strips with Hidden Valley Original Ranch. The new products are rolling out at select retailers, and will be unveiled at the Sweets & Snacks Expo at booth No. 4437.
Available in Original Ranch and Buffalo-Style Ranch varieties, the dippers are designed to meet growing consumer demand for high-protein, on-the-go snacks — with seven in 10 Americans actively trying to consume more protein. The licensing collaboration brings together Hidden Valley Ranch’s brand heritage with Carl Buddig and Company’s expertise in refrigerated proteins, enabling faster entry into the snacking category.
Mighty Spark
Mighty Spark is heading to the Sweets & Snacks Expo to highlight a lineup of lean chicken protein snacks built around clean ingredients and everyday convenience. Each stick delivers 6-7 grams of protein for 50 to 60 calories, with gluten-free, soy-free and top 9 allergen-free options across the assortment. The brand continues to grow at retail through partnerships with Kroger, Publix, Costco and BJ’s.
At the show, the brand will be sampling its products at booth No. 3972 and spotlighting new launches including half-ounce Mini Sticks designed for lunchboxes, gym bags and on-the-go snacking, as well as new Maple Chicken Snack Sticks. The expansion taps into broader category momentum — total meat snacks grew 12 percent over the latest 52 weeks, while chicken sticks increased 58 percent, growing nearly five times faster than the overall category, according to Nielsen data.
Nassau Candy
Nassau Candy will introduce six new products to its Clever Candy bulk lineup at the 2026 Sweets & Snacks Expo. The new items include Gummy Pickles, Gummy Watermelon Slices, Gummy Pink Lemonade Slices, Gummy Filled Kitty Paws, Gummy Blue Raspberries and Licorice Pastels. Gummy Pickles are available now, tapping into sustained consumer demand for pickle-flavored products. The remaining five products will hit the market in summer 2026.
Gummy Watermelon Slices and Pink Lemonade Slices feature a sour coating and wedge shape to help retailers expand sour assortments. The Filled Kitty Paws contain a fruit-flavored filling and are positioned for animal-themed parties and candy buffets. Licorice Pastels offer a crunchy pastel shell with a black licorice center, while the Blue Raspberries gummy is coated in bright blue nonpareils, inspired by classic Black & Red Berries with a modern twist.
“Our Clever Candy brand is known for its innovative bulk, offering the unexpected along with tried-and-true bestsellers,” said Andrew Reitman, EVP of national brand confections for Nassau Candy.
“This year, our new bulk releases have something for everyone. From trending pickle flavor to shopper-requested shapes and nostalgic favorites — all while maintaining a competitive price point.” Nassau Candy operates six distribution centers and two manufacturing facilities, distributing more than 10,000 products to grocery chains, independent confectionery stores and other retailers nationwide.
Old Wisconsin Sausage Inc.
YUMBO, the premium sausage stick brand manufactured by Old Wisconsin Sausage Inc. — a subsidiary of Carl Buddig and Company — is debuting its new flavor, Ginger Teriyaki, at Sweets & Snacks Expo at booth No. 4437. The new variety is crafted with premium cuts of pork and beef, balancing aromatic ginger with tangy teriyaki for a zesty umami flavor. Each 2-ounce stick is gluten-free, delivers 11 grams of protein per serving and contains no fillers, no added MSG and zero trans fat, with a suggested retail price starting at $3.49.
Fans visiting the booth will also be able to sample the full YUMBO assortment, including Original YUMBO, Turkey YUMBO, Hot & Spicy YUMBO and Honey Brown Sugar Turkey YUMBO. The Ginger Teriyaki launch follows major retail expansion for the brand, which is available at 7-Eleven, Wawa, Circle K, Speedway, Maverik, Walmart, Meijer, ShopRite and Piggly Wiggly, as well as online through Amazon.
Looking ahead
For independent grocers, the Sweets & Snacks Expo offers an opportunity to see emerging trends firsthand before they hit mainstream retail. From sour and pickle-flavored gummies to nostalgic licorice and pet-themed novelties, this year’s new product lineup reflects broader consumer shifts toward bold flavors, social media-friendly formats and affordable indulgences. Independent operators who can quickly identify which items resonate with their local customer base – and adjust their bulk displays, checkout lane sets and seasonal merchandising accordingly – stand to capture impulse sales that might otherwise go to mass merchants or convenience chains. With more than 3,000 exhibitors on the floor, the challenge isn’t finding new products; it’s choosing the right ones for your community.