Crunching the Numbers and Snack Trends at Expo West 2025: A Snack Master’s Perspective

As a self-proclaimed Snack Master, Expo West 2025 was a veritable buffet of inspiration, innovation, and, of course, irresistible snacks. Wandering the aisles of the Anaheim Convention Center, I had the pleasure of discovering brands that are not just pushing the envelope of flavor but redefining what it means to snack.  Expo West 2025 was more than just a taste-testing journey; it was a celebration of innovation and a glimpse into the future of food. Whether you’re a foodie, a health enthusiast, or simply curious, this event had something for everyone.

Here are a few highlights from my taste-testing journey:

William Andre Buchanan & Sara Delany, Founder of Sarilla

A Taste of Trends

Authentic Flavors Global cuisines took center stage, with authentic Mexican, Asian, and Indian-inspired products offering bold, international flavors. These culturally rich creations were a testament to the growing demand for premium, traditional ingredients.

Gut Health Galore The digestive health movement was in full swing, with prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics making their way into unexpected products like kombucha-infused salad dressings and probiotic vinegars. Each bite and sip promised a happier gut and a healthier you.

Protein Palooza Protein was the star of the show, appearing in everything from pretzels to fungi-based, dairy-free yogurts. The creativity in delivering protein-packed products was astounding, catering to consumers prioritizing satiety and muscle recovery.

The Beverage Boom (Always a favorite) Functional drinks stole the spotlight, boasting benefits like stress relief, hydration, and digestion support. Adaptogens, electrolytes, and phytochemicals were the secret ingredients, making every sip a step toward wellness.

Thinking about Investing? Why Expo West Is Essential for Investors

Expo West is a bellwether for where the natural and organic space is headed. It offers a chance to identify up-and-coming brands, understand what consumers care most about, and gauge the competitive landscape.  For investors, the real magic lies in early-stage discovery. Startups often use Expo as a springboard to secure partnerships, generate buzz, and attract funding. Investors looking to deploy capital can identify high-potential brands with scalable models, innovative propositions, and passionate founders. I’m a few in and it has been exciting.

Takeaways for Snack Lovers

Expo West 2025 reminded me why I fell in love with snacking. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about storytelling, culture, health, and innovation packed into a single bite. These brands prove that snacks can be fun, functional, and conscious all at once.  So, whether you’re a health nut, a flavor adventurer, or someone who just loves to snack, keep an eye out for these trailblazing brands. They’re not just shaping the snack aisle—they’re redefining it. Stay tuned as I will share a dedicated article in the near future, of some of my favorites from this experience. Cheers to the next big crunch! 🥨🍫✨

About New Hope Network

New Hope Network is at the forefront of the healthy lifestyle products industry. With solutions for the complete supply chain from manufacturers, retailers/distributors, service providers and ingredient suppliers, the network offers a robust portfolio of content, events, data, research and consultative services. Through all its actions, New Hope Network aims to cultivate a prosperous high-integrity CPG and retail ecosystem that creates health, joy and justice for all people and regenerates the planet. For more information visit www.newhope.com.

About Informa Markets

Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. We provide marketplace participants around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, targeted digital services and actionable data solutions. We connect buyers and sellers across more than a dozen global verticals, including Pharmaceuticals, Food, Medical Technology and Infrastructure. As the world’s leading market-making company, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.