OMG, spring is finally here! Let's start by cleaning out our snack stash and make room for the latest, trendiest flavors out there.
You won't believe the flavors that are making waves this year. First up, we have Cajun/Creole. Local food trends are so last year; it's all about regional flavors now. And the front-runner is Louisiana's Cajun and Creole cuisine (according to Food Business News). It's so popular that even McCormick, the spice brand, introduced a new Vietnamese x Cajun Style Seasoning.
But here's the twist: Cajun and Creole spices aren't just for seafood and meat rubs anymore. They're perfect for spicing up your favorite snack party treats, like nut mixes! Nassau Candy's Cajun Crunch Mix is where it's at. Packed with peanuts, Cajun hot sticks, sesame bites, and pretzel sticks, this mix brings the perfect crunch and spicy flavor.
Protein is also a major snacking draw. So, why not combine it with bold Creole flavors? Sahale Creole Bean + Nut Mix is the answer. With chickpeas, fava beans, roasted pecans, peanuts, pepitas, crisped brown rice, and red bell pepper, all coated in signature spices, this mix brings the heat and packs a flavorful punch.
And let's not forget about tortilla chips. Hola Nola Creole Tortilla Chips are a must-try. Handmade, hand-cut, and cooked using traditional methods, these chips taste just like homemade. Plus, they come in a microwavable bag, so you can enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven experience.
If you're looking for something spicy and poppable, look no further than Cajun Hot Corn Sticks. They're delicious on their own, but they also add a zesty kick and satisfying crunch to custom snack mixes or as a salad topper.
But wait, there's more! We can't forget about the global flavors that are still trending strong. Mexican dessert flavors are all the rage right now (according to Food Business News). And one flavor that stands out is Churro. That irresistible combination of cinnamon spice and crunch is popping up everywhere.
Take Pearson's Salted Nut Roll, for example. They've given it a Churro twist, adding a touch of cinnamon to the classic mix of peanuts, caramel, and fluffy nougat center. And if you're a chocolate lover, Chuao Dark Chocolate Cheeky Cheeky Churro is your go-to. It combines crispy, airy cinnamon churro pieces with rich dark chocolate.
Even healthier snacks are getting in on the cinnamon churro craze. Check out Cinnamon Churro Branchout Banana Bites. These dried banana slices, coated in cinnamon and sugar, offer a festive flavor while providing potassium and fiber.
For plant-based enthusiasts, From the Ground Up's Cinnamon Churro Puffs are a game-changer. Made with plant-based ingredients and infused with sweet and spicy cinnamon churro flavor, these puffs deliver a satisfying crunch that'll keep you coming back for more.
Now, let's talk about the dessert that everyone will be buzzing about this summer: Mexico's Mangonada (according to Food Business News). It's a frozen blend of mangos, Chamoy chili sauce, and chili powder. Sounds deliciously refreshing, right?
Creating a mangonada might be a bit challenging, but you can still enjoy those flavors with mangonada-inspired snacks. Start with Lucas, a Mexican candy brand. They have a variety of candies that pair Chamoy with fruity flavors, creating a unique and irresistible combination. Try Lucas Mango Polvos for a sweet and sour mango candy powder mixed with chili powder. For the full Chamoy experience, go for Lucas Chamoy Muecas, a chamoy-flavored lollipop that comes with a chili-flavored powder dip, allowing you to create your own snacking adventure.
If you're up for a truly unique mangonada-like experience, give Lucas Mango Skwinkles Salsagheti a go. It's chewy mango-flavored candy strings coated in chili powder, with a tamarind-flavored Gusano chili sauce to top it off. It's like spaghetti with sauce but with a twist you won't believe.
But don't worry if Lucas candies are hard to find. There are other ways to indulge in the mangonada flavor. Nassau Candy Fruit slices in Chili Mango flavor will give you the closest experience.
Even health-conscious snackers can join in on the sweet and spicy fun with Peeled Snacks Chili Mango dried fruit snacks. These snacks are made using a unique gentle drying process that locks in the fresh mango flavor. And with that hint of chili, they take snack time to a whole new level.
Now, let's move on to the next big thing: Sweet Heat. It's not just for mangonadas; there are plenty of spice blends and food products bringing the perfect combination of sweet and heat.
For a straightforward sweet heat experience, try Maille Mike's Hot Honey Dijon Mustard. This classic French mustard adds a spicy twist by infusing its iconic honey Dijon flavor with Mike's Hot chili.
If you're craving some crunch with your sweet heat, dunk Popcorners Sweet Chili Popcorn Chips into your hot honey dip. Feeling a bit more adventurous? Prime Planet Tostones Sweet Chili Plantain chips are a fantastic alternative to regular potato or tortilla chips.
And guess what? Even candy classics can bring the sweet heat. Enter Chili Chews, the gummies that pack a punch. Whether it's Sour Worms or Peach Bites, these gummies are infused with cayenne and chili peppers to give you that extra kick.
But hold on, chocolate lovers, we've got something for you too. Tabasco Spicy Dark Chocolate Wedges combine rich dark chocolate with the fiery kick of real Tabasco sauce. And the iconic Tabasco branding on the tin adds a cool factor to your on-the-go snacking experience.
Last but not least, let's not forget about breakfast. It's not just the most important meal of the day; it's also a prime flavor profile for 2023.
Think pancakes, French toast, and even coffee flavors. And these trending flavors aren't just limited to breakfast or brunch gatherings; they're welcome any time of day.
If you're looking for a breakfast-inspired dessert, try Milk Bar Pancake Cookies. These delicate sugar cookies infused with maple syrup and butter taste just like your favorite breakfast treat.
And leave it to Jelly Belly to capture the flavors of a stack of pancakes and maple syrup in their Pancakes and Maple Syrup Jelly Beans. How do they do it? We have no idea, but it's pure flavor genius.
Protein bars are also jumping on the breakfast bandwagon. One Crunch Bar Cinnamon French Toast is perfect for those craving protein with a sweet and spicy kick. With 12g of protein and only 1g of sugar per bar, it's a win-win. And if you prefer a classic protein bar texture, One Cinnamon Roll Protein Bar will satisfy your breakfast and protein cravings.
And for those who want both fun flavors and functional ingredients, Lenny & Larry's Maple French Toast The Boss! Immunity Bar is the way to go. Packed with 17g of dairy and plant-based protein, along with BC30 Probiotics, this crisp wafer bar with French Toast cream and white chocolate-flavored coating will have you saying, "Oh la la."
After a long winter, it's time to refresh and have some fun with flavor. So, grab these snacks featuring the hottest flavors of 2023 and let your taste buds go wild!
