Preview: What to Expect at the Upcoming Fancy Food Show
Get ready to taste the future.
The Specialty Food Association’s next Fancy Food Show is gearing up to be a powerhouse of innovation, flavor, and fresh ideas. From reimagined pantry staples to next-gen snacks and globally inspired ready-to-eat meals, this year’s show promises a bold look into what we’ll all be stocking in our kitchens and craving on our menus in 2025 and beyond.
With over 1,500 brands exhibiting and thousands of products debuting, this is where the next big trends break through. Whether you’re a buyer, trend-watcher, creator, or culinary pro, here’s your preview of what you can expect!
🔥 Top 5 Trends to Look Out for at the Show
🍱 Girl Dinner 2.0
Snacking is evolving into full-blown meals—with curated bites, global flavors, and gourmet flair. Expect new formats of snack kits, plant-based charcuterie, and snackable street foods like dumplings, pizza bites, and savory waffles.
🌿 Functional Foods & Mood Boosters
Food with benefits is bigger than ever. From mushroom broths and nootropic teas to mood-boosting cacao and high-protein oats, the wellness-meets-food category is expanding far beyond beverages.
🧂 Yes, Chef: Upscaling at Home
Home cooks are channeling restaurant energy with premium ingredients and cheffy kits. Look for curated spice blends, luxe oils, and everything from truffle sauces to matzo ball soup kits—giving “weeknight dinner” a gourmet glow-up.
🌶️ Chili Cornucopia
Spice is getting sophisticated. Ghost pepper gimmicks are out; nuanced, regionally specific heat is in. Explore products made with urfa biber, aji amarillo, and berbere—plus chili crisps, spicy honeys, and globally inspired condiments.
🍬 Gimme (Some) Sugar
Consumers are turning away from artificial sweeteners and rediscovering real sugar, honey, and natural syrups. Look for thoughtfully sweetened snacks, sauces, and baked goods—with maple, passionfruit, molasses, and more.
Bonus Trends Heating Up the Aisles:
🌶 Oil-based hot sauces (especially those rooted in immigrant heritage and regional storytelling)
🧄 Black garlic everything (think sauces, rubs, even snack seasoning)
💜 Lavender in sweets and drinks
🧀 Flavored cheeses—including truffle, chili, and even lavender-infused vegan options
Stay tuned for our top vegan finds and must-try bites from the show floor coming soon.