Are you a chocolate lover? Do you like candies or snacks with different flavors like “spicy mango”? During the 2018 Sweets & Snacks Expo in Chicago, the National Confectionery Association (NCA) revealed which are the best candies and snacks.
The juries had the difficult task of choosing the best among more than 300 new products across nine candy and snack categories to recognize them with the Most Innovative Product Award of 2018.
The top prize of Best in Show was awarded to Hostess Brands for its Double Chocolate Cake Delight.
“The competition is fierce, and the companies that have been recognized should be very proud of the contributions they make to advancing the fun and enjoyment of the category,” said John Downs, President, and CEO of the National Confectionery Association.
Photo Gallery of the 2018 Sweets & Snacks Expo
This confectionery expo brought the best candies and snack manufactures together. It was an amazing showcase of the best candy snacks in the world.
The winners and nominees for best candies and snacks
While it was a difficult decision to pick the best candies and snacks, here are the results.
Chocolate Winner:
The Hershey Co., Hershey’s Gold Standard Bar
Nominees:
- Tootsie Roll Industries, Inc., Junior Mint Minis
- Seattle Chocolate, Strawberry Shortcake Truffle Bar
- M. Palmer Co,, Football FANtasy
- Tru Fru LLC, Coconut Melts Freeze-Dried & Immersed in Dark Chocolate
Non-Chocolate Winner:
Nestle USA/Ferrara Candy Co., Big Chewy Nerds
Nominees:
- Ferrara Candy Co., Sour Brite Sneaks
- The Hershey Co., Jolly Rancher Misfits
- Impact Confections Inc., Hotheads Scorching Heat Twists
- Hammond’s Brands, Vanilla Caramel Marshmallow
Sweet Snacks Winner:
Justin’s, Organic White Chocolate Mini Peanut Butter Cups
Nominees:
- That’s How We Roll, Cinnamon Crumb Cake Thins
- Edward Marc Brands Inc., Cookie Butter Snappers
- Vidal Candies USA Inc, Spicy Mangos
- The Promotion In Motion Cos. Inc., Superfruit Mix
Salty Snacks Winner:
Sahale Snacks, Tangerine Vanilla Cashew-Macadamia Glazed Mix
Nominees:
- From the Ground Up, Cauliflower Pretzel Sticks
- Perfect Snax, Butterfinger
- Made in Nature LLC, Veggie Pops/Salt, and Pepper
- Rudolph Foods Co. Inc., Oven Baked Pork Rinds/Blackberry Habanero
Savory Snacks Winner:
Alli & Rose, Trail Mix Crackers
Nominees:
- Cheesewich Factory, Bacon and Eggs
- Kellogg’s, Cheez-It Duoz Caramel Popcorn & Cheddar
- Land O’Frost, High Protein Chips
- Clever Cookie, Baked Cheddar Protein Crisps
Novelty/Licensed Winner:
Impact Confections Inc., Warheads Dippin’ Ring
Nominees:
- Ferrero U.S.A. Inc., Frozen & Jurassic World Limited Editions
- Bazooka Candy Brands, a division of The Topps Co., Baby Bottle Popping Powder
- Pez Candy Inc., Jurassic World Click & Play Gift Tin
- Jelly Belly Candy Co., Jelly Belly Krispy Kreme Doughnut Tin
Seasonal Winner:
Ferrero USA Inc., Golden Heart for You & Me
Nominees:
- Nestle USA, Big Chewy Nerds Reindeer Stocking Hanger
- Jelly Belly Candy Co., Jelly Belly Love Beans Valentine’s Gift Box
- Mars Wrigley Confectionery US LLC, Mars Wrigley Chocolate Variety mix party bowl
- The Hershey Co., – Hershey’s Kisses Hot Cocoa
Gourmet Winner:
That’s How We Roll, Trios/Original
Nominees:
- Chuao Chocolatier, Ravishing Rocky Road Joy-Filled Caramels
- Kiwa, Native Andean Potato Chip Mix
- Hammond’s Brands, Chocolate Chocolate-Chip Marshmallows
- Mars Wrigley Confectionery US LLC, Dove Chocolate cashews dipped in milk chocolate
Ferrero Buys Nestlé’s Candy Business In The U.S. For $ 2.8 Billion
Gum & Mints Winner:
Ferrero USA Inc., Cool Tropical
Nominees:
- Perfetti Van Melle USA Inc., Mentos CleanBreath
- Mars Wrigley Confectionery US LLC, Juicy Fruit Gum Collisions Strawberry Watermelon
- The Hershey Co., Ice Breakers Deep Freeze Peppermint
- Simply Gum, Cleanse
What do you think about this list? Do you agree or disagree with the results for the best candies and snacks? Let us know below!