Delicious popcorn, tasty pretzels and other salty snacks will debut on this year’s Expo stage.





What will be the next American Sweet?
 
The 2011 Sweets & Snacks Expo, May 24-26 at McCormick Place in Chicago promises to make more than a few new ‘Sweet Stars.’ Here we offer you a behind-the-scenes look at new products sent to audition at the event, including: impulse items, chocolate delights, fruity treats, salty snacks, healthy treats, indulgences and novelty candies. We’re sure at least one will get enough consumer votes to become the next ‘American Sweet.’
 
Meet the contestants:
 
 

Salty Snacks: Delicious popcorn, tasty pretzels and other salty snacks will debut on this year’s Expo stage.



Pretzel Pete Pearls
SB Global Foods, Inc., Lansdale, Pa.
www.sbglobalfoods.com
(215) 361-9500
Booth #2377
Small ball-shaped pretzels flavored with Asian-themed seasonings, including: Wasabi, Coconut Curry, and Szechuan.
S.R.P.: (4.5-oz. bags) $1.99-$2.49.


Kernel Fabyan’s Gourmet Popcorn - 3 varieties - Golden Cheddar, Kernel’s Caramel and Classic Mix
Kernel Fabyan’s Gourmet Popcorn, St. Charles, Ill.
www.kernelfabyans.com
(630) 485-4680
Booth #2174
A delicious popcorn that’s all- natural, contains zero trans fats, is gluten free, contains no artificial preservatives and is non-GMO.
S.R.P.: $5.79


Golden Caramel Popcorn Ball
Amazing Grazing, Inc., Lockport, N.Y.
www.amazinggrazinginc.com
(716) 597-1974
Booth #1984
An American tradition, from the oldest popcorn company in America. This treat features a savory, rich, butter caramel coating on top of fresh homegrown premium popcorn, formed into a huge 4-in. ball and packaged in a nostalgic-themed box.
S.R.P.: (2-oz) $3.25


FixMix Popcorn and FixMix Pretzels
Gracious Gifts, Inc.,
Edina, Minn.
(888) 473-8659
Booth #2454
FixMix Popcorn is made with a combination of caramel corn drizzled with a trio of dark, milk and white chocolates. Meanwhile, FixMix Pretzels have crunchy pretzel nuggets drizzled with buttery caramel, and a combination of dark, milk and white chocolates.
S.R.P.: (5-oz) $4.99


Oogie’s Gourmet Popcorn
Oogie’s Snacks, LLC, Denver, Colo.
www.oogiesnacks.com
(303) 455-2107
Booth #1463
Oogie’s Gourmet Popcorn was created by a small group of college friends using only the finest all-natural ingredients. It has no artificial flavors or colors. The company’s exclusive non-GMO corn is the foundation for a perfect kernel and can only be found in a bag of Oogie’s. The company cooks the kernel in 100% percent corn oil for a healthy treat that has no cholesterol, no trans-fat and is entirely gluten-free. Their distinct flavors include: cracked pepper and asiago; sundried tomato and parmesan; hatch chili con queso; white cheddar; spicy chipotle and lime; movie lover’s butter; smoked gouda and sweet kettle corn. Private label also is available.
S.R.P.: (1-oz. bag, select flavors) $1.49, (5-oz. bag) $3.49


Kettle Cooks
Potato Chips
Natural Snacks, Addison, Ill
www.naturalsnacks.com
(630) 628-0211
Booth #2416
Natural Snacks LLC has a new line of Kettle Cooked Potato Chips meant to be a healthier alternative to the conventional kettle chips. The snacks come in five flavors, including: lightly salted, unsalted, honey bbq, jalapeno, sea salt and balsamic vinegar.
S.R.P.: (2-oz. bags) $1.19 (5-oz. bags) $2.99