Did you know that each year there’s a huge Sweets & Snacks Expo where hundreds of brands share their latest snacking innovations? I didn’t until recently, and as a lifelong snackologist (yes, that’s a thing!), I had to go and investigate for myself.
Throughout the course of the week, I sampled dozens of new and unreleased snacks, including new sour gummies, innovative dark chocolate bars, and flavorful nut spreads. In a sea of mascots, vibrant displays, and piles of free samples, I had the time of my life assessing each snack’s texture and flavor. These are the six best snacks that I’m most excited about — all coming soon-ish to a grocery store near you.
1. Nerds Cherry Lemonade Gummy Clusters
One of the best snacks I tried was a familiar favorite in a brighter, citrus twist. Following the success of Nerds Gummy Clusters, the brand will be releasing a Nerds Cherry Lemonade Gummy Clusters later this fall. The flavor is an addition to its original Rainbow and Very Berry varieties. The combination of sour lemonade candies with a sweet inner gummy creates the ideal tangy balance that, in my opinion, is its best flavor yet.
In addition to the cherry lemonade, the brand is also releasing new Nerds Juicy Gummy clusters in late 2025 or early 2026, with a fruity, juicy liquid center in a Strawberry Punch flavor.
Buy: Rainbow Nerds Gummy Clusters, $3.64 for 8 ounces at Walmart
2. Evie’s Banana Bread Pecans
Amid the mountain of gummies, lollipops, and chocolate bars I sampled, Evie’s Texas Pecans were a welcome break from the overwhelming sugar rush. These simple yet almost homemade-tasting banana bread-flavored pecans are made with bananas, cinnamon, and molasses to give them a Southern feel. They’re buttery, crunchy, and in a league of their own. Though not yet in larger chains, these pecans can be found nationwide in specialty food stores and online.
Buy: Evie’s Banana Bread Pecans, $15 for 3 ounces at Evie’s Texas Pecans
3. Snak Club Ramen Mix
There are few things better than a bowl of ramen. Whether it’s at an upscale eatery or in a microwavable cup, the noodles have been a cozy staple for ages. This particular sample caught my eye because it won its category in the savory snack awards this year and its impressive, full-bodied seasoning. The trophy is well-earned.
With handfuls of peanuts, cashews, soybeans, sesame sticks, toasted corn, edamame, and flavored ramen noodle pieces, this chicken-flavored (but still vegetarian!) snack has the wholesomeness of trail mix with the comfort of an actual bowl of ramen. It’s set to release this fall, so mark your calendars.
Find it in stores: Snak Club Ramen Mix (coming Fall 2025)
4. Hi-Chew Getaway Mix
If you’re craving a summer vacation, but the furthest you’re planning to travel is your local grocery store, Hi-Chew’s latest Getaway Mix has flavors like Mango Chamoy, Mai Tai, and Yuzu Lime that embrace the chewy, fruity flavors of the tropics. These candies are, of course, sweet, but there are also more layered notes of heat, zest, and punchiness in each bite.
Buy: Hi-Chew Getaway Mix Peg Bag, $2.99 for 2 ounces at Instacart
5. Vlasic Spicy Pickle Balls
Following the success of its classic Pickle Balls, Vlasic is introducing a fiery new salty snack that’s made for pickle lovers everywhere. Featuring an abundance of herbaceous dill seasoning like in the brand’s iconic pickles, the spicy pickle balls have the airy crunch of a corn puff with a sweet-hot dusting that completely stopped me in my tracks. It’s salty and spicy, and I can’t wait for it to hit shelves.
Buy: Vlasic Pickle Balls, $2.19 for 2 ounces on Amazon
6. Nutella Peanut Spread
Out of all the snacks I was able to try at the expo, the one I’m most excited for is unfortunately also the most elusive — it doesn’t launch until spring 2026. News of a new peanut-flavored Nutella sent fans (and our editors) into a frenzy, and I got to be among the lucky first to try it.
The new launch is an even nuttier version of the classic cocoa hazelnut spread we know and love, with the addition of peanuts. The deep nuttiness of the new flavor is bolder than the softer pure hazelnut version in a way that lingers on your taste buds and leaves an earthy impact, especially when paired with fruits and vegetables. I tried it on baguettes, celery, and pretzels, and it is an absolute showstopper. I can’t wait for this to be released so I can incorporate it into my breakfast routine.
Find it in stores: Nutella Peanut Spread (coming Spring 2026)
Which snack are you most excited to come out? Tell us in the comments below!
The Weekly Checkout
Sign up for The Weekly Checkout to get the most up-to-date grocery news, tips, and highlights.