Latest Trends from The 2011 Sweets & Snacks Expo

"Trends in confectionery and snacks for 2011 reflect the larger patterns seen across the food industry -- Americans are more interested in what they are eating, and are looking for new flavors to satisfy increasingly complex palates," NCA President Larry Graham said. "Consumers look for value, exciting flavors and nutrition when seeking new sweets and snacks."

Among the new products:

-- Gummies aren't just for worms or bears anymore. Wrigley introduced Life Savers Gummies in cherry-watermelon, raspberry-lemonade and pineapple-fruit punch.

-- Mars Chocolate North America is adding savory flavors to its Snickers line. The company also is offering Marathon Smart Stuff bars fortified with vitamins and minerals.

-- Biscomerica introduced its Sun-Maid Oatmeal Raisin Apple cookie with fiber and no transfats.

-- Live Smart Manufacturing's Natural Bubbie's Soft Biscotti are sweetened with goji berries, cranberries, dates and raisins, and also is offering flax bars (chocolate coated and plain) that contain antioxidants and 100 percent of the recommended Omega-3 fatty acids.

-- Also for the diet conscious, Nestle Confections has a line of 110-120 Skinny Cow candies.

-- For those having trouble sleeping, forget the Ambien and pop a Slumberland Sleep Square.

-- Simply 7 Snacks introduced Hummus Chips and Lentil Chips.

-- Verve Inc.'s Sugar-Free Glee gum is harvested from rainforest chicle and sweetened with xylitol from birch.

-- With Harry Potter still popular, Jelly Belly Candy Co. is expanding its jelly bean offerings to include grass, black pepper and rotten egg, among others (did the Weasley twins have a hand in that?). The company is also dipping more traditional flavors -- very cherry, coconut, strawberry, raspberry orange and mint -- in dark chocolate.

Read more: http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Consumer-Corner/2011/07/03/Consumer-Corner-Just-what-the-sweet-tooth-ordered/UPI-46671309682340/#ixzz1R4yqBGuE