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Diving into the Sweets & Snacks Expo 2025!
We just returned from the 2025 Sweets & Snacks Expo in Indianapolis—what an incredible showcase of innovation and flavor! With over 1,000 exhibitors and more than 14,000 attendees, it was 250,000 square feet of a candy lover’s dream and a product developer’s playground.
As an innovator and gummy enthusiast, I wanted to share my key takeaways from the expo!
Gummies Are Everywhere!
The gummy category continues to expand rapidly—and innovation is leading the charge. With approximately 60% of the category’s growth coming from new and unique flavor profiles. It’s clear that today’s consumers are craving variety, adventure, and new sensory experiences. It was really inspiring to see all the different gummy product types at Sweets & Snacks Expo. From bold pairings to functional twists, gummies are no longer just a kids’ treat—they’re a canvas for creativity!
Unexpected Flavor Combos
One flavor combo I didn’t expect to see everywhere? Mango-peach. The tropical tang of mango paired with the juicy sweetness of peach turns out to be a surprisingly perfect match.
At Melt-to-Make™, we love experimenting with bold and unexpected pairings—think
- blueberry-lemon
- pineapple-mango
- strawberry-peach
And in case you’re wondering, strawberry-watermelon-habanero is still my personal favorite. Sweet, refreshing, and just the right amount of kick.
Spicy Takes Center Stage
The “swicy” (sweet + spicy) trend is heating up—literally. Flavors like chamoy, tajín, and chili peppers are popping up in everything from gummies to cotton candy. What makes this trend stand out isn’t just the spice—it’s the full sensory experience: the tingle of heat, the smooth sweetness, and the way flavors unfold with every chew.
At Melt-to-Make™, we offer a naturally infused habanero oil that brings a clean, natural heat to our base flavors. It delivers a slow-building spice that kicks in toward the end of the gummy experience—adding an extra layer of excitement. Whether you prefer just a touch of heat or a bold finish, you can dial in the spice to match your perfect balance.
Sour Gummies Stay Strong
Sour isn’t going anywhere. From traditional citric acid coatings to creative sour blends, these gummies continue to be shelf standouts. It’s not just about the pucker—it’s about creating a bold, crave-able, multi-sensory experience.
At Melt-to-Make™, this is something I’m especially excited to explore further. While the citric and ascorbic acids in our gummy bases naturally provide a sour kick, there’s plenty of room to turn up the intensity. With our Sour Booster, you can craft a full line of tangy, mouthwatering gummies that keep customers coming back for more.
Reduced Sugar, Naturally
Reduced sugar options are becoming more popular—and refreshingly, many brands are taking the natural route with plant fibers. As reduced sugar options grow in popularity, many brands are choosing to take a more natural approach—using plant fibers. These fibers serve a dual purpose: they replace sugar’s bulk while also providing a beneficial source of dietary fiber.
Some companies enhance their formulas by combining plant fibers with sweeteners like sugar alcohols or allulose. However, sugar alcohols such as erythritol have come under scrutiny due to emerging studies raising health concerns. At Melt-to-Make™, we’ve chosen to exclude erythritol from our sugar-free gummy base until further research supports its safety.
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When it comes to allulose, a naturally occurring, low-calorie sugar substitute, we’re watching with interest. While promising, allulose is not yet approved for use as a sweetener in Canada or the European Union, pending completion of pre-market safety assessments. Since both Europe and Canada are important customers of ours, we will wait until both of these markets completed their research and have determined it to be safe.
Natural Colors Are On the Rise
With more states beginning to ban synthetic dyes like FD&C Red, Blue, and Yellow, many companies are making the shift to plant-based colorants. Some are ahead of the curve, while others are waiting to see how the regulatory landscape unfolds. My advice? Don’t wait too long.
The way companies respond to these changes says a lot about their priorities. Some see this as a long-overdue push to switch to cleaner, healthier ingredients. Others remain hesitant—reluctant to invest and hoping the pressure passes.
At Melt-to-Make™, we’ve always used natural, plant-based colors. It’s a choice that reflects our values and commitment to ingredient transparency. For us, it’s not just about compliance—it’s about doing what we believe is right.
Are natural colors more expensive? Yes. But will that still be true once they become the standard? Time will tell. Either way, this shift marks meaningful progress, and we’re excited to see how products evolve as a result.
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Clean Labels Are Now the Standard
As a dietitian, I’ve watched the clean label movement grow for two decades—and this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo showed it's no longer just a niche trend. Consumers now expect transparency, simple ingredients, and clean formulations. No more hiding behind artificial colors, and no more harmful ingredients. The future is health, and I'm excited to have Melt-to-Make™ be at the forefront of that in the gummy space.
There was so much more to discover at the Sweets & Snacks Expo, but those are my top takeaways. I’m thrilled to bring these insights back to Melt-to-Make™ as we continue pushing the boundaries of confectionery innovation. The Sweets & Snacks Expo was an incredible experience as an attendee—and I’m even more excited for the next chapter: Melt-to-Make™’s first official appearance!
FAQs
How is the candy industry approaching reduced sugar and sugar-free formulations?
More companies are turning to natural alternatives like plant fibers and allulose to reduce sugar while maintaining texture and sweetness. Melt-to-Make™’s sugar-free gummy base avoids erythritol and other controversial sweeteners, prioritizing both taste and consumer safety.
Why are natural colors replacing artificial dyes in gummies and candies?
As more states restrict synthetic dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5, candy brands are shifting toward plant-based colorants derived from fruits and vegetables. This transition supports cleaner labels and aligns with consumer demand for transparency and better-for-you ingredients — a standard Melt-to-Make™ has upheld from the start.
What does “clean label” mean in the context of gummies and confectionery?
A clean label means simple, recognizable ingredients with no artificial additives or unnecessary chemicals. For gummies, this often includes natural colors, natural flavors, and fewer processed sweeteners. At Melt-to-Make™, clean label isn’t just a trend — it’s our foundation for innovation.
How is Melt-to-Make™ innovating in the gummy category?
Melt-to-Make™ is leading the way in natural, functional gummy bases that allow for endless creativity — from swicy flavor profiles to plant-based, sugar-free, and sour innovations. Our focus is on helping brands create high-quality, clean-label gummies that taste amazing and meet evolving consumer expectations.
What’s next for Melt-to-Make™ after the 2025 Sweets & Snacks Expo?
We’re continuing to expand our line of natural gummy bases and exploring new flavor infusions that blend health, function, and fun. Stay tuned for our official debut at a future Sweets & Snacks Expo — we can’t wait to showcase what’s next in gummy innovation.
Why are gummies becoming so popular in the candy industry?
Gummies are incredibly versatile — they can carry bold, complex flavors, functional ingredients, and unique textures. Consumers love them for their fun format and the endless possibilities for flavor innovation. Many brands, including Melt-to-Make™, are expanding into spicy, sour, and naturally flavored varieties to meet this growing demand.
What are the biggest candy and gummy trends from the 2025 Sweets & Snacks Expo?
The top trends include the explosive growth of gummies with new flavor combinations, the rise of “swicy” (sweet + spicy) products, and increased demand for clean label and natural ingredient formulations. Reduced sugar options and plant-based colorants also took center stage at this year’s expo.
