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:

Impulsively searching for stardom: Some items are best bought on the way out of the store on impulse. These items are sure to grab the spotlight at the Expo and at the register.



Sweetworks Jawbreakers, Gum
SweetWorks, Buffalo, N.Y.
www.sweetworks.net
(877) 261.7887
Booth #1709
Time Bomb Jawbreakers are pin-sized 3/8-inch Jawbreakers in a four-ball tube with an explosive sour center. Fantastic Fruits Bubble Gum are mini gumballs in a five-ball tube and come in assorted flavors. Shivers Sour Bubble Gum are mini super sour gumballs in a five-ball tube and also come in assorted flavors. Fruit Shakers Candy Filled Bubble Gum are candy-filled gumballs in a five-ball tube. All the products are gluten free.
S.R.P.: Time Bomb Jawbreakers and Fantastic Fruits Bubble Gum are $0.25 per tube; Shivers Sour Bubble Gum and Fruit Shakers Candy Filled Bubble Gum are $0.89 per tube.


TicTacStrawberry Fields
Ferrero USA, Inc., Somerset, N.J.
(732) 584-4787
Booth #545
TicTac Strawberry Fields is a blend of sweet and tart strawberry-flavored TicTac mints.
S.R.P. (1-oz) $1.29


Lil Dudes BIG Sticks Meat Snacks
Sparrer Sausage Co., Chicago, Ill.
(773) 762-3334
Booth #2383
These all-beef meat snack sticks come in five flavors including: original, hot, pepperoni, teriyaki and jalapeno. Sparrer Sausage Co., also makes a honey turkey variety.
S.R.P. : 99¢


Hot Tamales Sugar Free Chewing Gum Box
Ford Gum and Machine Co., Akron, N.Y.
www.Fordgum.com
(847) 955-0003
Booth #2009
Hot Tamales Sugar Free Chewing Gum Box are filled with sugar-free chewing gum shaped and flavored like Just Born Hot Tamales candy.
S.R.P. $.99


CHIPOTLE Pickle
Van Holten’s, Waterloo, Wis.
www.vanholtenpickles.com
(920) 478-2144
Booth #778
This spicy, bold flavored Pickle-In-A-Pouch makes a great snack for those craving something not only savory but also unusual. The unique treat is sold in a clear plastic pouch, making it great for displays.
S.R.P.:
Large, Jumbo and Super Jumbo sizes range from $0.99 to $1.39.


Big League Chew Grape
Big League Chew
Ford Gum and Machine Co., Akron, N.Y.
www.Fordgum.com
(847) 955-0003

Booth #2009
Big League Chew is the Ballplayers’ Bubble Gum, and now, it is made in the USA. The shredded bubblegum in a pouch is cool and nostalgic and keeps a sports star’s mouth from getting dry when the game is on.
S.R.P. $1.49