What will be the next American Sweet?

The 2011Sweets & 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:

Novel acts:Sometimes it takes a novel concept to stand out. These treats aren’t your typical sweet stars, but that’s what makes them perfectly ready to take center stage.

Thomas Yumblers
Bandai America, Inc.,
Cypress, Calif.
www.bandai.com
(714) 816-9500
Booth #1977
Now kids can enjoy Thomas the Tank Engine and fruit-flavored snacks at the same time. Bandai America has introduced Thomas Yumblers, which are sold in a playful pod that feature Thomas on the front.
S.R.P.: (.71 oz./20 grams) $2.49


Justice League Ltd. Ed. Lollipop with collectible sticker
Bandai America, Inc.,
Cypress, Calif.
www.bandai.com
(714) 816-9500
Booth #1977

These strawberry-flavored lollipops with a bubble gum center also come with a collectible sticker.
S.R.P.: (.56 oz/16 grams) $.50


Justice League Pixels
Bandai America, Inc., Cypress, Calif.
www.bandai.com
(714) 816-9500
#1977

The new Justice League Pixels are sour grape-flavored dipping lollipops that come with crackling candy.
S.R.P.: (.42 oz./12 grams) $.79


\Magic Milk Flavoring Straws
Food Market Merchandising, Inc., Bloomington, Minn.
www.Magicstraws.com
(888) 353-3664
Booth #1082

Magic Milk Flavoring Straws are a fun, mess-free way to enjoy a cold glass of milk. The rich, all-natural chocolate-, strawberry-, vanilla- and cookies and cream- flavored milk straws magically transform dairy, soy or lactose-free milk into a delicious and nutritious treat. No refrigeration is necessary, so they can be packed in a lunchbox or taken to the field.
S.R.P.: (6 pack) $1.99


Zanies Marshmallow Candy
www.spanglercandy.com
Bryan, Ohio
Booth #1937

Zanies feature four wacky Christmas-shaped marshmallow characters; Oliver Orange – an ornament; Gretchen Grape – a Christmas star; Sarah Strawberry – a stocking; and Adam Apple – a Christmas tree. A great gift for either a boy or a girl, Zanies make for the perfect stocking stuffers. Children can also collect all four character ornament cut-outs featured on the back of each display carton.
S.R.P. $0.99



PEZ Presidents of the United States Volume I
PEZ, Orange, Conn.
www.pez.com
(800) 243.6087
Booth # 521

All 44 presidents (and counting) will be featured on these PEZ. Each set features five presidents and comes with six candy refills
S.R.P. $14.99


Candy Books
Ooh La La Candy,
Mamaroneck, N.Y.
www.oohlalacandy.com
(914) 381-8030 or (888) 423-8823.
Booth #221

Nothing is as satisfying as a great book, except a great book filled with candy. Ooh La La Candy has just introduced a line of Candy Books - eight tasty and delightful titles each filled with delicious tasty treats chosen to enhance each story.
S.R.P: $8.99