6 Tasty Trends from the 2017 Fancy Food Show

1.29.2017

Interact hit San Francisco last week to check out the latest and greatest in specialty food. We geared up with visits to the ferry building, the farmers market and the Good Food Awards before ending up at the 2017 Winter Fancy Foods Show. We had a great time hanging out with clients, industry friends and thought leaders! Here are our insights into what food trends will take prominence this year.

REDEFINING DIET

While dietary trends are embracing fat these days, there is still a demand for nutritionally lighter foods. Brands are angling products in more creative ways to communicate them as lower calorie alternatives that still satisfy cravings.

6 Trends from the 2017 Winter Fancy Food Show

Salami is not typically categorized as a "diet food", but Meat Crafter's Skinny Salamis sells itself as such with callouts for high protein and a lower calorie count.

Cello Whisps asiago and pepper jack cheese crisps pouch on a show shelf

The term "crisps" is being used as both a product identifier and a description of texture to convey a lighter snacking option. Cello Whisps are also calling out protein content and ingredients on package.

Urban Foods Superfood Bites pouch in tart cherry and apple held up at the show

Urban Food's integration of natural, nutrient rich foods in a bite sized snack is another way we're seeing diet foods evolve.

SWEET MEETS HEAT

Consumer palates are opening up to new taste experiences. Riding the coattails of the Sriracha boom, more spicy foods are emerging - but with the intriguing addition of sweeter flavors.

Little Bird Fire Syrup bottle with bold type reading it's hot but it's sweet but it's hot

This spicy-sweet treat from Little Bird Curious Confections is perfect in place of traditional simple syrup to add a kick to your coffee and cocktails.

Stacked jars of Spice Mama Indian chili sauce in tamarind and cilantro varieties

Any of Spice Mama's complex yet balanced flavored chili sauces can easily stand in as a dip or marinade for many favorite foods.

Mike's Hot Honey squeeze bottles and mini jars of chili-infused honey

Mike's chili pepper-infused honey is a tasty and surprisingly versatile condiment, excellent drizzled over pizza, cornbread and even ice cream.

SWEET SNACKIFICATION

Cannoli chips, chocolate covered bugs, and other unique confections set the stage for sweet snacks. These products are satisfying sugar cravings without the guilt of processed ingredients and high calorie counts.

Edoughble ready-to-eat cookie dough booth with tubs on display at the show

We've all been tempted to eat more cookie dough than was on the spoon. Now we can, without fear! Edoughble ready-to-eat cookie dough is egg free and totally indulgent.

Smashmallow cinnamon churro snackable marshmallows pouch with a boardwalk illustration

A snacking adventure unlike any other, Smashmallow uses simple ingredients and boasts only 80 calories per serving.

Ocean's Halo seaweed strip packs in coconut and chocolate and almond and chocolate

Ocean's Halo has united seaweed and chocolate to create an unlikely yet satisfying pairing, with a savory-sweet flavor and crispy texture.

THE GROWTH OF BEETS

Quinoa has been a health trend darling for a few years now, despite being relatively unknown prior to that. Beets are carving a similar path, rising from a niche food to being introduced to traditional diets in uniquely executed ways.

Teapigs Up Beet vitality tea carton in bright orange

Beets are known to boost immunity and fight sickness, and Teapigs beet-infused tea is a great way to gain those benefits without having to munch on one.

Three bottles of The Foraging Fox beetroot ketchup in hot, original and smoked

Ketchup means sweet, red tomato sauce to the average American palate. The Foraging Fox is challenging the condiment category with their beetroot ketchup.

Jar of Natalie's Gourmet Original Beet Salsa with black bean, corn and cumin

Natalie's Gourmet has beets starring as a unique twist to an otherwise traditional salsa recipe, bringing another level of flavor and added detoxifying benefits.

SHRUBS AND VINEGARS

Kombucha paved the way for old world remedies with astringent flavor profiles to become popular, as seen by the rise of vinegar-based beverages. With gut health and vitality in mind, these new age beverages are being used more for regimens than casually.

Three tall Olitalia drinking vinegar bottles in blueberry, cherry and pomegranate

We were impressed by the flavor of Olitalia drinking vinegar, though its structure is more reminiscent of olive oil than a ready to drink option.

Tartly sparkling fruit shrub bottles in lime mint, blueberry lemon and ginger pear

Labeled as a sparkling shrub (a mix of vinegar, fruit and sugar), Tartly has effectively branded itself as a more approachable vinegar-based beverage.

Amber Fire Cider apple cider vinegar tonic bottles with illustrated kraft labels

Light a natural, pro-biotic fire on your belly with this feisty tonic. Fire Cider is made with apple cider vinegar, ginger, garlic, horseradish and more - this one isn't for the faint of heart.

BEST IN CLASS

We've got to give a couple shoutouts to our favorite products that we saw at the show! For innovative structures and designs, we tip our hats to these products.

Flat glass bottle of Dashfire Spiced Apple Bitters with a dropper cap

A multi-culturally inspired line of bitters with attention and care to detail listed on every package, we're thirsty for some cocktails made with Dashfire Bitters.

Copper Cow Coffee Vietnamese drip coffee kit box with pour-over filters beside it

Copper Cow's coffee kit brings the Vietnamese coffee experience to you. The coffee can be brewed poured over a single cup for a truly personal experience.

Hexx Chocolate four-bar set whose wrappers combine into one painted face

We were immediately drawn to Hexx Chocolate for its beautifully engaging design, which combined different flavors into one visually unified structure.We'll be visiting lots of food and beverage centered events throughout the year, so stay tuned to hear more of our industry insights!