Peanuts Pack a Punch for Snackable Flavor at the Winter Fancy Food Show

In January, the National Peanut Board (NPB) was at the center of the latest flavor trends and hottest products in specialty food at the 2016 Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco. While more than 80,000 products were on display this year — ranging from organic camel milk to aged pancetta to the latest in cold-brew coffee flavorings – peanuts and peanut butter held their own.

Visitors to the NPB booth experienced several exceptional products, including flavor-packed peanuts from Lord Nut — who served up several highly seasoned flavors such as Bloody Mary and Thai Curry & Lemongrass. Also featured at the booth were peanut butters from Georgia Grinders, peanut powder from Tru-Nut, and freshly ground honey-roasted peanut butter from Hampton Farms.

One of the more noteworthy trends this year in food is snack appeal. According to Specialty Food News, the snack category has reached new heights for health-food and meal status, when compared to previous years — with more consumers turning to snacks as a substitute for a meal. For that reason, brands offering healthier and more filling snack options are leading the charge for 2016.

Some notable and trending peanut snack products from the show included:

• I Heart KeenWah—Offers quinoa clusters in snack-size bites made from nut butter, hemp seeds, pepitas, chia seeds and vanilla.
• Peanut Butter & Co Single Serve Dipping Cups – New single-serving sizes of creamy and dark chocolate peanut butter options.
• Spread The Love – Showcased a new line of organic peanut butter in three flavors. The Naked variety features only peanuts; Original includes cayenne pepper, cinnamon and agave; and Cacao includes cayenne pepper, cinnamon, agave and raw cacao nibs.
• SnakKing Nutibles Peanut Butter Puffs – Small, soft peanut butter puffs designed for snacking.  (Available after May 2016)

The Fancy Food Show happens twice a year. Check out the finds from the 2015 Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City here.