Manufacturers Debuted New Snacks in Las Vegas
Brands unveiled innovative candy and beverage products at the 2026 NACS Show this month.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Consumer Goods
Live Poll
Do you typically try new convenience store snack or beverage products when they are released?
Major confectionery and beverage companies showcased new product lines for 2027 at the annual NACS Show in Las Vegas. The event brought together over 1,200 exhibitors to present innovations to convenience store industry representatives.
Why it matters
Manufacturers are leveraging multi-sensory and nostalgia-inspired products to engage shoppers and increase foot traffic. These innovations aim to meet shifting consumer demands for dynamic food textures and trending flavor profiles.
The NACS Show hosted over 1,200 exhibitors presenting new retail products. Companies showcased items including the new Dr Pepper Ice Cream Float, which incorporates the brand's signature 23-flavor profile.
The players
Mars, Inc.
A global manufacturer of confectionery, food, and pet care products that owns several major candy brands.
Keurig Dr Pepper
A leading beverage company known for its diverse portfolio of soft drinks, coffees, and mixers.
Ferrara Candy Co.
An American candy manufacturer that produces a wide variety of gummy and sugar-based confectioneries.
The details
Companies highlighted new items like Mars, Inc.'s Skittles Crystals, which feature a gummy base with a crunchy coating, and Ferrara Candy Co.'s habanero-infused Trolli Spicy Crawlers. Keurig Dr Pepper also debuted its Dr Pepper Ice Cream Float, designed for both canned and fountain distribution.
Timeline
The NACS Show occurred in Las Vegas from October 7-9, 2026.
Dr Pepper Ice Cream Float is scheduled for release in February 2027.
Fountain and frozen formats of the new beverage arrive in mid-2027.
Skittles Crystals are planned for a nationwide launch in 2027.
Market Landscape
The NACS Show serves as the primary arena for manufacturers to preview upcoming trends for the convenience store sector. This strategy helps brands secure shelf space and visibility against competitors by aligning with the industry's focus on novelty and high-turnover snack items.
Consumers can expect these new beverage and candy options to start appearing in local convenience stores throughout 2027. Shoppers should look for the new Dr Pepper Ice Cream Float in 20-oz bottles and cans starting in February.
The takeaway
Innovation in the snack sector is increasingly driven by texture and bold flavor combinations. Readers can watch for these unique products to hit local shelves in early 2027 as manufacturers continue to iterate on classic brands.
Further reading
Discover more product trends in the Consumer Goods section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FoodBusinessNews.
Live Poll
Do you typically try new convenience store snack or beverage products when they are released?
