Behind the Scenes at the Sweets & Snacks Expo 2025 – Indianapolis, IN

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to spend several days surrounded by every kind of snack you can imagine, then let me take you behind the scenes of my time at the 2025 Sweets & Snacks Expo in Downtown Indianapolis!

From the moment I arrived, the energy was high and the snacks were plentiful. The weather was perfect, which made walking around downtown such a treat — from the expo center to local restaurants, it felt like this foodie and content creator’s dream!

Snack Trends I Spotted 🍫🥜🥒

Let’s talk trends, because this expo is where brands reveal what’s up-and-coming in the snack world. Some of the biggest takeaways I noticed:

• Healthier snacks are taking center stage. Think less sugar, better oils or grains, more protein, and mindful ingredients.
• Protein is KING — it seemed like every other booth had a high-protein version of something delicious.
• Popular flavors? You’ll be seeing a large variety of:
  • PB&J (nostalgic and fun!)
  • Pickle everything (sour, spicy, crunchy — it’s everywhere!)
  • Dubai-inspired chocolate (rich, exotic, and super luxurious)
  • Nashville Hot/Hot Honey (bold and trending)
  • And of course, all things sour still reigns supreme.

Industry Magic: From Mascots to Mr. Beast 🤝

This event wasn’t just about snacks — it was about people. It was so inspiring to see the many sides of the industry: suppliers, brokers, influencers, vendors, brands, and retailers all under one roof. One of the coolest things was how much collaboration is happening between brands.

A standout example? Mr. Beast teaming up with Jack Link’s — a partnership I never saw coming, but somehow, it works!

I also loved the interactive exhibits — they went all out! Prize wheels, Plinko games, punching bags, vending machines, and even full-on game show setups. And let’s not forget the mascots — I got photos or video with 23 different mascots (yes, I counted 😄). It was such a joyful, silly part of the expo and honestly one of my favorite highlights.

I even got to meet (& make THIS VIDEO!!) with an absolute YouTube legend – Ryan Trahan!

A Powerful Morning: Women’s Leadership Breakfast 💬☕️

One of the most meaningful experiences was attending the Women’s Leadership Breakfast. The food was amazing — shoutout to the cheesy eggs with crispy breakfast potatoes and Cholula (yes, I actually ate breakfast through dinner this day!!)

But what really stayed with me was the keynote speaker, Mel Raines, the CEO of Sports and Entertainment for the Indiana Pacers. She shared about navigating a male-dominated field, the impact of showing up with positivity, and the power of saying “yes” to opportunities.

She recommended: Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes (that is an affiliate link – I immediately purchased myself!) — and encouraged us to be well-read, not just in our niche but in the broader world. It was such an empowering morning, and I left feeling inspired and encouraged — especially as someone balancing work, motherhood, and being self-employed.

I Took a Break From OMAD… and That’s Okay!

This trip meant longer eating windows for me. Sampling snacks all day was a huge part of the experience, and I knew going in that I wasn’t going to stick to my usual OMAD routine. And you know what? I loved the freedom.

I enjoyed the extra food, but eventually I found myself wanting to return to OMAD — not out of guilt, but because that’s when I feel my best. It was such a powerful reminder that one off-routine week doesn’t undo years of progress. I stepped right back into OMAD as soon as I got home, and it felt amazing.

Grateful for the Support 💕

I couldn’t have done this trip without Matt — my behind-the-scenes hero! He filmed me, carried bags, helped us stay organize — all as my completely unpaid assistant 😅. Having that time together, away from home and everyday chaos, was so special.

What’s Coming Next?

This event was a whirlwind of excitement, flavors, connections, and ideas. I met so many incredible people and brands, and I can’t wait to bring that energy to future Grocery Addict content!

📦 Stay tuned for:

• A post featuring my favorite snacks from the expo
• The newest products you’ll want to look out for in stores
• And yes… some giveaways!! 🥳

Make sure you’re subscribed on YouTube and signed up for my email list so you don’t miss a thing. You won’t want to miss the chance to win some of these goodies!

Thanks for being part of this journey — whether you’re here for the fasting content, the snacks, or (like me) a mix of both. This experience was a joy to share, and I’m so glad you’re along for the ride.

Cheers to joyful snacks, joyful fast, and joyful life!
— Jackie