Sweets & Snacks Utz Brands Unveils Its Full Snack Portfolio at Expo 2026
Utz Brands, Inc., one of the leading manufacturers of branded salty snacks in the United States, is set to make a major impression at the 2026 Sweets & Snacks Expo with its most expansive and innovation-driven portfolio to date. Taking place from May 19–21 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the annual industry event will serve as a key platform for Utz to spotlight its growing portfolio of consumer-favorite brands, category-leading innovations, and new product launches designed to meet rapidly evolving snack preferences.
Located at Booth #2219 in the Exhibit Hall, Utz Brands will showcase a dynamic lineup of products spanning multiple snack categories, from better-for-you kettle chips and protein-packed snacks to tortilla chips, pretzels, and bold seasonal flavors. Visitors to the booth will have the opportunity to sample both flagship products and new launches from some of the company’s most recognizable brands, including Utz, Zapp’s, Boulder Canyon, and On The Border Chips & Dips.
Expanding Into Protein-Powered Snacking
As consumers increasingly seek snacks that balance indulgence with functional nutrition, Utz is expanding its offerings with a bold new range of protein-enhanced products aimed at satisfying growing demand for convenient, better-for-you snacking options.
Leading this innovation is the debut of Utz Protein Pretzels, available in three flavorful varieties: Honey Mustard, Cheddar, and Sea Salt. Each serving delivers between 8 and 10 grams of protein, giving consumers a satisfying snack that combines classic pretzel crunch with meaningful nutritional benefits.
Complementing this launch are Utz Protein Cheese Curls, which come in Cheddar and Hot & Spicy Cheddar varieties and provide 9 grams of protein per serving. These products are designed to preserve the beloved texture and flavor profile that Utz consumers expect while offering a modern nutritional advantage.
The new protein line reflects a broader industry trend toward “snacks without compromise,” where taste, texture, and health benefits coexist. By entering this growing segment, Utz is positioning itself to compete more aggressively in the functional snack category while appealing to younger, wellness-conscious consumers.
Seasonal Flavors Capture the Spirit of Summer
Utz is also leaning into emotional and seasonal snacking by introducing limited-edition flavors inspired by classic summertime experiences.
One of the most anticipated launches is Sizzlin’ Summer Burger Rippled Potato Chips, a bold new flavor crafted to evoke the unmistakable taste of backyard grilling and summer cookouts. Designed to tap into nostalgia and seasonal excitement, the flavor aims to connect consumers with familiar summer memories through a uniquely American snacking experience.
Returning by popular demand is Lemonade Potato Chips, one of the brand’s most talked-about novelty flavors. Originally launched to strong consumer enthusiasm, the product makes its comeback through Utz’s continued partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding childhood cancer research and supporting affected families.
As part of the initiative, a portion of proceeds from Lemonade Potato Chip sales—up to $40,000—will be donated to the foundation. The campaign combines cause-driven marketing with product innovation, allowing consumers to support a meaningful mission while enjoying a unique snack experience.
Boulder Canyon Continues Better-for-You Momentum
A major focus of Utz’s 2026 expo presence is Boulder Canyon, the company’s rapidly growing better-for-you snack brand.
Boulder Canyon has emerged as one of the strongest performers in the natural snack category, becoming the No. 1 salty snack brand in the natural retail channel and recording more than $122 million in growth in 2025. At this year’s show, the brand will reinforce its momentum with several new launches designed to capitalize on health-conscious and ingredient-focused consumer trends.
Among the highlights is an expansion of its avocado oil-cooked kettle chip line, featuring the new Boulder Batch Agave Sriracha flavor—a sweet-and-spicy offering aimed at adventurous snackers seeking bold taste experiences.
Also joining the portfolio is Wavy Grillo’s Pickles Dill Pickle Flavored Chips, a collaboration inspired by the growing popularity of pickle-flavored snacks and the cult following of Grillo’s Pickles.
Perhaps the most headline-grabbing launch is Boulder Canyon Sea Salt Kettle Chips cooked in beef tallow. This new offering taps directly into rising consumer interest in products made without seed oils—a movement that has gained traction among health-conscious shoppers and “clean label” advocates.
The gluten-free chips are kettle-cooked in small batches using premium beef tallow and made with non-GMO potatoes, aligning with current demand for simpler ingredient decks and traditional cooking methods. The launch underscores Boulder Canyon’s commitment to innovation rooted in evolving dietary preferences.
New Tortilla Chip Platform Broadens Category Reach
Further strengthening Boulder Canyon’s growth strategy is the introduction of an all-new Flavored Tortilla Chips platform.
The line will debut in three varieties: Nacho, Sweet & Spicy Chili, and Chili Lime, offering consumers bold, craveable flavors in a format that complements the brand’s existing tortilla chip portfolio.
The new products are scheduled for a full retail rollout in July 2026 and represent Boulder Canyon’s continued expansion beyond kettle chips into adjacent snack categories. By broadening its tortilla chip presence, the brand aims to capture additional shelf space and strengthen its position within the premium snack aisle.
Innovation Driven by Consumer Trends
Across all its featured brands, Utz’s 2026 expo strategy reflects a clear commitment to innovation shaped by consumer behavior. Today’s snack shoppers increasingly demand variety, convenience, functional nutrition, bold flavors, and cleaner ingredients—all trends Utz is actively addressing through its product pipeline.
From high-protein pretzels and cheese curls to nostalgic seasonal flavors and non-seed-oil kettle chips, the company is demonstrating how legacy snack brands can evolve while preserving the familiar tastes consumers love.
“Utz Brands is thrilled to showcase both our fan favorites and new on-trend innovations at the Sweets & Snacks show,” said Stacey Schultz, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Utz Quality Foods.
“From our commitment to non-seed-oil innovation through Boulder Canyon to our Americana-inspired summer flavors like Backyard Burger and the return of Lemonade under the flagship Utz brand, we are continuing to build a portfolio that surprises and delights snack lovers everywhere.”
A Strong Statement for the Future of Snacking
As competition intensifies across the salty snacks category, Utz Brands is using the 2026 Sweets & Snacks Expo to send a clear message: it intends to remain at the forefront of innovation.
By blending heritage brands with modern nutritional trends, premium ingredients, and memorable flavors, the company is strengthening its relevance with both loyal consumers and emerging generations of snack buyers.
Its expanded showcase at this year’s expo is more than a product display—it is a strategic statement about where the future of snacking is headed, and Utz plans to be leading the way.
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