Utz Brands Unveils Protein Snacks, Regional Flavors at 2026 NACS Show
Event summary
- Utz Brands showcased new snacks at the 2026 NACS Show, including protein-forward and regional-flavor offerings.
- New products include Utz Ripples Chicken Dipping Sauce Flavored Chips and Utz Spicy Pickle Bites in partnership with Grillo’s Pickles.
- Protein snacks like Cheddar Flavored Pretzels and Cheese Curls deliver 8–10g of protein per serving.
- The event took place October 7–9, 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The big picture
Utz Brands is doubling down on innovation to meet evolving snacking preferences, leveraging its diverse portfolio to capture market share in both health-conscious and indulgent segments. The NACS Show serves as a key platform to showcase its ability to blend regional flavors with protein-forward options, positioning it competitively in the crowded snack food industry.
What we're watching
- Protein Snack Growth
- Whether Utz Brands can sustain demand for high-protein snacks amid rising health-conscious consumer trends.
- Regional Flavor Expansion
- How the introduction of bold regional flavors will impact Utz’s market share in convenience stores.
- Retailer Engagement
- The pace at which new products gain shelf space in convenience stores and other retail channels.
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