My exercise of choice in 2015? Aerobic tasting. I’m not talking about competitive hot dog eating—I mean sampling new food and drink creations at the Winter Fancy Food Show while walking nearly four miles through the Moscone Center. With my photographer and budding filmmaker son by my side, we spent a whirlwind day at the Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco, walking from booth to booth and tasting almost nonstop from 10 a.m. until the doors closed at 5 p.m. It felt more like a delicious workout than a trade show.
Like the previous year, I left impressed with the variety of flavors and the creativity on display. Trendspotters at the show highlighted five dominant themes: cheese flavor showing up in unusual places, breakfast flavors and bacon-influenced snacks, Middle Eastern spices including turmeric, a renewed focus on cruciferous vegetables (Brussels sprouts gaining traction), and a wave of vanilla used broadly—from beans to unexpected flavorings.
Join me on a virtual walk through the show and see what stood out to me and my tasting partner, Gregory Lee.
A Healthy Crunch
A Healthy CrunchHealthy, crunchy snacks dominated many aisles. Our first stop was Biena Foods’ roasted chickpea snacks. I’d been skeptical about chickpea snacks before, but the roasting and seasoning on these won me over—crispy, well-flavored, and satisfying. Another crunchy legume to look for is crunchy lentils from small-batch producers, which also impressed.
A Dip Diversion
We detoured to discover Sosi’s Armenian yogurt dips—bold, tangy flavors that would brighten a Super Bowl spread or a packed lunch. The brand also offers frozen stuffed Armenian village bread (haatz), a convenient ready-to-bake option worth noting.
Pancakes FTW
I love making pancakes from scratch, but Birch Benders pancake mixes offer a fast, tasty option for busy mornings. Their mixes use high-quality ingredients and reflect a company philosophy that values slow, comforting family moments around the table—simple food with thoughtful sourcing and storytelling.
Single Origin …
Single-origin and fair-trade labeling isn’t limited to coffee. The show highlighted vanilla beans and maple syrup that emphasize sustainability and traceability. Several producers showcased careful sourcing and small-batch processing, and a few offered DIY vanilla extract kits—great ideas for gifts for serious home cooks.
Naturally Gluten Free Ancient Grains
An unexpected standout was Smart Flour’s gluten-free frozen pizza made with ancient grains like sorghum, amaranth, and teff. The crust delivered satisfying flavor and texture—proof that gluten-free can also be genuinely enjoyable and hearty.
A Seedy Snack
The Epic Seed offered a Greek-style yogurt blended with chia seeds and real fruit. It struck the right balance of creamy and crunchy, with natural fruit flavor and moderate sweetness—an attractive option for shoppers who want texture and nutrition in one cup.
From Farm Girl to Spice Maker
Spiceology, co-founded by a food blogger and an executive chef, presented innovative rubs, flavor powders like raspberry powder, and compact whole-spice bottles. Well-designed packaging and creative blends make their lineup a strong addition to home pantries and professional kitchens alike.
Savoring Local Fare
The Savor California section highlighted many small California producers. Probiotic and fermented foods were especially prominent. Cultured and Saucy offered fermented, probiotic condiments that add tang and depth to dips, soups, and grilled proteins. Nearby, a small-batch producer of Korean-style kimchi showcased a clean, spicy pickled cabbage and other pickled vegetables made without added sugar or fish—simple, bright, and crunchy.
Love their Lavash
California Lavash drew us in with creative wraps and samples of several flatbread varieties—lavash, naan, noor, and sangak. Their booth demonstrated how versatile flatbreads can be for wraps, appetizers, and plated dishes, with friendly staff and obvious pride in their products.
Smoked Sugar and Fancy Ice Cream
Nancy Silverton served samples of her gourmet ice cream line, a rich, crunchy salted peanut butter chocolate flavor that combined creamy texture with a lively sweet-and-salty finish. Nearby, a vendor displayed smoked brown sugars (including a whiskey-smoked variety) that promise smoky-sweet complexity for desserts, rubs, and caramel finishes.
Other Tasty Tidbits
Microgreens served on crackers with a cream-cheese spread highlighted how small, flavorful greens can elevate a simple bite. Silk Road Soda returned with a ginger-mint flavor—refreshing on its own and versatile as a mixer for cocktails. Traina Foods showcased a sundried-tomato ketchup spiked with sriracha and no high-fructose corn syrup, reflecting a broader trend of premium, artisanal condiments.
Bellwether Farms highlighted sheep’s-milk yogurt as a silky, tangy alternative to cow’s milk yogurt—an excellent option for those with lactose sensitivity or anyone who enjoys a creamier, tangier yogurt. PitayaPlus showcased vibrant pitaya (dragon fruit) smoothies with naturally bright color and refreshing flavor, sourced and produced with attention to fair trade practices.
We wrapped up our day in the Japanese section, tasting sparkling flavored sake and enjoying okonomiyaki—savory Japanese pancakes topped with rich, date-sweetened sauces that delivered a final blast of umami. After several miles of walking and countless bites, the Winter Fancy Food Show proved once again to be an inspiring showcase of food innovation, regional producers, and new products worth seeking out in stores.
