SNAC International announced Chesapeake Spice as the winner of the SNX 2026 Flavor Showdown, honoring its standout Poblano Chile con Carne seasoning as this year’s Flavor of the Year. The award was presented during the SNX 2026 Closing Party on Tuesday, March 31.
Held in Dallas, SNX 2026 brought together leading snack suppliers, producers, and innovators from across the global supply chain for several days of connection, collaboration, and business growth. As the industry’s premier gathering, SNX serves as a hub for building relationships, forging new partnerships, and advancing the ideas shaping the future of snacking. Attendees engaged with key decision-makers, explored emerging trends, and strengthened the connections driving the category forward.
Sponsored by Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery, the annual Flavor Showdown, themed “From the Ranch to the Range,” remained a highlight of the event. The competition featured top seasoning and flavor companies showcasing bold, on-trend concepts, with attendees sampling and voting to determine this year’s winner.
Chesapeake Spice’s Poblano Chile con Carne stood out for its rich, Texas-inspired flavor profile, drawing from the culinary legacy of San Antonio’s Chili Queens. The seasoning blends earthy poblano peppers with warm chili spices and savory beef notes, delivering a modern take on a Lone Star classic.
“The Flavor Showdown highlights the incredible creativity and momentum shaping the future of snacking,” said Cindy Kuester. “These flavors are bold, inventive, and a clear signal of where consumer taste and industry creativity are heading.”
This year’s challengers included:
For more information, visit SNAC International at www.snacintl.org.