The Marathon that is the Summer Fancy Food Show is simultaneously delicious, exciting, fun, exhausting, and overwhelming. I don’t know many other events that can claim the same experience. Specialty Food Association‘s summer extravaganza is mostly an industry event for brands seeking wider distribution. However, it’s a do-not-miss for anyone in the food business looking for new, exciting products and current culinary trends. In general, the atmosphere is lively with so many gorgeous offerings to sample and learn about. Consequently, below are my 10 Fancy Food Show Favorites.
Admittedly, it is hard to narrow down all the wonderful products showcased to just 10. If I listed everything I enjoyed, this list would stretch to 100. However, I will do my best to keep it short to respect blog readers’ attention spans.
These 10 Fancy Food Show Favorites of my Specialty Food Association Favorite Fancy Food Show finds from Summer 2026 are in no particular order.
#1- Odyssey‘s Smoked Feta
#2- Pierogi by Kasia’s Deli
Founded by Kazimiera Bober, better known as “Kasia”, who, at the age of 38, as a single mother who did not speak English, immigrated to the United States. In 1982, Kasia proudly opened the doors of Kasia’s Delicatessen for the first time, dedicated to preparing traditional old family recipes. Most importantly, using only the finest and freshest ingredients. Her pierogi have been named “Chicago’s Best Pierogi” every year since 1999.
#3 – Duck Fat Chicken Hot Dogs by Duck Inn Dogs
Just the title alone stopped us in our tracks. If you want to take your BBQ to a whole new level, trust me, serve these. A craft fast-food hot dog concept from the team at The Duck Inn, located in Bridgeport, Chicago. These hot dogs made with duck fat and chicken thighs are delectable. Consequently, it was hard to hold back and sample only one piece.10 Fancy Food Show Favorites – #4- Tartuflanghe ‘s Truffle Aperitifs in Tubes
This company transforms truffles into new gastronomic experiences, blending tradition and innovation since 1975. They deliver big time with this product. The gorgeous, clever packaging aside, these spreads offer unique pairings and fresh flavor profiles. They can be used as a garnish or as a main ingredient on an appetizer or main dish. Beautiful flavor pairings and creamy texture turn simple dishes into something special.🟠 Bell pepper, tuna, and truffle
🟣 Eggplant parmigiana and truffle
🟡 Egg yolk and white truffle
🟢 Pesto and truffle
🔵 Butter, anchovies, and truffle
#5- Soy-Free (no gluten or coconut) Nikigo Sauce
Bold umami free from the top nine allergens. The company also offers a selection of sauces like teriyaki and noodle. However, the taste of their soy-free sauce is exceptional. Founder Nicole Gordon created this product line after developing food allergies. Made from fresh mushrooms, sea salt, and water, the sauce has a rich, delicious savory flavor without the mushroominess. I don’t care much for mushrooms, and I didn’t taste any mushroom flavor. The sauce contains no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
10 Fancy Food Show Favorites – Next 5
#6- Sustainable Seasoned Straws
As a recently obsessed Ninja Shlushi Machine person (I’ve already purchased 2), I always have my eyes peeled for fun and interesting ways to enhance my slushi recipes. So naturally, these straws, coated in sweet, spicy, or savory seasonings, immediately grabbed my attention. As a dedicated and passionate scuba diver for over 30 years, their sustainability factor tugged at my mermaid heart.#7- Asian Cajun Cowboy sauces
“Inspired by Vietnamese tradition, creolized with Cajun flavor, and carried forward with cowboy confidence. Built for dipping, drizzling, dunking, and breaking the rules.” These sauces are a mashup of Vietnamese street food and Louisiana soul.
I had never seen dried watermelon before, so this had to make the list. So many options to use this product. Cheese boards, cocktails, and sexy salads. The company offers a ton of other lovely offerings such as fresh orchid garnishes and dried dragon fruit.#9- Zero sugar Salty Lychee sparkling drink by Vida Mauritius
My favorite among their delicious and interesting line of zero sugar sparkling drinks was this Salty Lychee flavor. Honestly, it was so delicious when I sampled it. However, the representative gifted me a can to take home. Once it was really chilled, it was even more flavorful. Infused with the essence of lychee and a hint of saltiness, this zero-calorie beverage offers a unique and intriguing flavor profile.
This beverage line contains zero coloring, calories, or cholesterol. I can also picture adding vodka or gin to create a fantastic cocktail. #sorrynotsorry
And the Last of my 10 Fancy Food Show Favorites…
#10- Wagu Beef Pastrami by Tempesta
This special pastrami is made of American Wagyu Beef that has been seasoned in a flavorful brine for a few days, then rubbed in molasses and spices. Next, it is slow-smoked and cooked in sessions with hickory wood. The result is outstanding flavor.
We also loved their Duck Prosciutto with the flavor of Amarena Cherry made of the breasts of Moulard ducks raised humanely with no antibiotics or hormones. A fantastic addition ot any charcuterie board.
So, did you enjoy these 10 Fancy Food Show Favorites? Then also check out some of these other posts:
DUCK FAT FRIED POTATOES
5 FLOATING CITY FAVORITES
MULLED WINE HOT CHOCOLATE
