Conagra Brands has unveiled a series of snack innovations aimed at the US convenience retail sector, introducing new meat snacks, flavoured sunflower seeds and savoury products as part of its presentation at the 2026 NACS Show in Las Vegas.
Announced on 6 October 2026, the developments form part of the manufacturer’s $3.3 billion snacks portfolio, which includes brands such as Slim Jim, DAVID Seeds, BiGS and Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP.
The company is using the event, taking place from 6–9 October, to highlight changing consumer preferences for protein-rich products, portable formats and distinctive flavours.
New Products and Flavour Innovation
Among the additions is Slim Jim Cheese Mode, a range of meat sticks containing real cheese and providing 10g of protein per stick. Available in Cheddar and Cheddar & Jalapeño varieties, the products come in 1.94oz formats with a recommended retail price of $3.99.
The manufacturer is also extending its Slim Jim portfolio with a Sriracha variety, combining chilli and garlic flavours in a 0.97oz stick.
Elsewhere, Conagra is expanding its BiGS Triple Blast sunflower seed range with Pickle Ranch and Spicy Sweet Chilli varieties. The seeds are seasoned three times and roasted, with 5oz packs carrying a suggested retail price of $2.59.
Additional developments include Maple Black Pepper smoked sausages from Duke’s and a new 5.25oz pack format for DAVID Nacho Cheese sunflower seeds, scheduled for release later this year.
Conagra is also showcasing Vlasic Pickle Balls, dill pickle-flavoured corn puffs available in Original and Spicy varieties.
Convenience Retail Opportunities
The latest developments reflect several trends influencing the savoury snacks category, particularly demand for protein, unusual flavour combinations and convenient single-serve products.
Conagra highlighted the growing commercial significance of pickle-flavoured snacks, citing Circana figures showing US sales of $518 million over the 52 weeks ending February 2026, representing a 39% increase compared with the previous year.
For retailers and distributors, the expanded assortment provides opportunities to diversify impulse snack ranges beyond conventional crisps and nuts.
The combination of protein-focused meat snacks, seasoned seeds and flavoured corn puffs also demonstrates how manufacturers are responding to different snacking occasions and consumer preferences.
