After a two year hiatus due to Covid restrictions, the annual Sweets and Snacks Expo for 2022 returned to Chicago and featured a huge activation from SNAX-Sational Brands.
Giuliana Rancic made a special appearance Tuesday, May 24th on behalf of Cookie Pop and Candy Pop. Special guests also included the OREO Mascot and Sour Patch Kids Mascots, to join in the snacking fun and pose for photos with Giuliana, the notable author, award winning entertainment host, entrepreneur, mom, lifestyle influencer and HSN personality.
Rancic was thrilled to share her support for Cookie Pop and Candy Pop along with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation saying, “It’s really a snack that gives back to Children’s Hospitals nationwide.”
As part of SNAX-Sational’s ongoing partnership with Ryan Seacrest Foundation and their work with specific Children’s Hospitals around the United States, all Candy Pop and Cookie Pop flavors benefit the foundation through a portion of all sales. The new holiday flavors were also showcased at the booth, in which a larger commitment focuses on the organization and their work.
When discussing her family, including husband Bill Rancic and their 9-year-old son Duke, Rancic gushed over their love of sweet snacks saying, “We have the biggest sweet tooth you could ever imagine…We love our sweet snacks. In fact, I have been mixing candy and popcorn for so many years at the movie theater.”
Lucky for Giuliana and Expo attendees, a variety of flavors were featured at the show booth, including the new Cookie Pop Popcorn Nutter Butter® made with real Nutter Butter® cookie pieces, Cookie Pop Popcorn OREO® made with real OREO® cookie pieces, and Cookie Pop CHIPS AHOY® made with real CHIPS AHOY!® cookie pieces.

Chicago, IL – 05/24/2022 – Special Appearance by Giuliana Rancic for Cookie Pop and Candy Pop at the Sweets and Snacks Expo in Chicago. Images: Credit – Startraksphoto.com / Lynette McCarthy
For Candy Pop, exciting flavors included the recently debuted Candy Pop Popcorn SOUR PATCH KIDS® made with SOUR PATCH KIDS® Bitz, which has become one of their latest best-sellers and in-demand product flavors, the latest collaboration with Mondelez Candy Company. Plus, signature brand favorites inclusive of Candy Pop Popcorn TWIX® made with TWIX® candy pieces, Candy Pop Popcorn SNICKERS® made with SNICKERS® Pieces, Candy Pop Popcorn M&M’s® Minis made with M&M’s® Minis candy and Candy Pop Popcorn BUTTERFINGER® made with real BUTTERFINGER® candy. Also special edition flavors for Halloween and the Holiday 2022 season, inclusive of Cookie Pop Popcorn OREO® Halloween edition featuring orange drizzle, Cookie Pop Popcorn Iced Gingerbread and Candy Pop Popcorn Peppermint Hot Chocolate. Cookie Pop and Candy Pop are sold at retailers such as Kroger, ShopRite, Publix, Sam’s Club, Walmart, Stater Bros, Ralphs, and many more, as well as www.cookiepopcandypop.com.
Attendees were also in for a special treat, the opportunity to try SNAX-sational’s Pasta Snacks’ gluten free Penne Straws, now available in Marinara, Lemon Garlic, Mac n’ Cheese, Sweet Pepper and Cinnamon Churro flavors.
Following the expo, the brand hosted a celebratory party at VU Rooftop in Chicago, featuring custom Cookie Pop and Candy Pop cocktails, desserts, and cuisine for guests. Giuliana Rancic attended the soiree as well as Love Is Blind’s Shaina Hurley.
For more info and to try these delicious snacks follow @cookiepop_candypop and @eatpastasnacks on Instagram. Also be sure to check out the Ryan Seacrest Foundation’s account @ryanfoundation for updates on the organization’s work.