# Hickory-Smoked Cheese Puffs Low and Slow Hickory Smoked BBQ Cheese Puffs Elevate a Classic By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2024-10-01 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hickory-smoked-bbq-cheese-puffs References: [snackandbakery](https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/112215-low-and-slow-snacks-introduces-hickory-smoked-bbq-cheese-puffs) & [lowandslow](http://www.lowandslow.com/)  The Low and Slow Hickory Smoked BBQ Cheese Puffs are the brand's latest addition to its product portfolio that aims to elevate a [classic snack product](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheetos-snacks) and position it perfectly for enjoyment this fall and winter. The snack boasts [cheese puffs flavored with hickory wood](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheetos-flamin-hot-cheddar-bbq) that has been burned to craft an authentic barbecue-inspired taste profile. The product is positioned as a first of its kind snack that balances out sweet, salty and savory notes to make them a great option for avid barbecue fare fans. The snack is making its way to 301 [Walmart](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheetos-flamin-hot-smoky-ghost-pepper-puffs) locations in Texas as well as over 1,000 independent grocery stores across 11 states. Co-Founder and CEO Jared Drinkwater spoke on the Low and Slow Hickory Smoked BBQ Cheese Puffs saying, "Having smoked virtually every salty snack on the planet, I can say these smoky, cheesy puffs are pretty delicious. When we sampled to a limited audience at the Troubadour BBQ & Music Festival in College Station, TX earlier this summer, I knew we had a hit on our hands. People couldn’t get enough.” Image Credit: Low and Slow Snacks ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.3/10 - Popularity: 3% | Activity: 8% | Freshness: 29% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Flavor-infused Snacks:** These hickory-smoked cheese puffs exemplify the growing trend of integrating complex, authentic flavors into mainstream snack products. - **Seasonal Limited Editions:** Launching during fall and winter, the cheese puffs tap into the trend of season-specific, limited-edition snack offerings that create a sense of exclusivity. - **Multi-sensory Eating Experiences:** Balancing sweet, salty, and savory notes, the cheese puffs highlight the trend of multi-sensory eating experiences that appeal to more sophisticated palates. ### Where This Applies - **Snack Food:** The snack food industry benefits from innovations like hickory-smoked cheese puffs, which elevate traditional products with unique flavor profiles. - **Grocery Retail:** With distribution in major retail chains like Walmart and numerous independent grocers, these cheese puffs disrupt the grocery retail space by offering novel product differentiation. - **Food Festivals:** Snack products that debut at themed events, such as the Troubadour BBQ & Music Festival, show potential for capturing the attention of niche markets within the food festival industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Authentically Smoked BBQ Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bbq-cheese-puffs.md) - [Hickory-Smoked Snack Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/low-and-slow-snacks.md) - [Saucy Popcorn-Inspired Snack Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popcorners-smokehouse-bbq.md) - [Smoky Snack Crisps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pringles-smoky.md) - [Smoky Extra-Spicy Snack Puffs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheetos-flamin-hot-smoky-ghost-pepper-puffs.md) - [Seasoned Puffed Cheese Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whisps-snack.md) - [Twisted Honey Barbecue Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/honey-bbq-twists.md) - [Soft Sour Cheese Puffs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheetos-flamin-hot-dill-pickle-puffs.md) - [Savory Americana Snack Flavors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/walkers-smokin-bbq-sauce.md)