Snacking has emerged as one of America’s most beloved pastimes. Research from the NPD Group indicates that while Americans typically maintain a three-meal-a-day routine, many of those meals are becoming smaller to accommodate snacking. On average, consumers are enjoying around four to five snack foods daily, as highlighted in Datassential’s MenuTrends Keynote snacking report. A recent study revealed that many millennials are intentionally skipping meals to indulge in snacks.
The snacking occasion has been enhanced by a variety of sophisticated products and refined tastes. Unique flavors tend to capture consumer interest and boost snack sales, as noted by Mintel’s Mogelonsky in Bakery and Snacks. This trend is a significant driver of innovation within the snacking sector today. Even fruits and vegetables are being transformed into diverse snack formats—ranging from freeze-dried and baked to fried, dried, and puffed—to meet the consumer demand for distinctive textures.
Ingredients are another area ripe for experimentation among food manufacturers. Mogelonsky points out that emerging ingredients such as lentils, chickpeas, and sorghum are gaining traction. Snack startup Hippeas launched its line of organic chickpea puffs last year and is poised for substantial growth. Krave recently introduced Krave Sticks, which blend ingredients like beans, herbs, and sweet potatoes, offering additional nutritional benefits and a flavorful snacking experience.
Some snack producers are venturing into unconventional territory with bold, unusual ingredients. Highlighting taste and protein advantages, and noting that 80% of the world consumes insects, companies like Bitty, Hotlix, and edibleinsects.com are offering snacks made from bugs, worms, and even scorpions.
Among the new snacks entering the market, some are likely to become major hits, while others may be fleeting successes or outright failures. However, one thing is certain: as consumers increasingly favor snacking, there is a rising demand for healthier, more innovative options. Food manufacturers should consider investing in snacking innovations, such as calcium citrate chewable tablets, to ensure their brands remain at the forefront and are not overlooked. By focusing on creativity and health, they can capitalize on the growing snacking trend and meet consumer expectations.