Convenient, portable snacking has increasingly become a favored alternative to traditional meal times. A recent report from HealthFocus International indicates that nearly half (48%) of consumers worldwide are indulging in more than two snacks daily. As eating habits have evolved, so too have the preferences surrounding the types of snacks people choose. This changing attitude towards snacking and healthy eating has prompted food manufacturers to carefully consider the ingredients they use. The report reveals that consumers scrutinize their snack choices with the same diligence as their meals, demanding healthier options even within indulgent categories.
Younger consumers, in particular, view consuming multiple healthy snacks per day as equally nutritious—if not more so—than sticking to three traditional meals, according to the report. Almost half of the respondents lack consistent eating patterns, underscoring the need for nutritious snacks to address this gap. On a global scale, 45% of consumers are focused on finding the healthiest snack options available, while 38% adopt a balanced perspective, incorporating indulgent snacks as part of an overall healthy eating strategy. Notably, the phrase “made with fruits and vegetables” ranks as the third most influential factor in global snack selection.
For instance, Cheerios Veggie Blends, a staple in the baby food sector, now includes fruits and vegetables in every serving, featuring ingredients such as sweet potato, carrot, and spinach powders, along with banana and blueberry purees. Another brand, Once Upon a Farm, enriches its products with fruit and vegetable purees and powders, using ingredients like apple, pear, strawberry, raspberry, banana, pumpkin, and beets. Cerebelly’s snack bars, designed for children, incorporate kale, maitake mushrooms, kelp, and chlorella.
In addition to the integration of fruits and vegetables into popular snacks, the rise of clean label products is evident across various categories. As highlighted in a report from Innova Market Insight, clean labels are increasingly shaping consumer purchasing behaviors. The report states, “Wholesome ingredients, botanical extracts, and plant-based innovations have made consumers feel closer to nature.” In response to this shift, food manufacturers and suppliers are emphasizing “clean-label” and “better-for-you” ingredients to cater to the evolving consumer landscape.
Furthermore, products enriched with nutrients such as Watsons Calcium Citrate, Vitamin D, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, and Magnesium are gaining traction in the healthy snacking realm. These ingredients not only support overall wellness but also resonate with consumers seeking snacks that contribute positively to their nutritional intake. As the demand for health-conscious snacks continues to grow, the inclusion of such beneficial components is likely to become even more prevalent, highlighting the ongoing transformation in the snacking industry.