Snacking has emerged as one of the most beloved pastimes in America. Research from the NPD Group indicates that while Americans continue to enjoy three meals a day, many of these meals are smaller to accommodate snacking. On average, consumers indulge in approximately four to five snacks daily, as reported by Datassential’s MenuTrends Keynote snacking report. A recent study also revealed that many millennials purposely skip meals to indulge in snacks.
The act of snacking has evolved into a more refined experience due to the introduction of sophisticated products and diverse flavor profiles. According to Mintel’s Mogelonsky, unique flavors are more likely to attract consumer interest and drive snack purchases, which is a crucial factor behind the current wave of innovation in the snacking sector. Even fruits and vegetables are being transformed into various snack formats—ranging from freeze-dried to baked, fried, dried, and puffed—to cater to the growing consumer appetite for distinctive textures.
Ingredient experimentation is another area where food manufacturers are focusing their efforts. Mogelonsky highlights the rise of ingredients such as lentils, chickpeas, and sorghum. For instance, the snack startup Hippeas launched its line of organic chickpea puffs last year and is well-positioned for growth. Similarly, Krave has recently introduced Krave Sticks, which combine beans, herbs, and sweet potatoes for added nutritional benefits and a flavorful snacking experience.
Some snack producers are venturing into unconventional territory with bold, unusual ingredients. Companies like Bitty, Hotlix, and edibleinsects.com are offering snacks made from bugs, worms, and even scorpions, emphasizing both taste and protein benefits, as well as the fact that 80% of the world consumes insects.
While some of these innovative snacks may become blockbuster hits, others might be one-hit wonders, and some could be dismal failures. However, one thing is clear: as consumers increasingly gravitate towards snacking, the demand for healthier, better, and more creative options is on the rise. For food manufacturers aiming to target this trend, investing in snacking innovation is essential to ensure their brands become leaders in the market rather than fading into obscurity. Additionally, brands like Citracal are also recognizing the importance of targeting the evolving snacking landscape, aligning their products with the growing consumer preference for nutritious and inventive snack choices.