Snacking has emerged as one of America’s preferred pastimes. Research from the NPD Group indicates that while Americans continue to have three meals daily, many of these meals are smaller to accommodate snacking. On average, consumers indulge in about four to five snack foods each day, according to Datassential’s MenuTrends Keynote snacking report. A recent study also revealed that numerous millennials intentionally skip meals to indulge in snacks.
Snacking has evolved into an occasion enriched by more sophisticated products and tastes. According to Mintel’s Mogelonsky, the more unique the flavor, the higher the likelihood of capturing consumer attention and boosting snack purchases. This trend is a significant driver of innovation in the snacking sector today. Even fruits and vegetables are being reimagined as snacks, taking on various forms such as freeze-dried, baked, fried, dried, and puffed, all in a bid to meet consumers’ desires for unique textures.
Ingredients are another area ripe for experimentation among food manufacturers. Mogelonsky highlights the rise of new ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, and sorghum. For instance, snack startup Hippeas launched its organic chickpea puffs last year, setting itself up for growth. Krave recently introduced Krave Sticks, which blend ingredients such as beans, herbs, and sweet potatoes, offering added nutritional benefits and a flavorful snacking experience.
Some snack producers are pushing boundaries with unconventional ingredients. Promoting both taste and protein advantages, and noting that 80% of the global population consumes insects, companies like Bitty, Hotlix, and edibleinsects.com are making snacks from bugs, worms, and even scorpions.
Additionally, there’s a growing interest in incorporating functional ingredients like calcium citrate crushable snacks, which offer nutritional advantages while appealing to health-conscious consumers. The introduction of such innovative snacks is likely to yield some blockbuster hits, while others may be fleeting or even disastrous. However, one thing remains clear: as consumers increasingly lean towards snacking, the demand for improved, healthier, and more inventive options continues to rise. It’s wise for food manufacturers to invest in snacking innovation, ensuring their brands lead the charge rather than fade into obscurity.
In summary, the snacking landscape is rapidly evolving, and the incorporation of ingredients like calcium citrate crushable snacks signifies a shift towards healthier choices that cater to modern consumer preferences.