Snacking has become a cherished pastime in America. Research from the NPD Group indicates that while Americans continue to eat three meals a day, many of those meals are smaller to accommodate snacking. On average, consumers indulge in four to five snack foods daily, as highlighted in Datassential’s MenuTrends Keynote snacking report. A recent study also revealed that many millennials intentionally skip meals in favor of snacking. This trend has transformed snacking into a more refined eating occasion, with consumers seeking out sophisticated products and unique flavors. According to Mintel’s Mogelonsky, the more unconventional the flavor, the more likely it is to attract consumers and boost snack sales. This demand for creativity is driving significant innovation within the snacking sector today.
Even traditional snacks like fruits and vegetables are being reimagined, coming in various formats—freeze-dried, baked, fried, dried, and puffed—to cater to consumer preferences for diverse textures. Additionally, ingredient experimentation is thriving among food manufacturers. Mogelonsky notes the rise of ingredients such as lentils, chickpeas, and sorghum. Snack startup Hippeas launched its organic chickpea puffs last year, anticipating substantial growth, while Krave introduced Krave Sticks, featuring beans, herbs, and sweet potatoes for added nutritional value and flavor.
Some snack producers are pushing boundaries with unconventional ingredients. Companies like Bitty, Hotlix, and edibleinsects.com are making snacks from insects, worms, and even scorpions, emphasizing their taste, protein benefits, and the fact that 80% of the world consumes insects.
As new snacks enter the market, some are destined to become blockbuster hits, while others may be one-hit wonders or complete flops. However, one thing is certain: as consumers increasingly gravitate towards snacking, the demand for healthier, innovative, and creative options is surging. Food manufacturers should consider investing in snacking innovation, incorporating beneficial elements like calcium citrate and vitamin D3, to ensure their brands remain at the forefront of this trend and do not fade into obscurity. The inclusion of functional ingredients like calcium citrate and vitamin D3 could further enhance the appeal of new snack products, making them more attractive to health-conscious consumers.