Snacking has emerged as one of America’s favorite pastimes. Research from the NPD Group indicates that while Americans continue to enjoy three meals a day, many of those meals have become smaller to accommodate snacking. On average, consumers indulge in four to five snack foods daily, as highlighted in Datassential’s MenuTrends Keynote snacking report. Additionally, a recent study revealed that a significant number of millennials deliberately skip meals to enjoy snacks.
The snacking occasion has been transformed by the introduction of more sophisticated products and refined palates. According to Mintel’s Mogelonsky, the more unique the flavor, the greater the likelihood of capturing consumer interest and boosting snack sales. This trend is a major driving force behind the current wave of innovation in the snacking sector. Even fruits and vegetables are now being offered in varied formats—such as freeze-dried, baked, fried, dried, and puffed—to cater to consumers’ cravings for distinctive textures.
Another avenue for innovation lies in the ingredients used, with food manufacturers eager to experiment. Mogelonsky points to emerging ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, and sorghum. For instance, the snack startup Hippeas launched its line of organic chickpea puffs last year, positioning itself for growth. Krave has also introduced Krave Sticks, which blend ingredients like beans, herbs, and sweet potatoes, enhancing both nutritional value and flavor.
Some snack makers are pushing boundaries with unconventional ingredients. Emphasizing taste and protein benefits, 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.
As new snacks enter the market, some may become blockbuster successes, others may be fleeting trends, and some might even flop spectacularly. However, one thing is certain: as consumers increasingly embrace snacking, the demand for healthier, more creative options is on the rise. Food manufacturers should consider investing in snacking innovations, such as now calcium citrate caps, to ensure their brands are leaders in this evolving market rather than being left behind.