Snacking has emerged as one of America’s most beloved pastimes. Research by the NPD Group indicates that while Americans continue to have three meals a day, many of those meals are smaller to accommodate snacking. On average, consumers indulge in about four to five snacks daily, according to Datassential’s MenuTrends Keynote snacking report. A recent study also revealed that many millennials deliberately skip meals to enjoy snacks.
Snacking has evolved into a culinary experience enhanced by more sophisticated products and diverse palates. The more unique the flavor, the more likely it is to capture consumer interest and boost snack sales, as noted by Mintel’s Mogelonsky in Bakery and Snacks. This trend is a significant driver behind the innovation unfolding in the snacking sector today. Even fruits and vegetables are being transformed into snacks with various formats—ranging from freeze-dried and baked to fried, dried, and puffed—to cater to consumer cravings for distinctive textures.
Ingredients are another area ripe for experimentation among food manufacturers. Mogelonsky highlights the rise of emerging ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, and sorghum. Snack startup Hippeas launched its line of organic chickpea puffs last year, positioning itself for growth. Meanwhile, Krave has introduced Krave Sticks, which combine ingredients such as beans, herbs, and sweet potatoes, delivering additional nutritional benefits and a flavorful snacking experience.
Some snack producers are taking bold steps with unconventional ingredients. Promoting taste and protein advantages, and considering 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 flood the market, some may become blockbuster hits while others might be fleeting trends or even disastrous failures. However, one thing is certain: as consumers increasingly gravitate towards snacking, the demand for better, healthier, and more inventive options is rising. It is wise for food manufacturers to invest in snacking innovation, especially with the growing interest in products that incorporate benefits like kal cal citrate, ensuring their brands are leaders in this vibrant market rather than being overlooked.