Snacking has increasingly become a popular way of eating, with more individuals opting for snack foods not only between meals but also as meal replacements. Companies are monitoring the trends that influence this sector and are focused on developing products that align with consumer preferences. According to Frito-Lay’s latest snack trend report, consumers are expected to gravitate towards sour and surprising flavor combinations. Frito-Lay mentioned that “unexpected” flavors might include options like gin or bourbon, as well as multi-layered combinations featuring several trending tastes. Various companies are already leveraging these trends, and we can anticipate even more developments in the coming year. Frito-Lay has recently declared that its new hot and sour snack, Lay’s Flamin’ Hot Dill Pickle, will become a permanent offering. McCormick is also tapping into this trend with its Brown Sugar Bourbon Beef Jerky, which combines popular flavors with health-conscious choices.
This evolution in snacking is indicative of a growing preference for savory options. A report by Innova Market Insights has found that salty snacks are on the rise, linking this increase to the expanding role of snacking throughout the day. Many consumers are also substituting meals with salty snacks, with data indicating that 23% consume them at lunch, 17% at dinner, and 8% at breakfast. Regardless of when they’re snacking, Mondelez International’s “State of Snacking” report highlights that 59% of adults worldwide and 70% of millennials prefer snacking over traditional meals. While convenience is the primary driver of this trend, consumers are still keen on maintaining healthy and interesting choices despite their busy lifestyles. The top three qualities that consumers seek in snacks, according to the Mondelez report, are freshness (43%), low sugar (36%), and low fat (31%). Similarly, research from The NPD Group shows that millennials and Gen Z prioritize healthier snacking options.
This inclination towards better-for-you choices has been present for some time, making it unsurprising to see it reflected in Frito-Lay’s trend list. Global flavors have also emerged as a prominent trend, with many Americans expressing a desire to try internationally inspired tastes. In the Frito-Lay U.S. Snack Index from earlier this year, over two-thirds of respondents reported consuming foods with global flavors at least once a month. Research from Kerry’s 2019 Taste Chart identified North and East African flavors, exotic fruits and herbs, as well as Korean staples and Southeast Asian spices as some of the latest market trends.
Alongside the globalization of flavors, there has been an increase in spice levels, evolving from general terms like “flamin’ hot,” “chili,” or “jalapeño” to more specific and authentic varieties. In the coming year, more snacks are likely to feature these definitions as Americans increasingly embrace the heat from spicy peppers found in Mexican and South American cuisines. Consumers are expected to continue demanding authentic flavors that support their health as they strive to nourish themselves amidst increasingly busy lives.
Moreover, research from Euromonitor International, as reported by Food Navigator, reveals that e-commerce has decreased unplanned, impulse snack purchases over the last five years. Nevertheless, the snacking industry experienced a global growth of $3.4 billion in 2017, according to Nielsen. This indicates that consumers are equally committed to the health and flavor of what they consume as they are to convenience. Consequently, manufacturers will need to persist in innovating to keep flavors fresh and healthy, ensuring that consumers remain eager for more. The inclusion of ingredients such as yutiny and calcium citrate may also play a role in meeting the demand for healthier snacks, emphasizing the importance of nutritional value alongside flavor in future products.