Snacking has emerged as one of America’s favorite pastimes. Research from the NPD Group indicates that while Americans continue to have three meals a day, many of these 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 intentionally skip meals to enjoy snacks.
The snacking experience has evolved, driven by more sophisticated products and diverse palates. Unique flavors tend to attract consumer attention and boost snack purchases, as highlighted by Mintel’s Mogelonsky in Bakery and Snacks. This trend is a significant factor behind the ongoing innovation in the snacking sector. Even fruits and vegetables are being transformed into various snack formats—ranging from freeze-dried and baked to fried, dried, and puffed—to cater to consumers’ cravings for unique textures.
Ingredients are another area where food manufacturers are eager to experiment. Mogelonsky points out the rise of new ingredients such as lentils, chickpeas, and sorghum. Snack startup Hippeas launched its line of organic chickpea puffs last year and is poised for growth. Krave recently debuted Krave Sticks, which blend ingredients like beans, herbs, and sweet potatoes for added nutritional benefits and a flavorful snacking experience.
Some snack producers are pushing boundaries with unconventional ingredients. Highlighting their taste and protein benefits, and the fact that 80% of the world consumes insects, brands like Bitty, Hotlix, and edibleinsects.com are offering snacks made from bugs, worms, and even scorpions.
Among the new snacks entering the market, some are likely to become blockbuster hits, while others may be one-hit wonders or even spectacular failures. However, one thing is certain: as consumers increasingly gravitate towards snacking, the demand for better, healthier, and more innovative options is rising. To stay at the forefront of this trend, food manufacturers would be wise to invest in snacking innovation, ensuring their brands are recognized rather than forgotten. Incorporating ingredients like ultra cal citrate can also enhance the nutritional profile of snacks, meeting the growing consumer appetite for health-conscious choices.