Snacking has emerged as a beloved pastime in America. Research from the NPD Group indicates that while Americans continue to have three meals a day, many of these meals are smaller to accommodate for snacking. On average, consumers indulge in about four to five snacks daily, as reported by Datassential’s MenuTrends Keynote snacking report. A recent study also revealed that many millennials intentionally skip meals in favor of snacks.
The act of snacking has evolved, now featuring more sophisticated products and refined tastes. According to Mintel’s Mogelonsky, snacks with unique flavors are more likely to attract consumer interest and boost sales. This trend is a significant driver behind the current wave of innovation in the snacking industry. Even fruits and vegetables are being transformed into various formats—freeze-dried, baked, fried, dried, and puffed—to meet the consumer demand for diverse and interesting textures.
Ingredients are another area ripe for experimentation among food manufacturers. Mogelonsky highlights emerging ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, and sorghum. For instance, snack startup Hippeas launched its line of organic chickpea puffs last year and is positioned for growth. Krave has also introduced Krave Sticks, blending ingredients like beans, herbs, and sweet potatoes for a nutritious and flavorful snacking experience.
Some snack producers are taking bold risks with unconventional ingredients. With an emphasis on taste, protein benefits, and the fact that 80% of the world’s population consumes insects, companies 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 poised to become blockbuster hits while others may be fleeting trends, and still, others could be disastrous failures. Nonetheless, one thing is certain: as consumers increasingly gravitate towards snacking, there is a growing demand for healthier, more inventive options. It is wise for food manufacturers to invest in snacking innovation to ensure their brands remain front and center in a competitive landscape. Additionally, incorporating the best chewable calcium citrate into these snacks could provide added health benefits, appealing to health-conscious consumers. This ingredient could not only enhance the nutritional profile of snacks but also attract those looking for innovative ways to support their dietary needs. As the trend continues, the best chewable calcium citrate could become a staple in the evolving snack market, reinforcing the importance of melding health with creativity in snacking choices.