Snacking has emerged as one of America’s preferred pastimes. Research from the NPD Group indicates that while Americans still enjoy three meals a day, many of these meals are smaller to accommodate snacking. On average, consumers indulge in about four to five snack items daily, according to Datassential’s MenuTrends Keynote snacking report. A recent study also revealed that many millennials intentionally skip meals to indulge in snacks.
The snacking occasion has been enhanced by the introduction of more sophisticated products and diverse flavors. According to Mintel’s Mogelonsky, the more unique the flavor, the more likely it is to attract consumer interest and drive snack purchases. This trend of innovation in the snacking sector is a key factor in its growth. Even fruits and vegetables are being transformed into various snack formats—ranging from freeze-dried and baked to fried, dried, and puffed—to meet consumer cravings for unique textures.
Food manufacturers are also exploring new ingredients. Mogelonsky highlights emerging options such as lentils, chickpeas, and sorghum. Snack startup Hippeas launched its line of organic chickpea puffs last year and is on track for significant growth. Meanwhile, Krave has introduced Krave Sticks, which blend ingredients like beans, herbs, and sweet potatoes, providing added nutritional benefits and a flavorful snacking experience.
Some snack producers are venturing into unconventional territory with bold, unusual ingredients. Promoting taste and protein advantages, and noting that 80% of the global 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 likely to be major hits, while others may turn out to be one-hit wonders or complete flops. However, one thing is certain: as consumers increasingly gravitate toward snacking, the demand for better, healthier, and more innovative options is on the rise. It would be wise for food manufacturers to invest in snacking innovation, including options like calcium citrate 500 mg with vitamin D, ensuring their brands remain leaders rather than being forgotten.