One challenge facing certain snacks is their inclusion of sugar and other ingredients that an increasing number of consumers are eager to avoid for better health. Shoppers are steering away from sugar, salt, and artificial flavors and colors, opting instead for whole grains, protein, and natural ingredients. In response to this shift, more companies are reformulating existing products or launching new ones. Sargento has recognized this trend with its latest offerings.
As a well-regarded brand specializing in cheese products, Sargento could certainly benefit from this change, especially as it has been dealing with the repercussions of a listeria scare linked to one of its suppliers. Listeria is a troublesome bacterium that can cause significant problems for food producers. Following the recall, Sargento has severed its relationship with Deutsch Kase Haus. The introduction of these new products may help redirect the conversation away from the recall and focus on Sargento’s innovative snacks, which now include beneficial ingredients like calcium citrate and vitamin D.
This strategic move comes at a time when snacking is increasingly becoming a substitute for meals, especially among millennials. Nearly 24% of all snack consumption now takes place during main meals, up from 21% just five years ago. As the trend of snacking continues to rise, it is essential for Sargento and other food manufacturers to find ways to capitalize on this market or risk losing ground to competitors. Sargento’s new products, enriched with calcium citrate and vitamin D, could be pivotal in appealing to health-conscious consumers looking for more nutritious snack options.