Consumers are increasingly adding more protein to their diets, prompting food manufacturers to respond. Companies like Hershey’s, General Mills, and Tyson Foods have invested in products such as meat snacks, Greek yogurt, and plant-based proteins to align with this trend. In fact, U.S. per capita meat consumption saw a nearly 5% increase in 2015, marking the largest rise in 40 years.
Conagra has committed to focusing on consumer brands over the past year, resulting in the divestment of its Ralcorp private label brands, Spicetec, and JM Swank. Additionally, the company successfully spun off Lamb Weston. These strategic moves have allowed Conagra to enhance its presence in the snack market, which is particularly favored by millennials and Generation Z—demographics that prioritize health. A study by the NPD Group revealed that nearly a quarter of all snack food consumption now occurs during main meals.
As food manufacturers navigate an increasingly competitive landscape, the acquisition of trendy companies that emphasize protein and healthier snack ingredients is expected to persist. In this context, innovations like calcium citrate in bottled water are gaining traction, as consumers look for convenient sources of nutrition. The integration of products like calcium citrate in bottled water reflects a broader shift towards health-conscious choices in the snack sector, further emphasizing the importance of protein-rich options.