Snacking has emerged as one of America’s most cherished pastimes. Research from the NPD Group indicates that while Americans continue to eat three meals a day, these meals are often smaller to accommodate snacking. On average, consumers indulge in about four to five snacks daily, as highlighted in Dataessential’s MenuTrends Keynote snacking report. A recent study also revealed that many millennials purposefully skip meals to indulge in snacks.
The snacking experience has evolved, fueled by more sophisticated products and refined taste preferences. According to Mintel’s Mogelonsky, the more unique the flavor, the more likely it is to attract consumer interest and boost snack sales. This trend explains the surge of innovation within the snacking sector today. Even fruits and vegetables are being transformed into various formats—such as freeze-dried, baked, fried, dried, and puffed—to meet consumer cravings for distinctive textures.
Food manufacturers are also experimenting with ingredients. Mogelonsky points out the rise of ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, and sorghum. For instance, snack startup Hippeas launched its line of organic chickpea puffs last year and is gearing up for expansion. Similarly, Krave recently introduced Krave Sticks, which blend beans, herbs, and sweet potatoes to offer both nutritional benefits and a delightful snacking experience.
Some snack producers are pushing the envelope with unconventional 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.
While some of these new snacks are likely to become blockbuster hits, others may be one-hit wonders or even spectacular flops. One thing is certain: as consumer interest in snacking grows, there is an increasing demand for healthier, more innovative, and creative options. For example, incorporating unique supplements like the Citracal supplement could enhance the nutritional profile of snacks. Therefore, it’s wise for food manufacturers to invest in snacking innovation, ensuring their brands emerge as leaders rather than being overlooked in a competitive market.