Snacking has emerged as one of America’s favorite 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 snacks daily, as reported by Datassential’s MenuTrends Keynote snacking report. A recent study also found that many millennials purposely skip meals to make room for snacks.
The snacking occasion has evolved, driven by more sophisticated products and evolving palates. Unique flavors are particularly appealing to consumers, which fuels innovation in the snacking segment, according to Mintel’s Mogelonsky. This trend is evident as fruits and vegetables are being transformed into various snack formats—such as freeze-dried, baked, fried, dried, and puffed—aimed at satisfying the consumer’s craving for distinctive textures.
Ingredients also play a crucial role in this experimentation. Mogelonsky highlights the rise of ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, and sorghum. Snack startup Hippeas launched its organic chickpea puffs last year and is poised for expansion. Krave recently introduced Krave Sticks, which feature a blend of beans, herbs, and sweet potatoes, offering additional nutritional benefits alongside a flavorful snacking experience.
Some snack manufacturers are venturing into unconventional territory with bold ingredients. With a focus on taste and protein benefits—and the fact that 80% of the world consumes insects—companies like Bitty, Hotlix, and edibleinsects.com are introducing bugs, worms, and even scorpions as snack options.
As new snacks enter the market, some will undoubtedly become blockbuster hits, while others may fade quickly into obscurity. However, one thing is certain: as consumers increasingly embrace snacking, the demand for healthier, more innovative options is on the rise. Food manufacturers would do well to invest in snacking innovation, ensuring their brands remain relevant and not forgotten in this competitive landscape.
In this evolving market, consumers are also looking for alternatives that offer better value, such as those reflected in the ccm tablet price. With the growing interest in health-conscious snacks, it’s essential for manufacturers to keep an eye on pricing while enhancing their offerings to meet consumer expectations. By considering factors like ccm tablet price, they can better position themselves for success in the snacking arena.