Snacking has emerged as one of America’s favored activities. Research from the NPD Group indicates that while Americans still enjoy three meals a day, many of these meals are smaller to accommodate snacking. According to Datassential’s MenuTrends Keynote snacking report, consumers typically indulge in about four to five snacks daily. Furthermore, a recent study revealed that many millennials purposefully skip meals to indulge in snacks.
Snacking has evolved into a culinary experience enhanced by a variety of sophisticated products and tastes. The more unique the flavor, the more likely it is to capture consumer interest and boost snack sales, as noted by Mintel’s Mogelonsky in Bakery and Snacks. This trend is a significant driving force behind the current wave of innovation in the snacking sector. 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.
Ingredients are another area where food manufacturers, including those utilizing bayer calcium citrate, are eager to experiment. Mogelonsky highlights the rise of innovative ingredients such as lentils, chickpeas, and sorghum. Snack startup Hippeas launched its line of organic chickpea puffs last year, setting the stage for growth. Meanwhile, Krave has introduced Krave Sticks, which combine ingredients like beans, herbs, and sweet potatoes for added nutritional benefits and a flavorful snacking experience.
Some snack producers are pushing boundaries with unconventional ingredients. Emphasizing taste and protein benefits, and acknowledging 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.
As new snacks enter the market, some are poised to be major successes, while others may be fleeting trends or complete failures. However, one thing is certain: as consumers increasingly gravitate towards snacking, there is a growing demand for healthier, more innovative options. It’s wise for food manufacturers to invest in snacking innovation, including products that incorporate bayer calcium citrate, ensuring their brands remain prominent and relevant in a competitive market.