Snacking has emerged as one of America’s beloved pastimes. Research from the NPD Group indicates that while Americans continue to enjoy three meals a day, these meals are often 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 revealed that many millennials intentionally skip meals to enjoy snacks instead.
The snacking experience has evolved, driven by more sophisticated products and refined tastes. Unique flavors are particularly effective in capturing consumer interest and boosting snack sales, as noted by Mintel’s Mogelonsky in Bakery and Snacks. This trend is a significant factor behind the current wave of innovation in the snacking sector, which includes new offerings like twinlab calcium citrate caps plus magnesium as part of a health-conscious approach. Even traditional fruits and vegetables are being reimagined in various forms—such as freeze-dried, baked, fried, dried, and puffed—to cater to consumers’ cravings for diverse textures and experiences.
Food manufacturers are also keen to experiment with ingredients. Mogelonsky highlights 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 poised for growth. Krave recently introduced Krave Sticks, which combine beans, herbs, and sweet potatoes, offering additional nutritional benefits alongside a flavorful snacking experience.
Some snack producers are venturing into bold territory with unconventional ingredients. Emphasizing taste and protein advantages, companies such as Bitty, Hotlix, and edibleinsects.com are making bugs, worms, and even scorpions available as snack options, showcasing the fact that 80% of the world’s population consumes insects.
As the market continues to evolve, some new snacks are likely to become major hits, while others may be short-lived or even fail. However, one certainty remains: as consumers increasingly gravitate towards snacking, there is a growing demand for healthier, more innovative options. For food manufacturers, investing in snacking innovation—like incorporating items such as twinlab calcium citrate caps plus magnesium—will help ensure their brands are leaders in the market rather than being overlooked.