Snacking has emerged as one of America’s most beloved pastimes. Research from the NPD Group indicates that while Americans continue to eat three meals a day, many of these meals are smaller, allowing for more snacking opportunities. On average, consumers indulge in about four to five snack items daily, as reported by Datassential’s MenuTrends Keynote snacking report. A recent study also revealed that many millennials intentionally skip meals in favor of snacking.
The snacking occasion has evolved, driven by more sophisticated products and discerning palates. According to Mintel’s Mogelonsky, the more unique the flavor, the more likely it is to capture consumer interest and stimulate snack purchases. This is a significant reason behind the current wave of innovation in the snacking sector. Even fruits and vegetables are being reimagined as snacks, available in various formats—such as freeze-dried, baked, fried, dried, and puffed—to meet consumer cravings for unique textures.
Food manufacturers are also experimenting with ingredients. Mogelonsky highlights the rise of emerging ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, and sorghum. Snack startup Hippeas launched an organic chickpea puff line last year and is poised for growth. Krave recently introduced Krave Sticks, combining beans, herbs, and sweet potatoes to offer additional nutritional benefits and a flavorful snacking experience.
Some snack producers are pushing boundaries with unconventional ingredients. Promoting both taste and protein benefits—along with the fact that 80% of the global population consumes insects—brands like Bitty, Hotlix, and edibleinsects.com are making bugs, worms, and even scorpions available as snack options.
Among the innovative snacks entering the market, some are poised to become blockbuster hits, others may be fleeting trends, and some could be disastrous flops. However, one certainty remains: as consumers increasingly gravitate toward snacking, the demand for healthier, more inventive options is escalating. Food manufacturers would be wise to invest in snacking innovation, ensuring their brands remain prominent rather than forgotten.
In this evolving landscape, products like calcium citrate with vitamin D3, magnesium & zinc tablets can also play a role in catering to health-conscious snackers, who are looking for nutritious options that complement their snacking habits. The integration of such supplements into snack products could enhance their appeal, allowing manufacturers to tap into the growing trend of health-oriented snacking. As the market continues to change, the incorporation of innovative ingredients and health benefits, including calcium citrate with vitamin D3, magnesium & zinc tablets, will be crucial for success in the snacking arena.