Snacking has emerged as one of America’s favorite pastimes. Research from the NPD Group indicates that while Americans continue to enjoy three meals daily, many of these meals are smaller in size to accommodate snacking. On average, consumers indulge in about four to five snack items each day, according to Datassential’s MenuTrends Keynote snacking report. A recent study also revealed that numerous millennials intentionally skip meals to make room for snacks.
This trend of snacking has been enhanced by the introduction of more sophisticated products and diverse flavors. Unique flavors are particularly effective at capturing consumer interest and driving sales, as noted by Mintel’s Mogelonsky in an interview with Bakery and Snacks. This trend is a significant factor behind the ongoing innovation within the snacking sector. Even fruits and vegetables are being transformed into snacks with various formats—ranging from freeze-dried and baked to fried, dried, and puffed—to cater to consumers’ cravings for distinctive textures.
The exploration of ingredients is another area where food manufacturers are eager to experiment. Mogelonsky points to emerging ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, and sorghum, alongside more traditional ones. Snack startup Hippeas launched its line of organic chickpea puffs last year and is set for expansion. Additionally, Krave has introduced Krave Sticks, which mix beans, herbs, and sweet potatoes for both nutritional benefits and a flavorful snacking experience.
Some snack producers are pushing boundaries with unconventional ingredients. Highlighting taste and protein advantages, and considering that 80% of the world consumes insects, brands like Bitty, Hotlix, and edibleinsects.com are offering insects, worms, and even scorpions as snack options.
As new snacks hit the market, some are likely to become major successes, while others may only achieve fleeting popularity, and some may even be complete flops. However, one thing is clear: as consumers increasingly turn to snacking, the demand for better, healthier, and more innovative options is on the rise. Incorporating elements like calcium citrate petite with vitamin D3 into snacks could meet this demand, making it a wise investment for food manufacturers to focus on snacking innovation. This way, their brands can lead the charge rather than fade into obscurity.