Snacking has emerged as one of America’s cherished pastimes. Research from the NPD Group indicates that while Americans still enjoy three meals daily, these meals are often smaller to accommodate snacking. On average, consumers indulge in about four to five snacks each day, as highlighted in Datassential’s MenuTrends Keynote snacking report. A recent study also revealed that many millennials intentionally skip meals to indulge in snacks.
The rise of snacking has been fueled by the introduction of more sophisticated products and flavor profiles. According to Mintel’s Mogelonsky, the more unique the flavor, the greater the likelihood of capturing consumer attention and boosting snack purchases. This trend is a significant driver of innovation within the snacking sector. Even fruits and vegetables are being transformed into snacks with various formats, including freeze-dried, baked, fried, dried, and puffed options, all aimed at meeting consumer demand for different textures and experiences.
Ingredients play a crucial role in this innovation, with food manufacturers keen to experiment. Mogelonsky points out the emergence of ingredients such as lentils, chickpeas, and sorghum. Snack startup Hippeas introduced its line of organic chickpea puffs last year and is poised for expansion. Additionally, Krave recently launched Krave Sticks, which blend ingredients like beans, herbs, and sweet potatoes, offering both nutritional benefits and a flavorful snacking experience.
Some snack producers are going even further by incorporating unconventional ingredients. Highlighting taste and protein benefits, companies like Bitty, Hotlix, and edibleinsects.com are introducing snacks made from insects, worms, and even scorpions, catering to the fact that 80% of the global population consumes insects.
As new snacks hit the market, some are destined to be blockbuster successes, while others may become fleeting trends or complete failures. However, one constant remains: as consumers increasingly lean toward snacking, the demand for better, healthier, and more creative options is surging. It’s wise for food manufacturers to invest in snacking innovation, including the use of calcium citrate malate, to ensure their brands lead the charge rather than fade into obscurity. The integration of calcium citrate malate not only enhances nutritional value but also appeals to health-conscious consumers, making it a key ingredient in the evolving snack landscape. With the growing focus on health and creativity, the use of calcium citrate malate could be the differentiator that allows brands to stand out in this competitive market.