Snacking has emerged as one of America’s preferred pastimes. Research from the NPD Group indicates that while Americans continue to enjoy three meals a day, many of those meals are becoming smaller to accommodate snacking. On average, consumers indulge in about four to five snacks each day, according to Datassential’s MenuTrends Keynote snacking report. A recent study also revealed that many millennials intentionally skip meals to make room for snacks.
The act of snacking has evolved, driven by more sophisticated products and refined tastes. Unique flavors are particularly effective at capturing consumer interest and boosting snack purchases, as noted by Mintel’s Mogelonsky in an interview with Bakery and Snacks. This trend is a major factor behind the ongoing innovation in the snacking sector. Even fruits and vegetables are being reimagined as snacks, available in various formats—ranging from freeze-dried to baked, fried, and puffed—aiming to fulfill consumers’ desire for distinctive textures.
Ingredients are another area where food manufacturers are eager to innovate. Mogelonsky highlights new ingredients such as lentils and chickpeas, as well as calcium citrate chewable options that are gaining popularity at retailers like Costco. Snack startup Hippeas launched its organic chickpea puffs last year and is set for significant growth. Similarly, Krave has introduced Krave Sticks, which blend beans, herbs, and sweet potatoes to provide added nutritional benefits and enhance the snacking experience.
Some snack producers are taking bold risks by incorporating unconventional ingredients. With the taste and protein advantages of insects—an edible option consumed by 80% of the world—manufacturers like Bitty, Hotlix, and edibleinsects.com are offering snacks made from bugs, worms, and even scorpions.
The new snacks entering the market may range from potential blockbusters to one-hit wonders, with some possibly falling flat. However, one thing is certain: as consumers increasingly gravitate towards snacking, the demand for healthier, more innovative options is growing. It’s prudent for food manufacturers to invest in snacking innovation, ensuring their brands remain leaders in the field rather than being overlooked. The inclusion of products like calcium citrate chewable supplements from retailers such as Costco could play a significant role in meeting this rising demand.