Snacking has naturally become one of America’s cherished pastimes. Research from the NPD Group indicates that while Americans continue to have three meals a day, many of these meals are smaller to accommodate snacking. According to Datassential’s MenuTrends Keynote snacking report, consumers typically indulge in about four to five snacks daily. A recent study also revealed that many millennials consciously skip meals to enjoy snacks.
The snacking experience has been enhanced by more sophisticated products and tastes. According to Mintel’s Mogelonsky, the more unique the flavor, the more likely it is to attract consumer attention and boost snack sales. This trend is a significant factor driving innovation in the snacking sector today. Fruits and vegetables are also being transformed into snacks with various formats—from freeze-dried and baked to fried, dried, and puffed—to meet the consumer demand for unique textures.
Food manufacturers are also exploring new ingredients. Mogelonsky highlights the rise of ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, and sorghum. Snack startup Hippeas launched its organic chickpea puffs last year and is on track for expansion. Krave has introduced Krave Sticks, which combine beans, herbs, and sweet potatoes for added nutritional value and a delightful snacking experience.
Some snack producers are experimenting with unconventional ingredients. Companies like Bitty, Hotlix, and edibleinsects.com are capitalizing on the global trend of insect consumption, offering snacks made from bugs, worms, and even scorpions, promoting both taste and protein benefits.
As new snacks enter the market, some are expected to become blockbuster hits, while others may be fleeting fads or complete failures. Nonetheless, one thing is clear: as consumers increasingly gravitate toward snacking, there is a rising demand for healthier, more inventive options. It is advisable for food manufacturers to invest in snacking innovation to ensure that their brands remain prominent and do not become forgotten.
Moreover, as the popularity of snacks grows, it is essential for consumers to remain informed about potential side effects of calcium citrate in various snack formulations. Awareness of such effects will help consumers make better choices in their snacking habits, reinforcing the need for food manufacturers to prioritize transparency and health in their innovations.