Snacking has evolved into one of America’s most cherished pastimes. Research from the NPD Group indicates that while Americans continue to eat three meals a day, many of these meals are smaller in size to accommodate snacking. On average, consumers indulge in about four to five snacks daily, as highlighted in Datassential’s MenuTrends Keynote snacking report. A recent study also revealed that a significant number of millennials intentionally skip meals to enjoy a snack.
The act of snacking has been transformed by more sophisticated products and diverse taste preferences. Unique flavors are particularly effective in grabbing consumer attention and driving snack purchases, according to Mintel’s Mogelonsky in Bakery and Snacks. This trend is a major factor behind the wave of innovation currently sweeping the snacking segment. Even fruits and vegetables are now being offered in various formats—ranging from freeze-dried and baked to fried and puffed—to satisfy consumers’ cravings for distinct textures.
Ingredients are another area ripe for experimentation among food manufacturers. Mogelonsky points to emerging elements like lentils, chickpeas, and sorghum. For instance, the snack startup Hippeas launched its line of organic chickpea puffs last year, positioning itself for growth. Similarly, Krave introduced Krave Sticks, which blend ingredients such as beans, herbs, and sweet potatoes to provide both nutritional benefits and an enjoyable snacking experience.
Some snack producers are pushing boundaries with unconventional ingredients. Promoting both flavor and protein advantages, and noting that 80% of the global population consumes insects, companies like Bitty, Hotlix, and edibleinsects.com are offering bugs, worms, and even scorpions as snack options.
Among the new snacks entering the market, some are likely to become major hits, while others may be fleeting trends or complete failures. However, one thing is certain: as consumers increasingly gravitate towards snacking, the demand for better, healthier, and more inventive options continues to rise. Food manufacturers should consider investing in snacking innovation, potentially incorporating elements like pure encap calcium citrate, to ensure their brands remain leaders rather than being overlooked.