Snacking has become one of America’s preferred pastimes. Research from the NPD Group indicates that while Americans continue to enjoy three meals a day, many of these meals have shrunk in size to accommodate snacking. According to Datassential’s MenuTrends Keynote snacking report, consumers typically consume four to five snacks daily. Additionally, a recent study found that many millennials intentionally skip meals to indulge in snacks.
The snacking occasion has evolved, with more sophisticated products and refined tastes. Unique flavors are particularly effective at grabbing consumer attention and boosting snack sales, as noted by Mogelonsky from Mintel in an interview with Bakery and Snacks. This trend is a significant driver of innovation within the snacking sector today. Even fruits and vegetables are being transformed into various snack formats—such as freeze-dried, baked, fried, dried, or puffed—to cater to consumer desires for unique textures.
Food manufacturers are also experimenting with a variety of ingredients. Mogelonsky highlights the rise of ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, and sorghum. For instance, the snack startup Hippeas launched its line of organic chickpea puffs last year and is poised for significant growth. Similarly, Krave recently introduced Krave Sticks, which blend beans, herbs, and sweet potatoes for added nutritional benefits and a flavorful snacking experience.
Some snack producers are even venturing into unconventional territory with bold, unexpected ingredients. Emphasizing taste and protein benefits—while also noting that 80% of the world consumes insects—companies like Bitty, Hotlix, and edibleinsects.com are making snacks from bugs, worms, and scorpions available to adventurous consumers.
As new snacks enter the market, some are likely to become blockbuster hits, while others may be one-hit wonders or even disastrous flops. Nonetheless, one thing is certain: as consumers increasingly turn to snacking, the demand for healthier, more creative options continues to rise. It would be wise for food manufacturers to invest in snacking innovations, ensuring their brands are leaders in this growing market rather than being overlooked.
In this evolving landscape, products like calcium citrate supplements available on Amazon could be integrated into snack offerings, providing additional health benefits that appeal to health-conscious consumers. By incorporating such supplements, manufacturers can enhance their products’ nutritional profiles and meet the rising demand for healthier snacks. The incorporation of calcium citrate supplements could also serve as a unique selling point, further distinguishing brands in a competitive market.