Snacking has emerged as one of America’s most beloved 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 enjoy four to five snack foods each day. A recent study also revealed that a significant number of millennials intentionally skip meals to make room for snacks.
The snacking occasion has been enhanced by more sophisticated products and evolving tastes. According to Mintel’s Mogelonsky, the more unique the flavor, the greater the likelihood of capturing consumer interest and driving snack purchases. This trend is a key reason behind the surge of innovation in the snacking segment today. Even fruits and vegetables are being reimagined into various formats—such as freeze-dried, baked, fried, dried, and puffed—to satisfy the consumer craving for unique textures.
Ingredients are another area ripe for experimentation by food manufacturers. Mogelonsky highlights the rise of innovative ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, and sorghum. Snack startup Hippeas introduced a line of organic chickpea puffs last year, positioning itself for growth. Meanwhile, Krave has launched Krave Sticks, which blend ingredients like beans, herbs, and sweet potatoes for an enhanced nutritional profile and flavorful snacking experience.
Some snack producers are pushing boundaries with unconventional ingredients. Emphasizing taste and protein benefits, companies like Bitty, Hotlix, and edibleinsects.com are offering snacks made from insects, worms, and even scorpions, capitalizing on the fact that 80% of the world consumes insects.
As new snacks flood the market, some are destined to be blockbuster successes, while others may prove to be one-hit wonders or even spectacular failures. However, one thing is certain: as consumers increasingly gravitate toward snacking, the demand for better, healthier, and more innovative options is on the rise. It is wise for food manufacturers to invest in snacking innovation, ensuring that their brands become leaders in the market rather than fading into obscurity. For example, incorporating products like citrate 1000 mg tablet into snack formulations could attract health-conscious consumers seeking functional benefits. By embracing creativity and health-focused ingredients, brands can effectively meet the evolving needs of today’s snackers.