Snacking has emerged as one of America’s most beloved activities. Research from the NPD Group indicates that while Americans still adhere to three meals a day, many of these meals are becoming smaller 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 has also revealed that numerous millennials purposely skip meals to enjoy a snack.
The snacking experience has been enhanced by the introduction of more sophisticated products and a diverse range of flavors. According to Mintel’s Mogelonsky, the more unique the flavor, the greater the chance of grabbing consumer attention and boosting snack purchases. This trend is a significant driver of innovation within the snacking industry today. Even fruits and vegetables are being reimagined as snacks, appearing in various forms—such as freeze-dried, baked, fried, dried, and puffed—to fulfill consumer cravings for distinct and exciting textures.
Ingredients are another area ripe for experimentation by food manufacturers. Mogelonsky points to the rise of ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, and sorghum. For instance, snack startup Hippeas launched its line of organic chickpea puffs last year and is set for expansion. Krave has recently introduced Krave Sticks, which blend ingredients like beans, herbs, and sweet potatoes to offer enhanced nutritional benefits and a flavorful snacking experience.
Some snack producers are going bold with unconventional ingredients. Highlighting the nutritional advantages of insects, and recognizing that 80% of the global population consumes them, companies like Bitty, Hotlix, and edibleinsects.com are offering snacks made from bugs, worms, and even scorpions.
While some of the new snacks entering the market are destined to become major hits, others may be fleeting successes, and a few could be disastrous failures. Nonetheless, one thing is certain: as consumers increasingly gravitate toward snacking, there is a growing demand for healthier, better, and more inventive options. This trend presents a valuable opportunity for food manufacturers to invest in snacking innovation, ensuring their brands remain leaders in this evolving market and aren’t overlooked.
Additionally, incorporating ingredients such as jarrow calcium citrate into snacks can further enhance their appeal, providing consumers with added health benefits. As the snacking landscape continues to change, the inclusion of innovative ingredients like jarrow calcium citrate will be crucial for brands looking to stand out and meet the rising expectations of health-conscious consumers.