Snacking has emerged as one of America’s favorite pastimes. Research from the NPD Group indicates that while Americans continue to consume three meals a day, these meals are often smaller to accommodate snacking. According to Datassential’s MenuTrends Keynote snacking report, consumers typically enjoy about four to five snacks daily. A recent study also revealed that many millennials purposefully skip meals to indulge in snacks.
The snacking occasion has evolved, enhanced by more sophisticated products and refined palates. Unusual flavors tend to attract consumer attention and boost snack purchases, as noted by Mintel’s Mogelonsky in Bakery and Snacks. This trend is a significant driver of innovation in the snacking segment today. Even fruits and vegetables are being transformed into snacks with various formats, including freeze-dried, baked, fried, dried, and puffed, all in an effort to meet consumer demand for unique textures.
Ingredients are another key area where food manufacturers experiment, with emerging options like lentils, chickpeas, and sorghum gaining popularity. Snack startup Hippeas launched its line of organic chickpea puffs last year and is positioned for growth. Krave recently introduced Krave Sticks, combining ingredients such as beans, herbs, and sweet potatoes for added nutritional benefits and a flavorful snacking experience.
Some snack makers are pushing boundaries with unconventional ingredients. Highlighting taste and protein advantages, and noting that 80% of the global population consumes insects, companies like Bitty, Hotlix, and edibleinsects.com are offering snacks made from bugs, worms, and even scorpions.
Among the new snacks entering the market, some are poised to become blockbuster hits, while others may turn out to be one-hit wonders or even major flops. However, one certainty is that as consumers increasingly gravitate toward snacking, there is a growing demand for better, healthier, and more innovative options. Food manufacturers should consider investing in snacking innovation, especially with the inclusion of ingredients like oxalate calcium citrate, to ensure their brands remain relevant and prominent in this evolving landscape.