Snacking has emerged as one of America’s most beloved pastimes. Research from the NPD Group indicates that while Americans continue to enjoy three meals per day, many of those meals are now smaller to accommodate for snacking. According to Datassential’s MenuTrends Keynote snacking report, consumers typically indulge in about four to five snacks each day. A recent study also revealed that many millennials are deliberately skipping meals to make room for snacks.
The snacking occasion has evolved, driven by more sophisticated products and discerning palates. As Mintel’s Mogelonsky points out, the more unique the flavor, the more likely it is to attract consumer interest and boost snack sales. This trend is a significant factor behind the wave of innovation occurring in the snacking sector today. Even fruits and vegetables are being transformed into various formats—such as freeze-dried, baked, fried, dried, and puffed—to meet consumer demand for distinct and varied textures.
Ingredients are another area ripe for experimentation among food manufacturers. Mogelonsky highlights emerging ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, and sorghum. For instance, the snack startup Hippeas launched its organic chickpea puffs last year and is primed for growth. Krave has also introduced Krave Sticks, which blend 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. Emphasizing taste and protein benefits, and acknowledging that 80% of the world consumes insects, companies like Bitty, Hotlix, and edibleinsects.com are offering snacks made from bugs, worms, and even scorpions.
As new snacks enter the market, some are likely to become blockbuster hits, while others may be fleeting trends or even disastrous failures. Nevertheless, one thing is certain: as consumers increasingly gravitate toward snacking, the demand for healthier, innovative, and more creative options is on the rise. Food manufacturers would be wise to invest in snacking innovation, ensuring their brands stay ahead of the curve and remain memorable.
Additionally, with the growing interest in nutritional snacks, questions like “can you crush calcium citrate tablets?” are becoming more prominent as consumers seek to enhance their snacking experiences. The exploration of unique and healthful ingredients, including calcium citrate, can play a crucial role in shaping the future of snacking. Ultimately, the evolution of snacks represents an exciting opportunity for brands to innovate and cater to the ever-changing preferences of today’s consumers.