Snacking has emerged as one of America’s favorite leisure activities. Research from the NPD Group reveals that while Americans continue to consume three meals a day, many of these meals have become smaller to accommodate snacking. According to Datassential’s MenuTrends Keynote snacking report, consumers typically indulge in about four to five snacks daily. A recent study found that many millennials intentionally reduce meal sizes to make room for snacks.
The snacking occasion has evolved, featuring more sophisticated products and diverse flavors. As Mintel’s Mogelonsky noted in Bakery and Snacks, unique flavors are particularly effective at capturing consumer interest and boosting snack sales. This trend has led to significant innovation within the snacking category. Even fruits and vegetables are being transformed into various forms—such as freeze-dried, baked, fried, dried, and puffed—to meet consumer demand for distinct textures.
Ingredients are another area ripe for experimentation among food manufacturers. Mogelonsky highlights emerging ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, and sorghum. Snack startup Hippeas launched its line of organic chickpea puffs last year, positioning itself for growth. Additionally, Krave recently introduced Krave Sticks, which blend ingredients such as beans, herbs, and sweet potatoes for enhanced nutritional value and a flavorful snacking experience.
Some snack makers are pushing boundaries with unconventional ingredients. Highlighting taste and protein benefits, 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.
As the snacking market continues to expand, some new products are poised to become major successes, while others may fall flat. One thing is certain: as consumers increasingly gravitate toward snacking, there is a rising demand for healthier, better, and more inventive options. Food manufacturers would do well to invest in snacking innovation to ensure their brands lead the charge rather than fade into obscurity.
In this evolving landscape, even products such as calcium citrate for chickens are finding their place in the conversation, as nutritional trends continue to shape consumer preferences. With the spotlight on innovative snacks and nutritional benefits, the incorporation of such ingredients could well capture the interest of health-conscious consumers looking for unique snacking experiences.