“The Rise of Snacking: Trends, Innovations, and Consumer Preferences in the American Snack Market”
Snacking has emerged as one of the most beloved pastimes in America. Research from the NPD Group indicates that while Americans still enjoy three meals a day, many of these meals are smaller to accommodate snacking. On average, consumers indulge in approximately four to five snack foods daily, as highlighted in Datassential’s MenuTrends Keynote snacking report. A recent study also revealed that numerous millennials intentionally skip meals to indulge in snacks.
The act of snacking has evolved, driven by more sophisticated products and refined tastes. According to Mintel’s Mogelonsky, the more unique the flavor, the more likely it is to attract consumer attention and boost snack sales. This trend is a significant factor behind the wave of innovation currently sweeping the snacking industry. Fruits and vegetables are also being transformed into snacks with diverse formats—ranging from freeze-dried and baked to fried, dried, and puffed—to meet consumer demands for distinctive textures.
Ingredients are another area ripe for experimentation among food manufacturers. Mogelonsky mentions emerging ingredients such as lentils, chickpeas, and sorghum. For example, the snack startup Hippeas launched its line of organic chickpea puffs last year and is poised for expansion. Krave recently introduced Krave Sticks, which blend ingredients like beans, herbs, and sweet potatoes, offering additional nutritional benefits and a flavorful snacking experience. Furthermore, some snack producers are venturing into unconventional territory with bold and unusual ingredients. With a focus on taste and protein benefits—and the fact that 80% of the world’s population consumes insects—companies like Bitty, Hotlix, and edibleinsects.com are providing options like bugs, worms, and even scorpions as snack items.
As new snacks enter the market, some are likely to become major hits, others may be fleeting trends, and some could be spectacular failures. However, one certainty remains: as consumers increasingly gravitate toward snacking, the demand for healthier, more creative options is on the rise. It is essential for food manufacturers to invest in innovative snacking solutions, particularly those that incorporate beneficial ingredients like calcium citrate, to ensure their brands lead the market rather than fade into obscurity. By focusing on the diverse calcium citrate uses in their products, manufacturers can enhance the appeal of their snacks and meet the evolving preferences of consumers.
