The global snacks market was $439.9 billion in 2018, and experts expect it will continue to grow at a 6.2% CAGR. Knowing what consumers will be looking for in the coming days of snack food options will help companies in the sector prepare for this growth.
Sial America has identified 9 trends in snack innovations to be aware of in the coming years. Here they are below:
RECYCLABLE FOOD AND SNACK PACKAGING
Sustainable practices are some of the chief concerns of consumers today. In terms of packaging, providing consumers with products they know are good for the environment will drive buying decisions. With sustainable food packaging, companies can offer an eco-friendly customer experience no matter what snack foods they offer.
SNACKS IN PLASTIC-FREE CONTAINERS
Everyone is aware of the negative impact plastic has on the environment. When developing snacks for consumers, producers should consider offering compostable paper containers that are great for the environment, as well as for the people eating them.
INSECT-INFUSED PROTEIN AND ENERGY BARS
Many consumers are turning to insect-infused snack options that are healthy and actually taste good. Consumers can purchase energy bars that incorporate matcha and coffee with edible insects as innovative ingredients. In fact, bugs are an excellent source of protein and fiber. And they sustain energy for longer than synthetic forms of energy-boosting snacks.
SUSTAINABLE RICE CEREALS
One popular and innovative snack trend is to produce food that is environmentally and culturally responsible. Some brands use organic and fair-trade grains, seeds, and dried fruits to make naturally sweet and nutrient-dense cereals.
ADDITIVE-FREE PREPACKAGED COOKIES
Parents and caretakers want to know that the food their kids are eating isn’t loaded with preservatives and unnecessary ingredients. For that reason, when developing snacks for the health-conscious, companies should consider offering cookies and sweet treats that don’t have any unnecessary additives like artificial flavors and food dyes.
IMMUNITY-BOOSTING SNACKS
After prebiotics and probiotics, postbiotics are emerging as an option to help improve gut health. This bioactive compound differs from the others because it is left behind after the body digests prebiotics and probiotics. Postbiotics support the immune system and prevent inflammation. Healthy postbiotics include:
- Various B vitamins
- Vitamin K
- Amino acids
- Antimicrobial peptides
According to a 2020 survey conducted by Innova, 60% of consumers worldwide look for innovative snacks that support immune health.
SEED POPS AND SEAWEED PRODUCTS
Water lily seed pops taste great and focus on providing healthy snacks you can take with you anywhere. Moreover, they are a great alternative to popcorn. Other popular snack options for consumers are those made with seaweed. These products are a healthy alternative to chips and can be infused with multiple flavor options. When determining the top food trends to provide consumers with, it is worth considering ones that meet the consumer demands for health-minded alternatives.
VEGAN CHOCOLATE TREATS
Innovative vegan options for sweet snacks are another popular trend among health-conscious consumers. There’s not a lot of these options out there. Therefore, offering a vegan alternative to things like chocolate eggs for Easter or chocolate Santa Claus treats will appeal to your vegan customers.
KETOTARIAN FOOD CRAZE
The Keto diet is a popular one that many consumers turn to for weight loss. Providing healthy protein-and fat-rich dietary snack options is the best way to reach these consumers. When catering to the Ketotarian, food industries should consider offering sugar-free, low-carb, high-protein, and even plant-based snack options. These can be made into sweet or savory treats that consumers on the keto diet will gobble right up.