New “healthy” snack launches dominate food industry

Facing stagnant growth in base grocery products, packaged food companies are increasingly turning to snacks, according to a new study by PMMI Business Intelligence.

Pfw 6319 Snack Chart

One process engineer said, “Success is coming up with the next big snack for time-impaired consumers looking for healthier and flavorful options.”
 
The trend for on-the-go eating continues, and consumers are looking for portion control and bite-size convenience.  Sugar is increasingly being eliminated or reduced in foods, corresponding with a rise in natural sweeteners.
 
Blending of food types continues.  Beef jerky counts as a meat product, a snack, and a shelf-stable food!
 
Four out of five Americans say they snack at least once a day. In 2014 73% of Americans reported snacking,  Just two years later, in 2016, 83% polled said they consume snacks.  Forty percent of snacks are consumed away from home.
 
Growing snack offerings include popcorn, meat snacks and thin and crispy crackers/cookies/chips.   Innovations include breakfast all day (bacon, yogurt, cereal).  Chips is a growing category, “energized” with ginseng and guarana, and made from alternative to potatoes such as crunchy mushroom snacks, gourd chips, squid chips, etc.   New flours are emerging made from lentils and crickets!
 
Pushing the envelope?  How about snacks paired with alcohol (sea-salt flavored corn flakes to be eaten with beer!) and sushi-shaped snack cakes meant to be eaten with chopsticks!

Download the full report here

Dairy Food & Beverage Innovations Report
Discover cutting-edge packaging and processing solutions in the inaugural Packaging World/ProFood World Innovations Report. From high-speed filling machines to mono-material lids, see how the latest advancements from PACK EXPO International 2024 are driving safety, sustainability, and extended shelf life—shaping the future of dairy food and beverage packaging.
Access Now
Dairy Food & Beverage Innovations Report
Liquid Foods Innovations Report
Welcome to the inaugural Packaging World/ProFood World Innovations Report on liquid food packaging, drawn from nearly 300 PACK EXPO International booth visits (Chicago, Nov. 3–6, 2024). Our editors highlight the most groundbreaking equipment and materials—supported by video demos—that promise to transform how liquid foods are processed, packaged, and delivered.
Learn More
Liquid Foods Innovations Report