More than ever, Americans are snacking. In fact, nearly 386 billion snacks were consumed by Americans last year. At the same time, people are becoming more conscious of the food they eat and the ingredients within them, which coincides with another trend: people becoming busier in their work and personal lives. Thus, while the demand for snacks shows no signs of stopping, it does seem like the type of snacks people want is changing. With all this in mind, let’s take a look at what the future of snacking holds in store for us.
“Better for you” products: According to Michelle Buffardi of the Food Network, the $89 billion snacking industry is seeing a rise not just in healthy snacks (or snacks that are perceived to be healthy) but also functional snacks that promote certain health improvements. Things like chocolate quinoa bars, collagen cookies, kombucha granola, and probiotic cheese are making their way into the mainstream. There’s also a growing interest in carb alternatives such as crackers, pasta, snack mixes and wraps made with cauliflower, legumes and coconut and lab-grown meat/fish/dairy alternatives.
High-protein/no-sugar options: The food industry has realized that consumers want nutritionally beneficial products, and every ingredient is being closely scrutinized for its wholesomeness. That’s why PJ Pawelek, a scientist at Valley Fine Foods, believes the future of snacking will see more high-protein/no-sugar options, with important micronutrients and functionally healthful components, like fiber and whole grains, claiming a stake in the future—especially considering the rise of the Keto/High Fat trend.
Nutrient-dense snacks: “Better for you” snacking will transform more towards nutrient-dense snacks with truly nutritious core ingredients, as long as flavor/taste experience can be maintained. This evolution will lead to snacks with lower carbs and less sugar that are currently used to fill bellies, even in the existing “better for you” snack options. The future of snacking could see people avoiding a fruit and nut snack in favor of fruit, nut, superfood, and adaptogen-infused snack that provides more than just nourishment.
