Higher protein, more convenience, and new twists on familiar favorites. That’s what we’re seeing from today’s snacking products as consumers enjoy nutrient-dense “mini meals” more frequently. The lines between meals and snacks have blurred. Consumers are shifting eating schedules away from conventional dayparts and are turning to more frequent and satiating snacks.
Packed with Protein
Sugary snack bars with little nutritional value can sit on the sidelines as high-protein snacks become the star. Common protein sources in snacks include meat and eggs, while other traditional, familiar products get upgraded for more nutritional benefits.
- 49% of US consumers say they prefer snacks that are a mix of healthy and indulgent. (Source: Mintel’s A Year of Innovation in Snack Bars)
- 66% of consumers in Mexico agree that it’s worth paying more for food/drink customized to specific nutritional needs. (Source: Mintel Global Consumer, March 2021, Food & Drink)
- 35% of Canadian consumers substitute a meal with a snack or drink at least once a week. (Source: Mintel Global Consumer, Sept 2021, Food & Drink)
Perfectly Peckish Reinvents Hard-boiled Eggs
Peckish, available in the US and online, offers snackable eggs with a crispy dip on the side, adding more excitement to the routine hard-boiled egg.
(Image from Peckish website)
Savory is the Name of the Snacking Game
Cheesy Flavors
Cheese is a flavor of choice among consumers, making it a popular solution to the demand for snacking items that are familiar and satisfying.
- 57% of US consumers say they consume cheddar flavors in savory snacks. (Source: Mintel Trending Flavors and Ingredients in Snacks, March 2021)
- 68% of consumers in Canada say they’ve eaten cheese as a snack in the past month. (Source: Mintel Snacking Eating Habits, Motivations and Attitudes)
Low Carb, Protein-packed Puffs
Twin Peaks Nacho Cheese Protein Puffs, available in the US, are tossed in a robust seasoning and baked to deliver a crispy, crunchy bite. These puffs have 21g of protein per serving and come in flavors like nacho cheese, jalapeño cheddar, and garlic parmesan.
(Image from the Twin Peaks website)
Salty Snacks
Though sodium is often tied to health concerns, salty is another desirable flavor consumers use to satisfy savory cravings.
- 53% of US consumers say they consume salty flavors in savory snacks. (Source: Mintel Trending Flavors and Ingredients in Snacks, March 2021)
- 55% of consumers in Mexico say they prefer savory/salty flavors when snacking. (Source: GlobalData 2021 Q2 – Consumer Survey Mexico)
- 77% of consumers in Canada say they’ve eaten salty snacks in the past month. (Source: Mintel Snacking Eating Habits, Motivations and Attitudes)
Sodium-free Spice Blend to Punch Up Snack Time
While this seemingly presents a dichotomy between satisfied taste buds and healthy blood pressure, Griffith Foods’ SodiumFlex solutions maintain flavor and reduce sodium, allowing consumers to have their salt and eat it (guilt-free) too. These chicken tenders are made with Griffith Foods’ sodium-free spice blend and served with a “superfood” berry BBQ sauce.
Snacking Goes Anywhere, Anytime
You don’t have to pull up a seat at the table to enjoy protein-packed fuel. Instead, products in on-the-go formats are filling consumers up and keeping them energized. This includes convenient sticks, handhelds, and bite-sized balls that can be tossed in a car or bag and taken for the road.
26% of US consumers say they eat “on-the-go” most or all the time.
(Source: Mintel 2022 Trends Report)
High Protein, Low Sodium Jerky
CarniSnack is a company in Mexico making beef and pork jerky in flavors like chili lime and lemon pepper. Their products are high in protein, low in sodium, low carb, and 97% fat-free. CarniSnack jerky comes in resealable punches, making these the perfect snack to take on the go.
(Image from the CarniSnacks website)
Portable Vegan Protein Balls
The Juice Truck, an emerging cold-pressed juice chain in Canada, offers a protein ball, made from dates, almond butter, carob powder, maple syrup, sunflower seeds, and hemp hearts, then rolled in dehydrated coconut ribbons.
(Image from the Juice Truck website)
Superfood Halloumi Bites Using Griffith Foods Superfoods Creative Coating System
With smaller portion sizes comes a shift to shareable snacks. Small plates, appetizers, and mini meals that offer variety are a great way to pack a big punch in small portions. Superfood Halloumi Bites — made with Griffith Foods Superfoods Creative Coating system — are ideal for simple, on-the-go sharing.
Your Snacking Game Plan: Small. Savory. Satisfying.
Research suggests that eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day may be better for health and regulating blood sugar levels — which means this trend isn’t faltering any time soon. Taking portion sizes and nutrient density into consideration and capitalizing on products consumers will recognize are ways to play into this trend.
Whether it’s upping the ante on sodium-ridden snacks with healthier alternatives, boosting classic favorites with functional benefits, or a premium twist on traditional high-protein products, we’ve got the solutions to help you win big with consumers.
Let’s Create Better Together
We’re here to help inspire creations that keep your product portfolio on trend. Contact your Griffith Foods representative or reach out to our sales team to learn more about our ongoing research and innovative offerings.
