What was once an indulgence in a bag of chips is now a daily serving of roasted nuts. Snacks have become an undeniable part of modern life, as the traditional three-meal structure increasingly gives way to more fluid and on-the-go eating. We’ve got innovation and dynamic food trends to thank for this!
Consumer preference is indeed shaping the future of snacks as health, convenience, and sustainability turn into fundamental expectations. The demand right now is for snacks that leave more than just a good taste in the mouth. We’ll go more into the factors affecting the market and the snacking trends that manufacturers should monitor in the months ahead. From plant-based products to targeting specific audiences, there’s plenty to consider!
Snacking Market Trends Overview
Flavour still rules snacking trends; however, consumers are choosing snacks with health or nutritional claims. Notably, snacks high in protein and low in sugar are sought out in most markets. While the global snacks market is fuelled primarily by savoury and confectionery items, healthy subcategories like protein puffs and protein bars are proving attractive in certain regions, according to some market insights.
Diving further into global consumer purchasing habits shows that people are inclined to buy smaller, more affordable impulse products. Consumers are also spending extra on products with sustainability claims while value chain costs rise.
Top Consumer Snacking Trends
Brands should watch the following snacking trends in the coming months. From evolving consumer preferences to regulatory changes pushing manufacturers to come up with out-of-the-box solutions, expect the snack market to keep adapting.
Plant-based and Vegan Snacks
Plant-based snacks reflect the broader food trend of consumers choosing healthier products. While most snacks are made primarily from plants, plant-based snacks are innovative offerings in innovative formats that add more plants for protein and nutrition. Added bean protein wellness bars and protein-enriched crackers are entering new markets, and this trend will continue. The data backs this—US market research shows that the category has grown tremendously over the past few years, with plant-based popcorn and granola bars being especially popular. Vegan snacks will also be common if social media sentiment is anything to go by. People are championing vegan food choices as they express sustainability and ethical concerns more vocally, giving rise to snacks free from animal products altogether. And with regulations over artificial flavours and colours causing growing concerns, the space for manufacturers to innovate and create natural, ethically sourced food is enormous.
Clean-label Snacks
The clean-label trend will continue to drive the rise of healthy snacks. As lifestyle-related diseases increase, expect consumers to scrutinise ingredient lists and gravitate towards simple, minimally processed options free of preservatives and artificial additives. FMCG manufacturers are responding with clear and honest labelling and marketing products that are fortified with fibre and antioxidants, among other functional ingredients. More snacks will probably feature seeds, nuts, and dry fruits this year, making it possible with new technologies, cutting-edge R&D, and investments.
Diet-Specific Snacks
People are personalising their meals to suit their lifestyles and health needs, and food producers will be eager to seize any opportunity. So, look out for dairy-free snacks, an extension of the vegan trend. With innovations such as animal-free proteins and plant molecular farming, dairy-free cheese that is similar in taste and feel to traditional cheese could lead to more innovative cheese snacks for lactose-intolerant consumers, whether wedges or crackers. Gluten-free snacks could also cater to niche consumers as brands try out nutrient-rich grains and flours like rice, beans, and tapioca for snacks with allergy-free benefits.
High-protein and Low-sugar Options
Snacks loaded with protein will continue to be a big draw in 2025. (The American high-protein snack and beverage category’s value is nearly USD 5 bn, growing at 9.3%.) The reason is simple: Consumers associate protein with wellness, and protein options in bars and nut-based snacks are ideal for consumers seeking quick bursts of energy. Manufacturers are also able to react to this demand in various ways, with pea protein emerging as a reliable, marketable ingredient to build their protein snacks. Its versatility and GMO-free advantage could give rise to various high-protein formats, further benefiting from clean-label claims. While bars have been the traditional choice of format, we’re seeing them expand to different flavour profiles across cookies and puffs. The snacking market will also prioritise low-sugar products, as consumers opt for more intense flavours instead of sweetness. To this extent, we could witness crunchy snacks with low-sugar fillings hitting shelves. And given how salty plenty of snacks are, it won’t be surprising to see low-sodium alternatives everywhere, given the rising motivation for healthy eating.
Snacks with Global Flavours and Formats
Global flavours, from spicy Indian notes to Mediterranean sea salt, will travel across borders and reach faraway markets. And it’s not merely new flavours that will appear on your favourite chips and popcorn. Regional formats and local snack types like falafel chips could continue to find new buyers abroad, while recent trends like pasta chips could be among the ideas manufacturers explore. There are multiple formats to work with and numerous themes to be inspired by in this snack food trend—bacon-flavoured peanut balls are there for the taking!
Fusion of Regional Flavours
While global flavours take flight, local innovations are also likely. Cross-cultural food ideas are welcome—especially in places like India—stimulated by social media culture, consumer curiosity, and easy access to ingredients. Snacks derived from this concept will very well benefit—look ahead to options made with hyper-local ingredients/locally sourced ingredients and even fusion snacks that blend traditional flavours with contemporary formats besides classic regional recipes being reimagined with a modern twist.
Premium Snacks
There is a growing market for premium and gourmet snacks. Regions with increasing disposable incomes could see brands market high-quality, indulgent offerings in unique styles and formats. There’s reason to believe consumers might not be averse to spending on gourmet chocolates, artisan chips, exotic nuts and dried fruits, handcrafted cookies, and speciality popcorn—and not just buying them as gifting options or on rare occasions.
Sustainably Produced Snacks
Sustainable practices will be emphasised in the snacking industry. Consumers care about where their food comes from and how it’s made. Some are even willing to spend more on sustainably sourced products. Snack manufacturers will focus on creating products that have a smaller impact on the planet and communities—this would mean ethical sourcing of ingredients, rethinking supply chain practices, and using innovative packaging. A specific example to welcome in the year ahead might be upcycled snacks. Recently, manufacturers have come out with fried puffs sourced from potato skins and repurposed fruit rinds as instant snacks. While they haven’t exploded onto the world stage, more manufacturers could be keen on this trend as they increasingly create climate-friendly products.
Factors Driving Snack Food Trends
Health-consciousness
Clearly, health is one of the biggest drivers of consumer snacking trends, if not the biggest. As the conversation around diet and health becomes more prevalent, the idea of snacks being an indulgence will change.
Sustainability Concerns
With environmental awareness rising, consumers don’t mind spending extra on snacks sourced sustainably and wrapped in eco-friendly packaging.
E-commerce Growth
Indian snack consumption patterns owe plenty to the increased accessibility of diverse snacks from local and international brands online, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities. Brands in this part of the world are leveraging this model to get closer to consumers and drive sales.
Convenience
Snacks need to match modern life’s fast pace—at the gym or on the road. People don’t want to dive into gigantic packs for a quick bite or energy boost. Addressing this matters a great deal.
Virality
Manufacturers will always have an eye on viral social media recipes, taking cues from what’s appealing and Instagram-worthy. Ideas endorsed by celebrities and influencers can impact how brands connect with consumers.
Find the Right Balance
Staying informed of the industry’s tilts and shifts will give snack manufacturers an edge and endear themselves to a consumer base that’s as diverse as ever but united over what their snacks contain and where they come from. Balancing health and enjoyment will be key, whether crafting a gourmet cheese snack or experimenting with gluten-free breadsticks. Remember, the mantra isn’t just to satisfy cravings but to go beyond the dimensions of flavour!
2025 will be an exciting time for both consumers and manufacturers. With everything there to look forward to, what snacking trend are you most excited to try?
FAQs
Cookies and crackers lead markets worldwide by volume and generate large revenues (Reference: Statista). Similarly, savoury snacks continue to be popular. In places like India, where there is a demand for regional and spicy flavours, people are experimenting with new formats like street-food-inspired creations across profiles such as chilli, tomato, and more. These products are also proving to be a hit abroad, reflecting consumers’ willingness to embrace new options as long as they highlight hot and spicy profiles. At the same time, consumer demand for ethical, healthy options is causing manufacturers to respond with vegan and organic offerings as interest in fried salty snacks diminishes. Millet-based snacks are taking up more market space, while healthy, convenient snackable products like roasted seeds and nuts also come to the fore.
The growth of plant-based snacks is a part of the broader trend of consumers moving towards healthier and sustainable food options. From quinoa puffs to roasted chickpeas, these options cater to consumers who are conscious of the toll their food has on the environment. Manufacturers are also faithfully replicating the texture of meat-based snacks like beef jerky, giving people more reason to try them out. Made from wholesome ingredients, packed with nutritional benefits, and made with minimal processing, plant-based snacks are finding it easier to enter different markets.
Being mindful of hunger is crucial when reaching for a pack of snacks. Distinguishing between genuine hunger and cravings can help avoid needless snacking. Controlling portions and choosing the right snacks also matter—a few pretzels or a handful of savoury chips is fine, while it’s even better to replace them with whole-food versions. Find snacks rich in nutrients like protein, dietary fibre, and minerals. They provide fullness, promote vital functions, and even offer great flavours thanks to food innovation!
A functional snack offers more complex health benefits beyond basic nutrition. It contains functional ingredients like nuts, seeds, and fruits, which translate into added proteins, vitamins, electrolytes, and more. Functional snacks serve a particular purpose, usually to replenish energy levels post workouts/strenuous activity or to help lose weight. They score over regular snacks in that they offer a quick energy boost and support the body in restoring muscle health. Innovations in the segment are allowing manufacturers to create snacks with specifically developed proteins for customised textures and tastes.
