Better-for-you versions of popular snacks are in demand! Consumers are willing to take advantage of any opportunity they can to support their health and wellness goals, and this includes transitioning to healthier, better-for-you (BFY) snacks. This trend is all about making small, sustainable changes to their diets that seem like they could have a big impact. Not only do consumers want to improve their overall health and wellbeing, but they want to feel good about their snack purchases.
Like any trend in the snack category, the BFY snack trend continues to evolve to keep up with consumers’ preferences. From supporting long-term wellness goals to improving mood, modern consumers expect more from their BFY snacks these days. In this blog, our trend experts break down the latest BFY snacking trends for you – and offer their insights into how BFY snack brands use flavor to stand out.
Embracing Protein Possibilities
One of the most prolific wellness trends right now revolves around protein. Across the board, consumers of just about all demographic backgrounds have been looking to add more protein to their diets. Whether they’re trying to stay fueled and energetic throughout the day or they want to see better gains at the gym, they’ve been obsessed with finding new ways to add protein to their diets, including through snacks.
In the snack category, this trend started with BFY versions of meat snacks and jerky, and it’s now evolved to chips, puffs, and popcorn with added protein. Snack nuts and seeds have also seen a boost in demand, as many consumers prefer natural, plant-based sources of protein. Don’t be surprised to see even more BFY snacks boasting a high protein content.
Filling Up on Fiber
Protein may be popular, but fiber is the future! Consumers are growing increasingly concerned about their gut health, making the digestive benefits associated with fiber extremely appealing.
When it comes to innovating around this trend, BFY snacks featuring nuts and seeds are attractive options for being good sources of both fiber and protein. Most consumers associate beans and other legumes with fiber, making them optimal options for BFY snack bases. Think black bean chips, chickpea puffs, and lentil crackers.
Focusing on Functional Ingredients
The functional ingredient trend is here to stay. Consumers are always on the hunt for specific ingredients that promise to address specific health concerns. These days, many of consumers’ concerns involve their mood, mental health, and energy levels. BFY snack brands can get in on this trend by infusing their products with trending functional ingredients that are associated with addressing these concerns, such as matcha, lavender, peppermint, dark chocolate, and ginger.
Flavor is Key
Although BFY snacks with added benefits are in demand, these products can sometimes be associated with bad aftertastes and boring, bland flavors. The key to standing out in the snack aisle is always flavor. Bold, global flavors are trending right now, yet these types of flavors have far less presence in BFY snacks than they do in traditional snack formats. Elevate your BFY snack offerings with innovative, modern flavors to appeal to health-conscious and trend-conscious consumers alike.
Ready to innovate with your BFY snack lineup? Contact us today to see how Fuchs can help you make something special.