Mealtime is becoming snack time! Busy consumers are turning towards snacks to fill in for meals, allowing them to meet their nutritional goals while also saving time and energy. This trend is all about efficiency. While consumers are willing to make some sacrifices for the sake of convenience, they aren’t willing to sacrifice flavor. Snack brands, therefore, can make the most of this trend by positioning their products as flavorful and functional meal solutions.
Understanding the drivers behind this trend is the key to success here. Consumers’ preferences are constantly evolving, but there are some things that are here to stay. Keep reading for our experts’ insights into how snacks are serving as stand-ins for meals – and how brands can position their products to make the most of this trend.
The Trends Behind the Trend
Schedules are full, stress is high, and time is a commodity. Convenience is super important to consumers right now, which has forced them to expand their definition of a meal to include snack products. Planning a meal takes more time than consumers sometimes have but as they’re discovering, getting creative and strategic with one’s snack purchases is often much more feasible.
Social media trends have been helping consumers see how snacks can stand in for meals, too. For example, the rise of the “girl dinner” trend has showcased the versatility of a variety of snacks, including crackers, popcorn, and meat snacks. Snack plates and snack boxes have been trending online too, and brands can get in on this trend by showcasing how their products can be served alongside charcuterie board staples, like cheese cubes, cured meats, pickles, and other finger foods.
Emphasize Functionality
Now more than ever, nutrition is non-negotiable. Consumers know that convenient options are only worth it if they leave them feeling full, satisfied, and energized. Therefore, snacks that offer
functional benefits and allow consumers to hit their nutritional goals without needing to have a full meal are going to win big with consumers.
Demand for snacks that are high in protein has increased as a result. Brands have jumped in on this trend by emphasizing the protein content of products like meat snacks, jerky, and snack nuts, as well as by adding protein to other snack formats that have traditionally been left out of the better-for-you space.
For several reasons, consumers’ focus has begun to shift to fiber. Among those reasons is that they recognize that fiber helps them stay fuller for longer, thus maximizing convenience and minimizing the need for larger meals. Snacks that feature fiber are perfectly poised to take off, as consumers look to fiber-packed snacks to keep them full and fueled for everyday life. Snack brands should consider innovating around ingredients that are high in fiber, such as black beans, nuts, lentils, and seeds. Read more about the protein and fiber trends here.
Focus on Flavor
A snack can’t take the place of a meal simply because of its nutritional value; it also needs to taste amazing and fulfill consumers’ desires for extraordinary flavor experiences. Bring bold, trendy flavors to snacks to make them worthy of taking the place of a meal. Think tikka masala snack nuts, tangy tamarind lentil crackers, pickled habanero black bean tortilla chips, or smoky chipotle BBQ sunflower seeds. Not only can brands showcase how these snacks can stand on their own as quick meals, but they can also highlight how these snack products can be used to add some extra flavor to soups, salads, sides, and more.
Another option? Everyone loves a good theme! Introduce snack flavors that lend themselves well to themed snack plates or snack-centered dinners. Feta and olive seasoned crackers, for example, would complement a Mediterranean-themed snack plate, complete with spicy salami, hummus, burrata, fig jam, and artichokes. Similarly, tajín tortilla chips would shine in a Mexican-inspired dinner, served alongside guacamole, fresh salsa, mangoes, and mini sweet peppers.
Feeling inspired? Contact us today to see how Fuchs can help you make something special.