5 Huge Snacking Trends (2022)

Snacking has gone from a relatively mainstream habit into a multibillion dollar industry.

And the space is growing quickly thanks to changing consumer preferences, dietary restrictions and more.

1. Snacks As Meals

Busy lifestyles and decreased access to dine-in restaurant options have led to more people replacing meals with snacks.

About 70% of millennials surveyed in 2021 said they prefer snacks to meals. Just over 90% of Americans surveyed said they have replaced at least one meal weekly with a snack, with 7% saying they eat no formal meals.

Manufacturers have responded. The meal replacement products market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of up to 7.64% from 2021 to 2026, with the most growth in the Asia-Pacific market.

With snacks taking on such an important nutritional and satiety role, 51% of respondents in a global poll said they’ve switched to high-protein treats.

2. Snacks Become “Mood Food”

Snack foods are increasingly seen as tools that can assist with mood enhancement and regulation.

New snacks claim to promote calm, sleep, focus and energy through ingredients like vitamins, nootropics, mushrooms and adaptogens.

3. Consumers Demand Global Flavors

The global ethnic food market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.8% through 2026.

And with 78% of Americans ranking travel as one of the things they miss most during the pandemic, global snack subscription boxes can give a taste of other countries.

Snackcrate rides this trend by offering a variety of snacks from around the world. Each month focuses on a different national theme.

 4. Plant-Based Snacks Continue To See Growth

“Plant-based” is a term slapped on a growing number of snack products.

And for good reason: consumers are increasingly looking for meals and snacks that use primarily plant ingredients.

Why the sudden interest in plant-based snack options?

Mainly health concerns. In fact, nearly half of consumers state that they choose plant-based foods due to “general health reasons”. While 24% report wanting to limit their environmental impact.

5. Snacks Go DTC

Almost 55% of consumers say they’re now purchasing food from direct-to-consumer vendors.

 A growing number of DTC-first snack brands are reaping the benefits of this trend.

Conclusion

That wraps up our list of snacking trends set to shake up the food space this year.

From sustainability concerns to a focus on a plant-based diet, one factor that ties many of these trends together is a de-emphasis on taste. While taste remains important, modern snackers are putting more weight into environmental and health concerns.

www.indiampopcorn.com