“Adoption of Health-Conscious Ingredients and Flavors to Meet Consumer Demand for Nutritious and Flavorful Snacks”
- A key trend in the extruded snacks market is the increasing use of healthier, plant-based ingredients such as quinoa, lentils, chickpeas, and sweet potatoes. These alternatives to traditional ingredients like corn and potatoes provide consumers with more nutrient-dense options, offering higher fiber, protein, and micronutrient content.
- Extruded snack brands are focusing on the development of bold, innovative flavors such as spicy sriracha, smoky barbecue, and exotic herb blends. Alongside flavor innovation, the incorporation of functional additives like probiotics, omega-3s, and plant-based proteins is gaining popularity to meet the demand for snacks that support health and wellness.
- Manufacturers are increasingly adopting clean label practices, with a greater emphasis on using non-GMO, organic, and sustainably sourced ingredients. This trend reflects the rising consumer preference for transparency and ethical sourcing in food products.
For instance, A 2024 article by TIME highlights the growing popularity of alternative chocolates made without cocoa, using ingredients like sunflower protein flour and grape seeds, as a response to sustainability concerns and the desire for novel flavors in snacks.
