The Snacking Evolution: how consumer needs and occasions are changing

There is broad consensus that recent events will exert long term impacts upon consumer behaviour. More flexible working patterns are going to mean more home-based lifestyles. Impulse sales must prepare for a long road back to 2019 levels.

And after a year of following the science, there is every likelihood that people will demand greater functionality and efficacy from their cereal bars and snacks. This is becoming evident across functional beverages already.

Pictured: KIND has adapted fast to more home-based lifestyles, accelerating the launch of multipack breakfast bars.

The rise in home working in the longer term will mean that traditional snack times (say, 11am and 4pm) will become less ‘time-rigid’. Previously, I have suggested that brands must ideate more around the idea of ‘micro-treating’ – that is, elevated indulgence in miniature formats to offset health penalties. IPSOS recently reported that over 80% of us admit putting on weight since the pandemic. That’s a lot more people roaming the aisles trying to do the right thing!

Pictured: TILLY WONKA. Small, yet perfectly formed. These beautifully crafted bonbons are sure to lift the spirits between Zoom meetings.

Even in pre-pandemic times, 44% of people claimed that they snacked in place of a meal. As the world prepares to work longer hours to get through tough economic times, more meal occasions will be compressed, and handy snack solutions will be sought. One brand to watch in this space is Huel, who have added a range of snack bars to their meal replacement offer. Each bar boasts 26 vitamins and minerals. This is your benchmark!

Pictured: Got lunch? If not, Samuel’s Sweet Shop in NYC will make you a gluten free, raw, organic, energy packed protein ball. What more could you ask for? Not a lot after that list.

To remain relevant, categories need new narratives to keep audiences engaged. In recent months, stories around nutrition density, ingredient diversity and benefit absorption have been quietly expanding. Breakfast brand Bio & Me offers 15 diverse plant-based ingredients in a nutrient-dense recipe.

Immunity, anxiety, mental focus, sleep, and gut health will be the foundations of the next era of functional foods. Baobab, elderberry, and acerola cherry are three among many food ingredients that are starting to shine. And now nootropics and adaptogens are being thrust upon consumers despite low awareness. But for shoppers seeking higher efficacy, ingredients like L-theanine, Ashwagandha and Reishi Mushroom are starting to earn their place – particularly in functional beverages – so why not snacks?

Pictured: GENERAL MILLS. Fibre One had a great 2020 even though many other cereal bars declined. The brand’s focus on fibre has benefited from people’s growing interest in gut health.

The pandemic has given the world more than enough time to think about the fragility of everything. One-third of Americans now claim to seek out sustainably produced snacks and state that they’re prepared to pay more! So, how can we reduce the carbon footprint of the category? Recently, Ocean Spray launched a Cranberry Seeds snack product made from by-product amassed from making its juices. Tackling food waste has to be a key objective of all manufacturers over the next few years.

With global movement toward plant-based consumption, more snack solutions from the plant kingdom are a good bet! New tastes and textures that drive trial should be a priority here. For truly mindful snacking, botanicals offer perceived health and performance benefits. But aim higher than simple plant-based nutrition. You’ve got to add sensory excitement if you’re going to accelerate take-up of plant-based bounty.

Pictured: BRAVE is one of many brands doing exciting things with peas and chickpeas. “Peas and chickpeas are a bit like Clark Kent. They might look mild-mannered and humble but underneath it all, they’re super-powered.”

The pursuit of clean ingredient declarations has been a priority for manufacturers for some time. The next level is about the source and integrity of these ingredients. This is all about being more transparent about supply chains in order to retain trust. If this isn’t currently a priority, we would suggest that your competitor might not see it the same way!

Pictured: Tony's Chocolonely has worked hard to improve the integrity of its supply chain. But in an imperfect world, it has discovered that total transparency is fraught with difficulties. The brand's honesty in these situations has been critical at maintaining loyalty.

Most people already snack before bed – and yet there are few products specifically targeted at this occasion. This is beginning to change, and we’re starting to see snacks with functional ingredients such as valerian, magnesium, and lemon balm to calm and relax before sleep – and more will follow.

Pictured: GOOD SOURCE SNACKS are described as healthier than traditional late-night fare and carry the added benefit of promoting sleep and relaxation. Functional ingredients include L-theanine and magnesium.

Snacking has a big job on its hands. Collectively, brands will need to pull out all the stops to ensure that the category adapts to a prolonged loss of impulse sales.

Everything should be looked at, including temperature states. With frozen food one of the benefactors of the pandemic, should we prepare for more grazing from the freezer?

Pictured: THE DAMN GOOD FOOD COMPANY. “We aimed to replace processed, minimally nutritious treats with a whole-food alternative that nourished us, and eventually nourish our customers as well.” The result is all natural indulgence, from the freezer. New Zealand.