Snack food consumption increased over 8% since the beginning of the pandemic, according to NPD Group. Even though quarantine snacking habits have seen wide swings in consumption between eating comfort food and enhanced diligence to healthier habits, 90% of consumers recently surveyed said eating their favorite snack makes them “feel normal.”
Chocolate Remains #1
US chocolate sales increased 6.3% in the 4-month period ending June 27th, compared to the same time last year, as brands dive further into this versatile snack segment. Hershey’s and Flower Foods teamed up to create Mrs. Freshley’s Deluxe HERSHEY’S Triple Chocolate Cakes. Chocolate coated nuts have experienced a recent uptick in popularity with the recent line expansion of Skinny Dipped Cashews and Diamond of California’s Salted Dark Chocolate Walnuts. Better-for-you chocolate brand, Lily’s, introduced a no-sugar-added white chocolate bar line to give consumers a healthier alternative.
Trendsetters: Mrs. Freshley’s, Skinny Dipped, Diamond of California, Lilys
Salty Snacks Reinvented
Spudlove’s line of organic potato chips and Snacklin’s vegan pork rinds are both sustainably sourced and made with simple ingredients to satisfy consumers’ desire to know where their food comes from. Pepperidge Farm introduced Goldfish Veggie Crackers in two flavor varieties that contains 1/3 of the daily vegetable intake while Quinn Snacks created paleo-friendly pretzel chips, allowing consumers with special diets to enjoy this unique pretzel twist.
Trendsetters: Spudlove, Snacklins, Pepperidge Farm, Quinn Snacks
Lunchbox Staples
Whether kids are in the classroom or learning virtually, parents have an assortment of lunchbox snacking options to choose from, like Disney Mickey Mouse & Friends Mozzarella Shapes, released by Farm Rich. Lunch–ready Smoothie Shakeups from Ruckus and Co. and Super Danimals immune support yogurt by Dannon are both fruity staples for the health-conscious parent. For a sweeter treat that is safe to eat raw, Pillsbury launched edible cookie and brownie dough.
Trendsetters: Farm Rich, Ruckus and Co., Danone, Pillsbury
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