The founder of Fodbods discusses the demand for alternative snacks.
Pre-pandemic, the healthy snack category was growing. Roy Morgan data released in 2020 showed 54.7% of surveyed Australians were consuming healthy snacks weekly, a 3.2% increase compared with a decade earlier.
During the pandemic, snacking in general increased as consumers spent much more time at home.
“I’m a prolific snacker and was constantly searching for something healthy and low FODMAP for myself,” said Vanessa Hutchinson, founder of Fodbods, which produces “gut-friendly” snack bars.
“I read the ingredient list of nearly every bar on the market but couldn’t find a suitable snack bar solution. I then did a lot of market analysis, speaking to the FODMAP certification companies, dietitians and consumers. I was confident there was a gap in the market that needed to be filled.
“Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. There’s definitely a demand for an IBS-friendly snack bar. For some people, Fodbods provide a convenient, healthy and filling snack, but for people with gut issues, Fodbods have been life-changing.
“A convenient snack such as this enables them to live their lives without worrying about food at home or out and about. Customers have said it actually helps to take away their anxiety about this.
“They’re also delicious. I made sure of that, because people with gut issues often miss out on tasty food, but a Fodbods bar gives them a yummy treat to look forward to during the day.”
Read more about Fodbods and snacks in the January/February issue of Convenience World.
