Opportunities abound for snacks delivering both indulgence and better-for-you cues.
We’ve written previously about how snacking habits have evolved throughout the pandemic, particularly in terms of where and when Australians are seeking snacks. But there’s also been a shift in what we’re choosing to snack on.
According to research from Euromonitor International, the key trends shaping snack choices are coming from seemingly opposing ends of the spectrum: ‘better for you’ and indulgence. Super snacks, or fortified options, and plant-based also continue to attract interest.
Ayusha Amalya, Senior Analyst at Euromonitor International, says the rise in frequency of snacking has led to increased demand for healthier, guilt-free versions of popular snacks for consumers to indulge in.
“Industry players are offering smarter snacking choices that feature luxurious flavour inspirations like caramel and churros, but with fewer calories,” she says.
Euromonitor’s ‘Product Claims and Positioning’ tracker shows a significant increase in confectionery with no artificial colours, artificial flavours or preservatives, indicating that consumers are gravitating towards cleaner and simpler ingredient lists.
“However, consumer preference for indulgent flavours is also shining through as major industry players understand demand for balance where flavour isn’t compromised for nutrition,” Ms Amalya says.
While taste, nutrition and price continue to be the most important factors in choosing a snack for Australians, Ms Amalya adds that the pandemic has led consumers to seek “small moments of indulgence” in their food choices, paving the way for innovation in new product developments, such as Calbee’s Melts potato chips with cheese, or newer formats in sharing, such as ice cream in bite-size form (for example, Ben & Jerry’s Peaces or Unilever’s Magnum Bites).
“The diversity in reasons for snacking in Australia seems to include both ends of the spectrum, health as well as indulgence, and it’s crucial to be able to meet both those consumer needs, to succeed,” she says.
Read more about snacks in the latest issue of Convenience World.
