Snack attack - Snacks and Treats Feature
Globally, people consume food and drinks between main meals, commonly referred to as ‘snacking’, but there is no universal definition for what qualifies as a snack, or a treat or even when it should be consumed. Through a search of 207 countries and 49 organisations which referred tosnacks, snack foods, or snacking recommendations, only six countries provided a precise definition of snacking. In four cases, snacks were defined asfoods or drinks consumed between main meals. In one instance, a caloric value (<150 kcal) was attributed. Mexico only suggested that snacks were usually foods that children could consume by themselves and were convenient and easy to prepare, according to ResearchGate.
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Snack. In South Africa, a snack is generally defined as a small portion of nutritious food that is eaten between meals when we feel hungry. Nutritious foods help to provide fuel for our bodies and brains needed throughout the day. A few examples are trail mix, veggies and hummus, apple and nut butter, Greek yoghurt, dried fruit, boiled eggs or nuts. Treat. On the other hand, a treat is classified as a less nutritious option that does not fuel your body and brain as much. These foods are often disguised as ‘snacks’ in stores but are packed with extra sugar and very few nutrients, like sugary cereal, chips, ice cream, sugary fruit snacks and French fries. The global healthy snacking category is growing, forecast at a 6.6% CAGR between 2022 and 2030 to reach $152.3bn. According to Euromonitor, most segments of the snack market are experiencing minimal growth, savoury snacks may be the only exception. Consumers who still buy these snacks are looking for value for their money and opting for affordable or promotional brands to counter price hikes.
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Rising costs have also made it challenging for some brands to continue their promotions. According to Innova Market Insights, health was
among the top three most important factors for snacks. “Around 60% of consumers always look for healthier snack options, with half choosinghealthier alternatives.” Sweet snacks influenced 20% of consumers buying snacks, while savoury snacks with high fibre or protein influenced nearly 15% of consumers. People are bombarded daily with various forms of marketing and media, which easily affects our definition of snacks and treats. Many retailers readily promote pre-packaged ‘snacks’ that are often high in sugar or lacking in nutritional value. As a result, these types of snacks may not fully satisfy, leaving consumers on the lookout for something more fulfilling. So, what are the different trends and classifications in snackification?
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Trends
Convenience: Despite significant changes in the snack industry, convenience remains key. In fact, it is the primary reason for snacking in the first place – to quickly refuel or even replace a meal during busy days. With shifting market demands and a growing move towards healthy options, brands are quickly adapting by offering snacks that meet both health and convenience expectations. For a snack to be truly convenient, two factors must align; accessibility and form factor. Making snacks easily accessible is key – if they are out of reach, they will likely be neglected. One solution is placing on the go snacks in micro markets or along the checkout queue. Additionally, it’s important to consider the form factor of a snack. While a beautifully plated salad may seem appealing, it may not be practical for someone on-the-go between meetings or while walking. The packaging and portion sizes must cater to the needs of the consumer just as much as the food itself.
According to Euromonitor, smaller pack sizes have increased in popularity, driven by the need for convenience and the move away from large meals. On this point, Randall explains that packaging size in snacks also has a large role in the preference dynamics within this category. “There is often a disconnect between package size and the actual volume of a product which at times creates a misperception of real value.
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Healthy conscious snacking
Health-conscious consumers are eating more snacks and demanding a wider choice, so manufacturers are providing more nutritious snacks.Gone are the days when snacking was frowned upon as an unhealthy eating habit. Nowadays, it is seen as a means of enhancing nutrition, wellness, and overall health. The realm of nourishing snacking has evolved into something incredibly refined and diverse. Instead of being seen as mere empty calories, snacks now offer the benefits of wholesome, natural components that can increase protein and fibre intake, improve gut health, and even uplift moods.
Read the full article here: Snack attack - Snacks and Treats
