The Research is In and Healthy Snacks are Huge!

Healthy eating is all anyone seems to talk about anymore on TV, the internet and around the watercooler. But just how important have healthy snacks become to Americans? The research is in, and the results may surprise you. Even on the go, consumers are making healthier snacking choices in big numbers.

Snack Sales Highlights from 2016

Here are some of the most important highlights from 2016’s State of the Snack Food Industry Report:

• Every category of snack food saw an increase in sales in 2016, with an average increase of 3.54% across the top ten categories.
• The snack and nut category outpaced that average, with an increase of 4.3%.
• Healthy snack sales grew by 3.8% overall, while indulgent sales only increased 3.4%.
• The average American snacks 2.7 times per day.
• 45% of Americans are now snacking more than 3 times per day.
• Evening snacking is on the decline, but morning snacking is on the rise.
• 34% of households with kids say it is important for them to choose snacks that can be eaten in the car.
• Households with teenagers snack far more than households with any other age group of children.

How Customers Are Shopping For Snack Foods

We know that snack food is in high-demand, but what motivates consumers to choose a specific snack food over another?

• 82% Are looking for snacks that they believe are a good value for their money.
• 62% Look for snacks at a low price point.
• 92% Of consumers want a product that tastes good.
• 88% Look for flavors they know and prefer.
• 36% Want gourmet flavors and quality.

When It Comes to Snacking, Wellness Matters

Everyone can define “healthy” by their own standards, so in general, here is how customers approach shopping for a “healthy” snack:

• 52% Look for added benefits beyond nutrition (antioxidants, for example).
• 49% Want at least one serving of fruits or vegetables.
• 57% Wish to choose snacks that include vitamins and minerals.
• 48% Choose high-fiber snacks.

Advice For Taking Advantage of How America Is Snacking

The way US consumers snack has changed dramatically over the last five years. If you want to offer your customers what they are looking for, the factors that matter the most when stocking your shelves are:

1. Variety – Make sure to have options that cover the most popular areas: sweet, salty, savory, healthy, indulgent.
2. Value – Customers are willing to spend a little more for health, but they want to know that they are getting the best value for their dollar.
3. Packaging – Customers don’t want to spend all day evaluating a snack. Packaging that is clear, easy-to-read, and that shows how much product they are getting makes the buying decision much easier.
4. Kid-friendly – Snacks that appeal to kids in terms of taste and “fun” but also appeal to parents’ sensibilities are crucial. Think “permissible indulgence.”

Are you ready to start driving sales by capitalizing on the healthy snacking trend?

If so, Mister Snacks can help. To learn more about our products, our pricing and the ways we can help you build loyal and lasting relationships with your customer base, contact us today.