The Status of the Snack Food Industry in 2022 and Beyond

Snacking has been an increasingly popular food trend in the last decade. But the COVID-19 pandemic has only increased the demand for snacks, since more people have stayed at home. On average, US consumers are eating 2.6 snacks a day, with 42% reporting they consume more than three snacks per day. But looking beyond the pandemic, what trends are going to emerge in the global snack food market? 

1. Healthy Snack Foods

The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted many food trends. And it has certainly added to the growing demand for fresh, healthy, additive-free snack foods with traceable origins. Healthy snack foods will continue to be in high demand in 2022 and beyond.

2. Traceability 

Looking to 2022, the snack food industry will be placing a stronger emphasis on their supply chain functionality, and more specifically on traceability. Traceability software can provide “farm to fork” control over all the ingredients in any snack food. With the FDA requiring those who manufacture, process, pack or foods on the Food Traceability List to establish and maintain records containing key data elements associated with different “critical tracking events”, a cloud based product traceability platform will provide the best solution for most snack food manufacturers. 

3. Sustainability and Packaging

In recent years consumers have gained a stronger understanding of the topic of sustainability, and it has certainly informed their preferences when it comes to purchasing snack foods. Concerns about single-use plastic has encouraged many snack food manufacturers to change their approach to packaging. Richard Watson, business executive officer for Nestlé Confectionery, states: “At Nestlé, we have committed to making 100% of our packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025.” With big brands like Nestlé responding to sustainable packaging demands, we expect to see this snacking industry trend continue beyond 2020”. 

4. The Rise of Plant Based Snacks 

According to Future Market Insights, the global plant-based snacks market, which was valued at $34.69 billion in 2019, is now forecast to reach $73.61 billion by 2028. In 2021, as many as 6% of American consumers say they are vegan. These statistics speak for themselves. Whether it’s for health reasons, or as a response to climate change or animal welfare concerns, demand for plant-based snacks will continue to rise in 2022 and beyond. 

5. Snack Foods Which are Tailored to Consumers

Personalised snack foods are going to rise to the top in 2022. Snack bars in particular will remain popular when meeting specialist diet and weight management interests, may it be vegan, organic, high protein or keto. Immunity boosting snack products will also continue to experience an increased demand, with consumer awareness rising in terms of snack’s antioxidant content in particular. It’s certainly an exciting time to be part of the snacking revolution.

If your snack food company is looking to scale and grow via ERP solutions, traceability and demand planing software, and meet all the FDA requirements, get in touch with Cashmere today.