Glanbia: analysis of snacking trends for 2024 reveals a growing demand for healthier choices among consumers

Rising Tide of Healthy Snacking

A global shift towards healthier snack alternatives is evident, with 60% of consumers reporting increased awareness of mindful snacking. Furthermore, 61% always seek healthier snack alternatives, indicating a significant change in consumer behavior. The primary motivation, as reported in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, is the pursuit of a "healthier lifestyle."

Key Healthy Snacking Trends for 2024

As consumer priorities and snacking habits evolve, staying ahead of these shifts is crucial for brands seeking success. Here are the top healthy snacking trends for 2024:

Natural = Healthy:
Consumers globally associate natural attributes with healthfulness. Attributes such as no additives/preservatives (40%), no artificial ingredients (34%), and a natural ingredients/clean label (33%) top the list of what makes a snack healthy.

High Protein:
The demand for snacks high in protein is on the rise, especially in the US, Europe, and Asia. Protein-fortified products, including bars, RTD shakes, and shakes from powder, are gaining popularity. Notably, 32-45 year-olds show a significant preference for protein-rich options like protein pancakes, breakfast cereals, and RTD shakes.

Healthy Indulgence:
Indulgence remains a key factor in snack choices. Consumers globally favor dairy products such as yogurt (69%), dairy milk (63%), and cheese (60%) for their combination of healthy nutrition and indulgent taste. Traditional indulgent snacks are being replaced with healthier alternatives, emphasizing the importance of an indulgent experience in healthy snacks.

Diverse Snacking Occasions:
Modern consumers snack on various occasions, ranging from exercising to relaxing. For protein bar consumers, sweet and savory protein snacks are consumed on an average of 5.6 different occasions. Popular occasions include pre/post-gym, watching TV/playing video games, and during work or study breaks.

New Formats:
Excitement is added to the snack aisle with new formats like bites, balls, and miniature versions of traditional snacks. These formats not only bring fun but also offer portion control. Consumer interest indicates potential in expanding format options for healthy snacks, with preferences for protein cookies, protein brownies, protein chips, and protein pretzels.

Delivering on Health for Snacking Consumers

As the importance of healthy snacking grows, careful attention to nutrition and ingredients is essential. Glanbia Nutritionals provides the necessary ingredients and support for businesses to thrive in the healthy snacks market. From savory snack solutions to bar development services, our Innovation & Collaboration Centers facilitate collaboration with our scientists, ensuring faster idea flow and stronger solutions. Discover more here.