Snacking state of mind: A how-to guide for brands on creating function and flavor – product development guide

Snack foods are really having a moment. They’ve been elevated to meal status for many consumers, and snacking frequency has increased to every day for most, instead of just a few times per week. Convenient, satisfying and tasty are still top product requirements for snacks and bakery, but the market is also hungry for snacks chock full of nutrients with clean, understandable ingredients.

Not surprisingly, protein and vegetables are high on many consumers’ lists of snacking ingredient must-haves. That does not mean, however, that they will pass up an indulgent and scrumptious snack that isn’t super healthy when they’re in the mood for it.

According to Mondelēz International’s 5th annual State of Snacking report, consumers also choose snacks to support very specific health goals, like boosting mood and staying energized.

The unique balance between scrumptious flavor, nutritiousness and indulgence, if brands can deliver it, is a jackpot combination that can make a snack fly off the shelves or the online delivery truck. Check out this month’s product development guide to get the inside scoop on ingredient combinations that are wooing customers, and how to most effectively formulate the snacks they crave.