The Opportunity for Savory High-Protein Snacking

Demand for Protein Continues to Rise

Among global new food and beverage launches, high/added protein claims have been rising steadily, growing globally at a CAGR by 18% between 2016 and 2020.¹ Protein is proving to be particularly important in snacks due to consumers’ increased interest in healthy snacking. In addition, protein-rich snacks offer satiety and sustained energy—important benefits in a snack. 

However, many high-protein snacks in the market are sweet, indulgent snacks. High-protein savory snacks represent an opportunity for innovation to meet consumers’ growing demand for healthy protein in the savory formats they love. Savory snacks were in high demand last year due to consumers spending more time at home during the lockdown and increasing their snacking.

Consumers Looking at Healthy Options in Savory Snacks

Healthier savory snacks—especially those with protein—can play an important role in the post-pandemic period as many consumers try to get back on track with weight management goals. Mintel’s research shows that in the UK, nearly 2 in 5 consumers think high-protein chips/nuts/savory snacks are a good option for meal replacement.² In addition, 1 in 2 say eating healthy chips/nuts/savory snacks is a good way to top up on nutrients like protein.³

Savory snacks with protein also help consumers keep their carb intake in check. Lower carb ways of eating (such as the keto diet) are continuing to influence consumers’ choices in snacks. For example, while salty snacks experienced a net gain in penetration in the U.S. last year, about 1 in 10 salty snack consumers cut back on their consumption, with 1 in 4 of them saying it was to reduce carb intake.⁴

High-Protein Savory Snacks in the Market

Some products already in this space that can address consumers’ interest in savory snacks with protein are nuts, seeds, and trail mixes. The addition of fortified inclusions like Glanbia’s Crunchie^TM Milk Protein Bites can boost the protein in trail mixes even further while contributing a crunchy texture. 

Meat bars like those popularized by Epic and Krave in the U.S. are also positioned to meet this need. These single-serve, grab-and-go snacks provide a rich, savory alternative to traditional protein bars. In China, meat snacks (such as meat bars) are particularly popular, with 1 in 2 consumers eating meat snacks as a protein supplement.⁵

High-protein chips like Quest Protein Chips are an especially popular format for savory protein snacks. This is because consumers can easily swap out their regular chips for an equally flavorful chip that’s better for them. Quest Protein Chips deliver 19 grams of protein per serving from milk and whey proteins for satiety, sustained energy, and workout support. Quest also offers all the traditional chip flavors consumers would expect—from Nacho Cheese to Ranch to Sour Cream & Onion. 

Snacking Solutions for Today’s Needs

High-protein savory snacks have a bright future ahead as more consumers shift toward better-for-you snacks and learn that these snacks can deliver a taste and texture that satisfies their cravings. For brands looking for protein solutions to make today’s most in-demand snacks, Glanbia Nutritionals offers high quality protein ingredients ranging from whey protein powders to extruded pieces like our Crunchie^TM Milk Protein Bites for use as a snack and cereal. 

Our protein ingredients can be used to boost the nutrition of any snack while supporting an uncompromising sensory experience thanks to their clean flavor profile. Contact us to learn more about our high-protein Crunchie Bite solutions to develop your next poppable, savory snack!

References

1. Mintel, Global New Product Database, accessed August 2021. 
2-3. Mintel, Crisps, Savoury Snacks and Nuts – UK, January 2020.
4. Lightspeed/Mintel, Salty Snacks – US, April 2021.
5. Mintel, The Future of Salty Snacks: 2021, February 2021.