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 CrunchieTM 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