Global Snack & Flavor Trends

We got the chance to hear about global snack and flavor trends from Kara Nielsen, food and beverage trend expert at Innova Market Insights at last month’s Sweets & Snacks Expo. Here are some of the highlights:

• Global trends are coming from real food items and then transitioning into snacks.

• Regional flavors especially are moving into snacks (ie: “Canada Poutine Lays Chips”)

• Nuts, spices and seeds are growing in new product launches.

• Chili flavors are on the rise in sweets.

• Rooting nuts in specific origins and regions is becoming increasingly popular.

• Indian and Italian flavors are on the rise.

• Sage is a big spice trend, especially in the lozenge/cough drop space.

• Asian street food flavors are transitioning to snacks.

• Unique flavors linked with travel destinations are popping up in snacks.

• Umami-rich seaweed snacks continue in popularity.

• Consider the moments that align to consumers throughout the day and what kinds of snacks they are looking for.
  • Morning: sustenance, energy
  • Lunch: energy, protein
  • Late night: indulgence, dessert

• Coffee flavored snacks are gaining traction.

• Granola cups are hot right now.

• We’re seeing a lot of sweet bakery flavors for candy.

Click here and here to read more about trends from the show.