Snac World - Official State of the Industry 2023 - 11

boomers prefer peach, multigrain
and honey; while seniors have a
sweet tooth choosing dark chocolate
and buttery flavors.
" Flavor and texture are central to
how Americans snack, " Mr. Johnson
said. " We spend a lot of time understanding
not only how flavors
and textures are evolving across
food and beverage but also, more
importantly, what they deliver to the
consumer both physically and emotionally
and how they impact consumers'
snacking behaviors. "
Global and regional flavors are
resonating with consumers who are
traveling more again, and flavors
like Alabama White Barbeque and
Louisiana Creole are emerging. Utz
Brands Inc., Hanover, Pa., Zapp's
New Orleans Style Kettle Chips introduced
Sinfully-Seasoned Pretzel
Stix to its snack portfolio, including
flavors like Voodoo, a smoky Cajun
BBQ and Jazzy Honey Mustard.
Combining heat with other flavors is
also popular, such as Flamin' Hot &
Cool Ranch, Hot Chile Pepper Lime
and Cheddar Jalapeño.
" Going a step further with innovation,
unique blends of exciting new
flavors are what drive percent change
in the growth of snacks, " Ms. Lyons
Wyatt added. " Some flavor blends
that are big this year include chile
cheese, fudge coconut caramel, and
cinnamon is being added to combinations
creating new options. "
Popcorn is surprising consumers
with new flavors and snack combinations,
prompting the category to grow
by 13.1% with more than $1.7 billion
in dollar sales, according to the IRI
sales data. Popcorn particularly had
success with sweet and salty flavor
varieties while also engaging younger
consumers with fun unique names of
flavors that push the envelope, like
Roulette Cool Ranch.
Hershey's SkinnyPop brand introduced
its Extra Cheddar & Jalapeño
flavor and new Skinny Pop Skinny
Packs offer variety in an on-the-go
format. The multi-packs are resonating
in both dollar and unit increases,
26.4% and 16.4% respectively, according
to IRI data.
" In this inflationary environment,
value and price pack architecture are
key, " Ms. Norton said. " Consumers
are also looking for elevated flavor
experiences including spicy and bold
options. "
Value options offered in familiar
flavor profiles can drive growth. The
Mintel report found that consumers
on limited budgets were likely to
decrease salty snack consumption,
but 37% of this group said that budget-friendly
snacks offering familiarity
resonated. The economic scenario is
ripe with opportunity for private label
brands, as long as products deliver
on taste and innovation.
INDULGENCE OVER FUNCTIONAL
The snack category is all about experimentation
and flavor. Mintel data
shows that 54% of consumers say
their snacking choices are motivated
by needing a treat, while only 22%
are motivated by health.
" Indulgence is not gone; it never
was, and today, we see more products
that are unabashedly indulgent
and make no excuses for it, " Ms.
Dornblaser said. " Think of all the
limited-run chocolate confectionery
products on the market or the
unique flavors of chips that come
out in time for sporting events. "
While healthier snack alternatives
are a natural space for innovation,
consumers are finding interesting flavor
combinations and unique twists
to be more appealing than better-foryou
or functional ingredient claims
innovation, according to Mintel. Less
than a quarter of consumers show
interest in any BFY claims, with the
exception of 26% of consumers
looking for organic certifications with
alternative snacks.
" The significance of the trend
around nostalgia and comfort has
surprised me as consumers yearn
Quest Nutrition
2023 SNAC WORLD
11
Mmmly
Utz Brands
Snac World - Official State of the Industry 2023

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