Conagra’s Future of Snacking: Consumers Choose Flavor, Wellness and On-the-Go Formats
With the U.S. snacking market valued at around $148.6 billion, Conagra Brands has teamed up with Circana to examine what influences consumer snacking behaviors through its first Future of Snacking 2025 report.
The report highlights five key trends influencing consumer behavior in the expanding U.S. snack market, while also reflecting on relevant global trends.
Flavor Explosion: While consumers may enjoy classic flavors like BBQ or sea salt, bold new options such as sriracha, hot honey and garlic parmesan are grabbing consumer attention in stores and on social media.
Snacking Without Borders: With a 22% increase over the past three years and retail sales reaching $5.7 billion, globally inspired snacks with flavors such as sweet chili, gochujang and mango habanero are in high demand, especially among younger consumers.
Better-for-You Snacking: Subcategories focused on wellness, such as nuts, seeds, meat sticks and probiotic-enhanced snacks, are in high demand among health-conscious Gen Z and millennial consumers, driving interest in protein-rich, portion-controlled and nutrient-dense snacks.
Co-Branded Bites: Co-branded snacks, created through partnerships with major retail, entertainment and restaurant brands, generated nearly $2.1 billion in combined yearly sales and attracted consumers' attention in the snack aisle.
Snacks on the Go: From store checkouts to online portals, snacks need to be everywhere consumers are, as convenience is now a key factor, with away-from-home snack occasions projected to increase by 39% by 2027.
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“Snacking has evolved from a simple between-meal habit into a lifestyle, and winning in this space means delivering the right food at the right time," said Bob Nolan, senior vice president of demand science at Conagra Brands, in a statement. "Today's consumers want bold flavors, better-for-you options, and choices that bring both taste and purpose.”
This isn’t Conagra’s first collaboration with Circana, as they have previously worked together to analyze data related to the U.S. frozen food market.
