Snacking is really evolving this year, serving as a meal substitute in daily eating, rather than just as ‘a quick bite.’ Snacks are also becoming healthier, or at least attempting to do so. Along with better-for-you, fun and unusual flavors are a huge trend this year.
Snacks are hanging tough, despite a highly competitive market and a still underachieving economy. Cracker and popcorn sales were hit especially hard, with fairly flat figures or declines, according to Chicago-based research firm IRI. Even many of the national brands saw decreases over the last 52 weeks ending April 20. Meat snacks, nuts and trail mix fared better, perhaps because of the protein trend.