Packaging enhancements, a twist on shapes and ingredients and many new flavor combinations continue to win over consumers. But everyone still wants that crunch. Snack companies are listening to shout-outs for less sodium, fat and formats other than potato chips
When it comes to chips, several things are happening all at once. “The nongenetically modified organisms (nonGMO) movement is huge in all food categories—not just snacks—but the increase in better-for-you snack options is growing considerably,” says Luke Mapp, marketing director at Mikesell’s Potato Chip Co., Dayton, OH. “While traditional snacks still capture a larger market share, there’s only modest growth in this sector, while better-for-you snack options are seeing considerable growth, but in a smaller piece of the overall pie. People are more concerned about the health aspects of the foods they’re eating, so there’s a movement toward local, fresh food and product transparency.