As eating habits continue to shift from the typical three-meal schedule, portion-controlled snack and bakery products may be small bites, but they’re also becoming a big part of the overall marketplace.
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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.
Americans are gobbling up popcorn by the bucket load. The sector is reinventing itself from the salty, ‘imitation-butter’ profile of its past to a clean-label version with fresher flavors. Thus, consumer demand and economics are reshaping its future.
As more consumers continue to discover the nutritional benefits and great taste of today’s jerky and meat snacks, the outlook for the category looks bright.
Nuts are one of the fastest-growing segments in snacks. New snack nuts and trail mixes pair better-for-you ingredients with bold, fun flavors and convenient packages for easy-to-eat products that wake up the taste buds and provide long-lasting energy.
Pretzels are starting to take a larger market share in the snacking category, as manufacturers look for unique ways to compete with and overtake chips and crackers.
Manufacturers of crackers, crisps and puffs are adding nutrients and specialty ingredients to their products, while cutting fat, gluten and more to meet consumer demand for exceptional quality.