With better-for-you trends dominating virtually every food and beverage category, how do puffed and extruded snacks fare? As it turns out, this category is in a unique position to capitalize. “The puffed and extruded snack market is growing,” says Dave Reynolds, area sales manager, Buhler Aeroglide, Cary, NC. “Snacks are not only becoming healthier, but more wholesome, satisfying, hearty and nutritious.”

Nowhere is this clearer than in the instance of Peatos, a brand from Snack it Forward, which merchandises its puffed cheese snacks in the produce section. The products boast 4 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per serving and come in varieties like Classic Cheese, Fiery Hot, Chili Cheese and Masala. “The fact is, consumers want cleaner, more-natural, plant-based ingredients,” says Nick Desai, president and CEO. “They want more nutrition, and say they want less fat and less sodium—but they also want taste and flavor.”