Snacks Become Mini-Meals for Busy Consumers
By Angela Altass
As parents and students prepare for another busy school year ahead, many of them are incorporating their favourite snacks into on-the-go mini-meals, with a focus on protein and healthier-for-you ingredients.
“Most consumers are skipping meals completely and on-the-go or frequent snacking is a necessity,” says Elysia Vandenhurk, co-founder and chief brand and innovation officer, Three Farmers Foods Inc. “They look to protein packed, low sugar, low fat alternatives so they can feel fueled and energized. Nut and peanut free is typically a requirement for many schools and children’s programs. Parents need convenient snacks that provide nourishment, taste great and their children will actually eat.”
Protein is the hottest trend with older students, says Vandenhurk, noting that Three Farmers beans and lentils snacks are full of protein and available in flavours Dill Pickle, BBQ, Cheddar, Sea Salt.
Seventeen per cent of Canadians, especially Gen Z consumers, engage in mini-meals throughout the day, says Pete Vanslyke, CEO, Great Canadian Meat Company.
“Twenty per cent of consumers are looking for healthier, better-for-you products and meat snacks, which are high in protein and low in sugar, are a great solution,” says Vanslyke. “Meat snacks provide convenience retailers the profitable combination of high velocities, strong margins with good price points.”
The importance of protein is top of mind for consumers, says Neysa Davies, national senior marketing insights manager, Tree of Life Canada.
“Students and parents alike are looking for healthful snacks that provide an additional source of protein,” says Davies. “Allergens continue to be a focus and it is important that convenience stores reflect this in their assortments. Those who deal with food allergies are a key consumer group as they highly value the availability of safe snacking options.”
Flavour innovation that includes both unique and traditional tastes continue to be key with older students, notes Davies. Tree of Life recently launched Amino Balls, protein snacks that contain traces of all amino acids.
Once a week, more than half of consumers use both sweet and savoury snacks as a key ingredient in no-prep dinners, states the 2024 State of the Industry Report from SNAC International, a leading trade association for the global snack industry.
“Fifty-five per cent of consumers point to protein as the most important health claim and more than seven in 10 parents and millennials say they seek snacks to supply energy,” states the report.
During COVID, there was a shift within snacking to larger pack sizes, as well as variety packs, and away from smaller single-serve, says David Walsh, vice president, membership and communications, SNAC.
“With people, and especially younger demographics, now returning to their on-the-go lifestyles, smaller pack sizes and the c-store channel are increasingly important to fill consumers’ needs,” says Walsh. “Convenience store delivery and apps represent a big opportunity for this channel as well.”
The snacking category is seeing a renewed spirit of innovation among producers both in terms of flavour and product development, says Walsh.
“While indulgent snacks are, and always will be, popular, an increase in consumer snacking frequency means that consumers focused on health and wellness are relying on the category to deliver on their nutritional and overall dietary needs,” says Walsh. “Because of this, we’re seeing more snacks incorporating vitamins and minerals, protein, fruits and veggies, as well as additional benefits beyond nutrition, like antioxidants and probiotics.”
Consumers are increasingly seeking snacks that are both delicious and nutritious, says Rhonda Goldberg, founder and president, Oh! Naturals.
“There is a growing demand for products made with natural ingredients, free from artificial additives, and that offer health benefits, such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber,” says Goldberg. “Our banana chips, sweet potato chips, plantain chips and apple chips align perfectly with this trend.”
The demand for better-for-you snacks continues to drive purchasing decisions, with consumers seeking healthier options that don’t sacrifice taste or convenience, says Maiko Shimano, director of marketing, Calbee America Inc., adding that parents are looking for school snack options that pair kid-friendly taste and texture with wholesome nutrition.
“Calbee’s mission has always been to support healthy lifestyles with high quality, minimally processed snacks that deliver real, veggie-first nutrition,” says Shimano. “Harvest Snaps Baked Veggie Snacks pair the great taste and convenience that consumers crave while also offering a healthier alternative to conventional salty snacks thanks to the fact that veggies, like green peas or red lentils, are always the first ingredient. We’re currently planning what tasty new Harvest Snaps product to bring to our Canadian consumers next.”
SimplyProtein of Wellness Natural Inc. recently released survey findings revealing that Canadians are craving simplicity in their snacking habits. The survey results show that 59 per cent of Canadians increasingly opt for plant-base protein and nearly seven in 10 Canadians recognize the benefits of protein-rich snacks for meeting daily nutrition targets.
“Canadians are signaling a strong preference for straightforward, nutritious snacking options that also taste great and are convenient,” says Michael Lines, CEO, Wellness Natural Inc.
As Canadians continue to include snacks as major components in their daily eating habits, convenience stores can capture their attention by offering variety and being aware of consumer trends.
