Grain-Free Snack Makers Are On The Cusp Of A Major Trend

Among all the attributes associated with BFY snacking, one stands out – grain free. Consumers are choosing grain-free snacks for a variety of reasons: allergies or ingredient intolerances; adherence to a keto, paleo, or other low-carb diet; a desire to improve gut health; support for regenerative agriculture; or just a desire for something new and different. Snack makers are delivering grain-free products formulated with cassava, nuts, legumes, pulses, root vegetables, or other grain substitutes. The trend started with the popular Siete tortilla chip brand, then spread to other brands like Barnana, Plant Snacks, Made With, and Mary’s Gone Crackers. But, as one industry expert noted, “Taste is still the No. 1 thing that drives these sales, and everything tastes delicious.” Even shoppers who don’t follow a grain-free diet still buy the snacks because they are attracted to the “unique labeling and ingredients.”

"Grain-Free: The New Trend in Snacks", Progressive Grocer, November 12, 2021

Hershey Expands Salty Snack Line With Pretzel Company Acquisition

The Pennsylvania-based candy company, whose salty snacks include SkinnyPop popcorn and puffed rice-and-corn treat Pirate’s Booty, is expanding the portfolio with the purchase of Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels. Hershey said it will spend $1.2 billion for North Dakota-based Dot’s Pretzels LLC as well as Pretzels Inc., an Indiana-based manufacturer of Dot’s Pretzels that operates three plants. The deal is expected to close later this year.

"Hershey goes salty, buys Dot's Homestyle Pretzels for $1.2B", Penn Live Patriot News, November 10, 2021

The Naked Market Raises $27.5M In Institutional Series A Round

The San Francisco-based food and beverages startup says the new cash, which brings the total funding raised to $33.5 million, will help it “create a new market of consumer products for Millennials.” The company uses a proprietary tool that collects purchase data from platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and search engines to determine which products have the most appeal to Millennials in the United States. The funding will allow further development of the tool while also boosting in-house incubation efforts, scaling existing brands, and focusing on acquisitions. The two-year-old company has launched five snack and food brands: Flock Chicken Chips, AvoCrazy, Project Breakfast, Rob’s Backstage Popcorn, and Beach House Bowls. 

"The Naked Market Secured $27.5M to Cater to Millennials’ Demand for Better-for-You Foods", Grit Daily, November 15, 2021

Mondelēz Sees No Post-Pandemic Slump In Online Snack Sales

The Chicago-based snack foods company says the pandemic-driven snacking boom will continue to grow even after mobility restrictions are lifted, mainly because consumers are now used to using digital devices to buy food online. Homebound snack shoppers have become fairly savvy at using ecommerce channels as a “lifeline during the pandemic,” said Mondelēz executive Maurizio Brusadelli. The company’s ecommerce sales have jumped by about 30 percent this year in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. In China, online buying comprised 20 percent of total sales, helped by partnerships with TikTok and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. “People were forced to buy online during the pandemic, and then they continued to buy online,” Brusadelli said.

"Mondelez Sees Online Snack-Shopping Boom Lasting Beyond Pandemic", Bloomberg, November 14, 2021

Advancements In Sustainable Packaging Bode Well For The Environment

Consumers want sustainable packaging. In fact, 60 percent to 70 percent of consumers say they would pay more for it. There are challenges, however, particularly in material collection and curb side recycling, and in the use of multi-layers of materials such as films and foils. But the benefits outweigh the negatives. Many new alternative materials promote recycling and reusability that reduce landfill deposits. Successfully sourcing these alternative materials in a way that fits current recycling methods of collection requires care. With research and development of better materials, and industry revised standards for sorting and collecting, the flexible packaging market will continue to thrive and grow. End users will benefit from the advantages to such packaging. And society will benefit from a cleaner environment.

"Sustainability Packaging: How Committed is Your Brand?", Whole Foods Magazine, November 16, 2021

Que Pasa Introduces Organic Taco Shells In Canada

The Richmond, B.C.-based producer of Mexican-style organic corn tortilla chips has launched a line of organic taco shells. Que Pasa Taco Shells are made with organic, non-GMO ingredients, without any artificial colors or flavors. They come in two varieties, organic yellow or blue corn, and are available at major Canadian retailers, including Loblaws, Fortinos, Real Canadian Superstore, Maxi, Provigo, and Save On Foods stores. Que Pasa became part of organic breakfast and snack food company Nature's Path Foods in 2012. 

"You Already Love Que Pasa Tortilla Chips, But Just Wait Until You Try Our New Taco Shells!", Canada NewsWire, November 16, 2021

Seven Companies Leveraging The Plant-Based Foods Wave

The $7 billion plant-based foods market is growing twice as fast as the total food market. Sales are expected to grow at a CAGE of 11.4 percent through 2026. Companies cashing in on the trend include: Raised Gluten Free (vegan; gluten-free, allergy-free); Lupii (vegan protein bars made from lupini beans); Bumpin Blends (premade frozen smoothie cubes with functional nutrients); Three Wishes (high-protein, low-sugar, gluten- and grain-free cereals); 2Betties (gluten- and grain-free vegan snacks); NotCo (plant-based dairy and meat alternatives); and Festive Foods (chickpea-based snacks and salad toppings).

"NotCo, Three Wishes And 2Betties Among 7 Rapidly Growing Plant-Based Food Companies", Forbes, November 12, 2021

Millennials’ Concerns About Health and Wellness Drive The Food/Beverage Market

The 72 million American Millennials – born between 1981 and 1996 – have been deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and are now placing a higher priority on health and wellness than any other generation. In consumer surveys, the Natural Marketing Institute (NMI) found that 77 percent of Millennials saw a healthy, balanced lifestyle as “very” or “extremely important” in 2020. It is not surprising, then, that Millennials are driving three of the biggest trends in health and wellness: immunity-boosting foods and supplements (beets, cider vinegar, citrus fruits, fermented vegetables, garlic, ginger, leafy green vegetables, etc.); flexitarian diets (reduced meat consumption); and plant-based products; and solutions for better sleep and mental health (melatonin, magnesium, CBD).

"Millennials Move Health and Wellness Market in New Ways", Progressive Grocer, November 16, 2021

Food Ingredient Suppliers Highlight Consumer Trends In The Industry

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown functional “superfood” ingredients, particularly in the healthy snacking segment and convenience foods, into the spotlight. According to ingredient suppliers, the key consumer concerns driving this trend include: the search for immune-boosting food options – sources of vitamins C, D, A, B12, B6 – and the need to make healthier dietary choices; growing demand for ingredients that help fight insomnia and chronic fatigue; interest in ingredients that support mental health and mood; solutions for hormonal imbalances and menopausal issues; and consumer demand for functional botanicals – acerola, beetroot, yerba mate, ginger, hibiscus and carob – that deliver vitamins and antioxidants.

"Starring superfoods: Suppliers shine light on emerging ingredients, immunity boosters reign", Food Ingredients First , November 15, 2021