Snack Buyer July 2024

24 @specialityfood FRUIT SNACKS Natural fruit ‘leathers’, fruit nibbles and fruit bars are moving out of the purely health food sector and into the mainstream, especially as many of these products meet HFSS guidelines and can safely be placed in the ‘grab and go’ sections of stores that must adhere to the rules. Packed with fibre and often with added vitamins and minerals, they are finding their place in lunchboxes and gym bags. Adaptogenic. Functional. High in protein. Low in fat, sugar and salt. Gut-friendly. Consumers really are watching what they eat. And brands are joining them on their journey, with snacking and drinks companies making the potential health claims of their products stand out loud and proud on packaging. Of most significant importance to shoppers, according to analysts, is how natural their food is, with a definite steering away from ultra-processed foods and towards cleaner labels with fewer ingredients A NOD TO NUTRITION THE DORMEN PINEAPPLE FRUIT SNACKS Scrumptious, zingy, tart, sweet little treats made with 100% fruit, and no added sugar and no sulphites. Crisped rice adds a crunch. Each pack is one of your five a day. thedormenfoodcompany. com NEW FOREST FRUIT STRAWBERRY SNACKS Hampshire-grown strawberries, freeze dried to crispy perfection. Nothing more, nothing less. These taste of summer and are lovely to garnish drinks, as well as to nibble straight from the bag. newforestfruitsnacks.com SOUL FRUIT DRAGON FRUIT CRUNCHY CHIPS Fruit crisps can err on the chewy side. Not these. Made from 100% dragon fruit, each slice has the perfect snap and a bag counts towards one of your five a day. soulfruit.co.uk “We expect to see more HFSS-compliant products hitting the shelves,” says Vanessa Richardson of SNACMA (Snack, Nut and Crisp Manufacturers’ Association). “Consumers are keen to see healthier products without compromising on flavour.” This move is already being reflected in developments at large conglomerates such as PepsiCo, which has an ambition for 50% of its sales to be from HFSS- friendly products under 100 calories per portion by 2025. “Last year it was reported that major brands selling HFSS- compliant products saw an average increase of sales of 27% across British supermarkets,” Vanessa adds, saying nutrition is becoming more of a concern as shoppers look for more ‘positive’ snacking options such as those high in fibre and minerals, or abundant with nuts and seeds. “Some brands are investing in alternatives to potato and wheat such as Taylor’s Lentil Waves and Burt’s Lentil Chips.”