Snack Buyer July 2024

eyes peeled. Look for snacks that bring together fire and a hint of sugar. Thai sweet chilli crisps or rice cracker snacks are a familiar, recognisable place to begin. INDULGENCE The dopamine hit of sugar e is just what many consumers are after. There are plenty of options in this space for retailers now. From mini packs of luxury chocolates, to individually sized chocolate bar portions, and grab-and-go packs of shortbreads and cookies. Artisanal varieties, keenly priced, should fly. 7 XXXXXXXXXXX TRENDS specialityfoodmagazine crackers and crisps, and savoury blends, this is an arena to keep your eye on, particularly as pulses fit the ‘protein-packed’ bill. GOURMET NUTS Nuts sales increased by more than 8% year on year in 2023, again, because of all that magical protein in the pack. Help your customers elevate their snacking experience by seeking out nut options that play into the latest trending flavours – from hot to sweet and spicy and meaty. FUN We’ve noticed some really cool developments in snacking in the last 12 months. They include rice bites, cauliflower chips, snack- sized savoury crackers, corn nibbles, an explosion of especially those boasting a British flag, and made with grass-fed beef or higher welfare free-range meat for sustainability. HFSS Shoppers want to boost their wellbeing, while satisfying that snacking itch. Look to stock products that are lower in sugar, fat and salt, with health-boosting properties (such as higher protein, added vitamins and minerals) and clean ingredient decks. Ultra processed foods are of increasing concern to consumers and the power of natural products is not to be underestimated. PULSES From brisket-flavoured broad beans, to chocolate-coated chickpeas, roasted lentils, pulse puffed pork rind (a lower fat version of scratchings), and so much more. It’s so key to stock the essentials (like ready salted crisps), but experiment with some of these newcomers and see what hits the mark with your customers. SWICY Dial up the heat and add a twist of sweetness. Swicy as a flavour profile is everywhere right now. We’re predicting the ‘it’ ingredient (hot honey) will land in snacks this year, so keep your IN 2024 THE UK CRISPS AND SAVOURY SNACKS MARKET WAS ESTIMATED AT £3,483 MILLION . FOR THE SAME PERIOD NUTS WERE VALUED AT £367 MILLION , POPCORN AT £144 MILLION AND MEAT SNACKS AT £60 MILLION SOURCE: SNACMA UK SALES OF CRISPS , SAVOURY SNACKS AND NUTS ARE FORECAST TO EXCEED £7 BILLION BY 2028 SOURCE: MINTEL