Healthy Snacks Market Size, Industry Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Meat Snacks, Nut, Seeds & Trail Mixes, Dried Fruit Snacks, Cereal & Granola Bars, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Supermarket/ Hypermarket, Specialty Stores, Convenience Stores, and Online Retails), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global healthy snacks market size was valued at USD 78.13 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 108.11 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period. Europe dominated the healthy snacks market with a market share of 39.75% in 2019. The healthy snacks industry in the U.S. is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of USD 28.12 billion by 2032, driven by growth in demand for on-the-go snacks and snack products that offer functional benefits.

The global snacking industry is witnessing progressive growth owing to the constant evolution in consumption patterns and inclination towards healthy food products. Consumers nowadays look for quick, affordable, and indulgent snacking solutions that will suffice to daily nutritional needs. The food industry is rapidly evolving with raw material use, processing, and preservation advancements and novel packaging techniques. This has fuelled the innovations and development of contemporary food offerings that support the progress of the snacks industry worldwide. Furthermore, the strengthening of distribution network channels and e-commerce platforms is also expected to flourish in the global market of healthy snacks.

Significant Impact on Snacks Consumption during COVID-19 Pandemic to Slow Growth Rate

The demand and sale of snacks have experienced a sudden slump due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the initial stages of the lockdown, panic buying of food supplies by consumers contributed to the rapid sale of ready-to-eat food in retail distribution channels. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, grocery store sales rose up to 99% in the middle of March and 25% higher on April 1^st in 2020, compared to the last year. However, the growing concerns related to hygiene and the safety of processed foods later resulted in the trend of buying ingredients from retail markets and cooking meals at home. The swift reduction in the consumption of processed and packed foods has a profound effect on the snacks industry. The trend of consuming nutrient-enriched products to maintain overall health and immunity in the current pandemic is expected to create enormous opportunities for healthy food manufacturers in forthcoming years.

HEALTHY SNACKS MARKET TRENDS

Emerging Trend of On-the-go Nutrition to Propel Innovation in the Snacking Industry 

The increasing number of people entering a formal workforce and their hectic lifestyles have led to a rise in demand for snacks. This is because snacks provide instant satiety and a much-needed break in a stressful day. The emerging trend of avoiding the risk of certain chronic diseases and maintaining health & wellness through thoughtful consumption of these snacks propels this market of healthy snacks. The on-the-go nutrition trend is rapidly gaining popularity among millennials and working adults as they look for snacking solutions to tackle nutrient deficiencies and other health conditions in their busy schedules.

DRIVING FACTORS

Increasing Demand for Functional/Healthy Foods to Fuel Demand for Healthy Snack Products

The global market is primarily boosted by the increasing demand for functional foods among consumers to maintain overall health and reduce the risk of certain lifestyle-related chronic health conditions. Consumer preferences continue to seek better-for-you options in food aisles. Food products enriched with functional ingredients such as micronutrients, proteins, fiber, organic, plant-based, and clean-label products, among others, have been absorbed into the mainstream in retail channels.

The increasing promotion of functional foods for weight management, improvement of digestive health, and reduction of the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases drives the market growth of healthy snacks.  

Rising Popularity of Convenience Foods & On-the-go Snacking to Support Developments

The growing popularity of convenience, ready-to-eat foods, and on-the-go snacking is a major factor propelling the healthy snacks market growth. On-the-go products provide quick nutrition and the feeling of satiety in a busy schedule. According to a recently released ‘state of snacking’ report by Mondelēz International, approximately 59% of adults worldwide prefer to eat more small meals throughout the day, as opposed to a few larger ones.

Consumers also perceive snacks as part of a healthy diet, attributed to their controlled portions. These convenient and portable packs provide a small energy boost during a hectic workday. The emerging trend of healthy eating is contributing to the evolution of the snack industry by offering various healthy snack products that fulfill the growing need for on-the-go nutrition.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Technological & Processing-related Challenges to Impede Market Growth

The healthy snacks market is hampered by challenges faced by manufacturers during the processing of these snacks. The texture and crispiness of any snack are important characteristics noticed by consumers while buying any product. Reducing or removing fats and sugar and incorporating whole grains negatively impact the moisture retention and binding capacity of ingredients, which affects the texture of the final product. Likewise, the fruit and vegetable snacks segment poses difficulties in their preservation and shelf stability.

The development of clean-label snacks, such as additive-free and preservative-free products, may also create challenges without ingredients that support emulsification, stabilization, and creamy texture. Ongoing innovations and technological advancements are expected to help processors tackle these challenges.

SEGMENTATION

By Type Analysis

Nuts, Seeds, & Trail Mixes Hold a Major Market Share Attributed to their protein content & Easy Consumption

Based on product type, the market is segmented such as meat snacks, nuts, seeds & trail mixes, dried fruit snacks, cereal & granola bars, savory snacks, and others. Consumers buy nut-based snacks because they are rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants and provide long-lasting energy. The growing popularity of plant-based and vegan diets will fuel the demand for nut and seed-based products. The increasing demand for trail mixes is attributed to their portability, convenience, and availability of assorted flavors in the product.

Nuts, seeds & trail mixes are also expected to grow at a faster pace due to the rising demand for natural, organic, and clean-label products.

By Distribution Channel Analysis

Wider Availability of Products Promote Sales Growth through Supermarket/ Hypermarket

The supermarket/ hypermarket industry is continuously changing, and investors are capitalizing on buyers' comfort to offer an easy shopping experience. The adoption of technological advancements and equipment on the floor will help retailers provide adequate quality beverages to consumers. According to the Food Industry Association 2018, 43% of the total groceries in 2017 were sold through supermarkets/hypermarkets, thereby representing a major share of healthy snack sales every year. Supermarkets are also emphasizing meeting new regulatory requirements such as refrigerant leaks and quality assurance to avoid penalties through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and to offer quality products to its consumers.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Europe remains the major market with immense potential attributed to the increasing awareness about the positive health effects of functional foods and the popularity of on-the-go nutrition trends. The increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related health conditions, the escalation in the number of aging people, hectic daily schedules, rising mental stress, and positive attitudes towards preventive measures are driving the demand for healthy snacks in the regional market. The increasing investments by key giants in the development of innovative granola bar e-portfolios further contribute to the growth of the healthy snack market in Europe.

The market in Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a significant compound annual growth rate (CAGR) owing to the increased demand for ‘better-for-you’ products that promote healthy well-being. The increasing disposable income that enables consumers to spend on healthful indulgence is expected to fuel the market's growth in the region. The Middle East & Africa, and South American markets will showcase a lower share owing to the sub-optimal product penetration in the respective regions' underdeveloped markets.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

PepsiCo., Inc. is Investing in the Development of Innovative Snacks to Intensify Competition

PepsiCo., Inc. is focused on investing in product portfolio expansion by introducing new products that appeal more to modern consumer demands. For instance, in October 2019, the company launched a new healthy popcorn brand, Smart50. These popcorns are made of 100% whole grains, free from artificial flavors and preservatives. A strong dominance of key players and their reinforced production and distribution capabilities in the market has resulted in moderate consolidation of the market across the globe. Other key players, such as Mondelēz International, Nestle S.A., Kellogg Company, and B&G Foods, Inc., are focusing on strategic mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships to consolidate the market further.

LIST OF TOP HEALTHY SNACKS COMPANIES:

• PepsiCo, Inc. (New York, U.S.)


• Mondelēz International (Illinois, U.S.)


• Nestle S.A. (Vevey, Switzerland)


• Danone S.A. (Paris, France)


• Unilever PLC (London, United Kingdom)


• Tyson Foods, Inc. (Arkansan, U.S.)


• Hormel Foods Corporation (Minnesota, U.S.)


• Kellogg Company (Michigan, U.S.)


• B & G Foods, Inc. (New Jersey, U.S.)


• Calbee, Inc. (Tokyo, Japan)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• May 2020 - Kellogg Company launched a new cereal-based snack range, Jumbo Snax. The new product line includes fruit loops, apple jacks, corn pops, and tiger paws.


• September 2019 - Tyson Foods, Inc. launched a new brand of refrigerated snacks with a functional value, created to provide natural health benefits of food.

REPORT COVERAGE

The healthy snacks market research report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, product types, and leading distribution channels of the product. Besides this, the report offers insights into the market, current trends, and key healthy snacks industry developments. In addition to the aforementioned factors, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market over recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation: