Research shows consumers are turning to snacks to try out new and interesting flavors. Learn which types of snacks consumers look to for flavor exploration, and discover the top emerging flavors for snack applications. Get inspired with Glanbia Nutritionals’ research.
Snacks are consumers’ top choice for flavor exploration
Retail snacks of all types experienced a boost during the COVID lockdown as families reached for snacks for comfort, indulgence, and even meal replacement. While triedand- true flavors have undoubtedly done well, novel flavors (especially global flavors) are gaining a following as many consumers seek taste adventure in the absence of travel and restaurant dining.
New research shows the product category consumers are most likely to try a new flavor in is snacks (at 62%), ahead of desserts and condiments. This is especially true for younger consumers. While only 20% of Boomers agree snacking allows them to try new/global flavors, this jumps to 42% for Gen X consumers and 56% for Millennials and Gen Z consumers. Gen Z’s interest in snacks with authentic global flavors has doubled from 20% in 2019 to 40% in 2020.
When deciding on snack purchases, snacks made with new, interesting flavors are very important to 43% of consumers, while 35% of consumers consider snacks made with global flavors to be very important. Among snacking categories (which includes salty, sweet, dairy, fresh, frozen, beverages, and bars), this is particularly important for bars and frozen snacks. Exploring new flavors through snacks. To keep consumers engaged, snack manufacturers can tap into this drive to try new snack flavors by considering these emerging flavor trends for inspiration:
Familiar with a twist
For consumers who love snacks with a touch of honey, manuka honey offers a familiar flavor with a twist. The rarity of manuka honey (which requires the blossoms of New Zealand’s manuka trees), along with its unique flavor and potential health benefits makes manuka honey an intriguing option. For a salty or sweet and salty snack, Himalayan pink salt is a flavor that holds appeal, especially for foodies interested in exploring subtle flavor differences in nature’s ingredients.
Chile pepper
Pushing the limits of hot and spicy has become a favorite pastime for many consumers, especially in salty snacks like chips. Chipotle chile flavor may be best known in Mexican adobo sauce, where it delivers an intense smoky heat that’s complemented by garlic, onion, and oregano. For a taste of Thai, sweet chili sauce is a top choice, offering chile pepper flavor combined with sweet and tangy notes. A versatile green pepper that’s trending in snacks from jerky to ice cream is Hatch chile, grown in the Hatch Valley of New Mexico.
Umami
Umami flavors are also expanding their reach. Umami, known as the fifth taste, is a rich, savory taste experienced when the taste receptors come into contact with the amino acid glutamate or ribonucleotides. These compounds are most commonly found in meats, cheeses, and fermented products like soy sauce. Umami flavors that can add depth and cravability to snacks include olive, parmesan, and mushroom flavors.
Fruits and florals
Exotic fruit and floral flavors showcase especially well in beverages and frozen treats but may also be used in sweet bakery snacks and bars. For some Asian inspiration, manufacturers can try goji berry, a sweet-tart berry from China known for its brilliant color and superfood antioxidants. The Japanese citrus fruit sudachi, an emerging flavor trend in the U.S., also offers a refreshing tartness. For florals, honeysuckle is the flavor to watch as more chefs embrace it as a next-generation elderflower.
