Snacking Trends Shaping the Future of Fun Foods
Today’s Snack Trends at a Glance
- Research data shows snacking has become more frequent and prevalent than ever before.
- Today’s consumers snack for a variety of reasons including meal replacement, emotional comfort, and community connection.
- Consumers are responding to current flavor trends like nostalgia, decadence, dill pickle, ranch, and orange.
A View of the Snacking Landscape
Snacking is everywhere. At work, at home, and on-the-go, consumers are turning to snacks for meal replacement, personal gratification, and hunger satisfaction.
- No longer an occasional event, snack time is an everyday occurrence for a remarkable 91percent of global consumers according to the Mondelez International State of Snacking Report.
- Add to that, nearly half of U.S. consumers report snacking more than three times per day (Circana 2025 State of Snacking Report).
- Also, Circana states that the snack food industry’s sales increased 4.8 percent over the past year, reaching a total of $156 billion, representing significant sales opportunities.
Digging deeper into what’s driving consumer snacking behavior, we see the motivation behind snacking habits:
- 57 percent of snackers snack on the go, with 53.5 percent of those eating snacks in place of meals. (Circana 2025 State of Snacking Report) This creates a market for grab-and-go snacks.
- Circana also revealed 62 percent of consumers like to indulge when snacking. Indulgent snacks provide an inherent emotional release.
- Sharing snacks at social occasions is important to 65.1 percent of shoppers, showing that snacking is part of community. (Circana 2025 State of Snacking Report) This demonstrates why fun foods are an important part of events.
- 32 percent of consumers say they heard about a product from a blog or social networking site. Social media influences consumer buyer behavior.
Knowing what prompts consumer snacking allows us to create experiences that meet their needs. Whether at concession stands or retail locations, snacks represent a significant sales opportunity.
Flavor Trends for Fun Foods
The strength of snacking is unquestionable. To earn a share of the snacking marketplace, businesses must determine how to best meet the needs of today’s consumers. Let’s examine what flavor trends are showing promise.
- Nostalgia – Tapping into the emotional appeal, foods that connect with consumers are nostalgic. Comfort snacking can be tied to flavors like cinnamon, strawberry, or birthday cake. Seasonal flavors can become traditions like pumpkin spice, apple crisp, and candy cane. Comfort foods don’t have to just be sweet, they can also be savory like loaded baked potato popcorn or Cincinnati style chili popcorn.
- Decadent – Consumers desire flavors that are rich and luxurious. Dark chocolate, salted caramel, vanilla latte, and red velvet are fitting for “treat yourself” moments. Because it offers an escape, consumers are willing to pay premium for the experience.
- Pickle – Pickle flavors are having a major moment in the snacking world. Dill seasoning has emerged as a versatile favorite, adding zest to popcorn, fries, and even nuts. Taco Pickle is an invigorating flavor fusion that’s just right for adventurous snackers.
- Ranch – Ranch continues to hold strong as a go-to flavor. Its creamy, herb-enriched profile is versatile and pairs well with popcorn and dips. Ranch has staying power and is a proven crowd-pleaser that resonates with all ages.
- Orange – A refreshing citrus twist, orange has emerged as a standout flavor. It has versatile pairing options with both sweet and savory flavors. Try an orange and vanilla combo for a refreshing creamsicle taste. Or for a fall-inspired experience, mix orange with cinnamon.
(Source: The Shelby Report, Popular Trends, New Flavors Highlighted at Sweets & Snacks Expo)
Because snacking is no longer just in between meals, consumers want snacking solutions that blend flavor, experience, and convenience together. Products that speak to consumer preferences will deliver results.
Discover how fun foods can work for you!