Meat sticks outpace snack category growth
Emerging snack trends for 2025 include flavor explosion, snacking without borders, better-for-you snacking, co-branded bites and snacks on the go.
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Branded food company Conagra Brands is releasing its inaugural Future of Snacking 2025 report. Leveraging Conagra's demand science and insights expertise, in partnership with market research company Circana, the report provides a data-driven look at the $148.6 billion US snacking market and the evolving trends shaping consumer behavior.
The report identifies five key trends that are shaping snacking behaviors and influencing how consumers navigate an increasingly diverse snack landscape. While focused on the US market, the report also covers relevant global snacking trends and behaviors.
"We've seen a transformation in consumer snacking habits in recent years. Snacking has evolved from a simple between-meal habit into a lifestyle, and winning in this space means delivering the right food at the right time," said Bob Nolan, senior vice president of demand science at Conagra Brands. "Today's consumers want bold flavors, better-for-you options, and choices that bring both taste and purpose. Our Future of Snacking report shows emerging trends and how Conagra is helping shape that future."
Emerging trends for 2025 include flavor explosion, snacking without borders, better-for-you snacking, co-branded bites and snacks on the go.
Classic flavors like sea salt, barbecue and nacho cheese remain top sellers, but bold newcomers—sriracha, garlic parmesan and hot honey—are driving rapid growth. Social media-fueled trends, including pickle-flavored-everything, are influencing both retail and foodservice menus, signaling consumer demand for adventurous taste experiences.
Globally inspired snacks are booming, with retail sales hitting $5.7 billion and 22% volume growth over the past three years. Younger consumers are driving interest in flavors like gochujang, sweet chili and mango habanero, reflecting a shift toward multicultural taste exploration.
Protein-forward, portion-controlled and nutrient-dense snacks are on the rise—especially among Gen Z and millennials. Subcategories like meat sticks and probiotic-enhanced snacks are outpacing total category growth, and "grass-fed" and "gut health" claims are resonating with wellness-focused shoppers.
Strategic partnerships with restaurant, retail and entertainment brands are fueling growth, with co-branded snacks generating nearly $2.1 billion in combined annual sales. Flavorful collaborations with popular sauces and more are bringing instant recognition and appeal to the snack aisle.
Convenience in snacking isn't just about grab-and-go packaging anymore; it's about being everywhere consumers are. In fact, convenience is driving consumption, with away-from-home snack occasions projected to grow 39% by 2027. From bulk-buys online, to snack-sized treats at store checkouts, snacks are winning by showing up in more places, more often, in the right format for every occasion.
Source: Conagra Brands
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