Healthy snacking has seasonal opportunities and participants.
Consumers view spring as an ideal time to renew their eating habits with better-for-you foods, according to a survey from Wakefield Research, Arlington, Virginia, which revealed that 84% of survey respondents plan health-related refreshes this spring.
It also found that 60% recognize eating better as a top priority while 80% agreed that 2023 will be the year they cut back on sugar in their diet. Fifty-five percent cited that reducing sugar is the biggest change they want to make in their snacking habits, according to Wakefield Research.
Snack makers have responded across several levels and within multiple packaged snack segments. Pure Protein launched Popped Crisps with plant-based protein; Second Nature Brands debuted Gluten Free Brownie Brittle Reese’s Pieces within its Sheila G’s Brownie Brittle portfolio; and Voortman introduced Zero Sugar Mini Wafers in two flavors.
“Our goal with the expansion of our zero-sugar portfolio is to provide consumers with great-tasting, fun-sized snacks that make balancing health and indulgence easy and delicious,” said Adam Lisook, general manager of Monee, Illinois-based Voortman Cookies.
Click ahead for six healthy snacks, such as gluten-free and plant-based options impacting several sweet and savory snack formats.
Pure Protein (1440 Foods) launched a new line of savory snacks, Popped Crisps, in two flavors: Hickory Barbecue and Sour Cream & Onion. With 12 grams of plant-based protein per serving, Pure Protein Popped Crisps are available in single-flavor, 12-count packs and two-flavor variety packs. One serving of Pure Protein Popped Crisps delivers approximately 16% of the average person’s daily protein requirements, or about six times more than a single-serving bag of chips, the supplier says.
Second Nature Brands debuted Gluten Free Brownie Brittle Reese’s Pieces, the newest selection within its Sheila G’s Brownie Brittle portfolio. Gluten Free Brownie Brittle Reese’s Pieces offer a thin and crunchy texture topped with Reese’s Pieces peanut butter candy. The gluten-free snack contains 130 calories per 1-ounce serving and is available for a SRP range of $3.99 to $4.49 per 4-ounce bag.
Hershey is offering two options as milk chocolate alternatives with its Plant Based format, including Reese’s Plant Based Peanut Butter Cups and Hershey's Plant Based Extra Creamy with Almonds and Sea Salt. To meet the changing needs of various snackers, Hershey’s aims to deliver flavor-filled alternative options, including portion-controlled treats, no-sugar-added, zero sugar, high-protein and plant-based, the manufacturer says.
Voortman introduced a zero-sugar offering to its portfolio in Zero Sugar Mini Wafers with two flavors, including vanilla and chocolate. Baked with real vanilla or cocoa, the poppable, shareable wafers contain no artificial flavors or colors, no high-fructose corn syrup and are packaged in resealable stand-up pouches. They join Voortman Cookies’ portfolio of zero-sugar mini treats, which includes Zero Sugar Mini Cookies (Iced Oatmeal and Vanilla Shortbread) that launched in 2022. Products are available in 6.5-ounce pouches.
Gluten-free gourmet rice-snack brand Riceworks launched a rice-based Omega-3 snack bar in three flavors. Focusing on the better-for-you consumer, the rice snack variety consists of whole grain rice with no artificial flavors or preservatives. Riceworks baked multigrain Omega-3 fruit bars contain real fruit filling baked inside its whole grain crust and are available in Apple Cinnamon, Blackberry and Strawberry.
NuttZo unveiled Chilled Nut & Seed Butter Bars, the latest addition to the brand’s family of better-for-you nut and seed butter products. The refrigerated bars are available in two flavors, Almond Butter Chocolate and Peanut Butter Chocolate, contain 7 to 8 grams of protein, 4 grams of sugar and no artificial preservatives. Bars are sold in 12-bar boxes and are available for an SRP range of $2.59 to $2.79.
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