Skip navigation

Smarter Snacking

WHILE SIX IN 10 CONSUMERS eat snacks ranging from candy bars to yogurt for enjoyment, 32% of those polled for SymphonyIRI's 2010 State of the Snack Industry Report classify such noshing as part of a healthy eating plan. Indeed, snacks have two distinct roles, but no matter the in-between-meal motivation overall sales of healthier snacks are gaining on more indulgent choices. Today trail mixes, nuts

WHILE SIX IN 10 CONSUMERS eat snacks ranging from candy bars to yogurt for enjoyment, 32% of those polled for SymphonyIRI's 2010 State of the Snack Industry Report classify such noshing as part of a healthy eating plan.

Indeed, snacks have two distinct roles, but no matter the in-between-meal motivation overall sales of healthier snacks are gaining on more indulgent choices. Today trail mixes, nuts and other better-for-you bites account for 37% of snack dollar sales, Susan Viamari, editor of SymphonyIRI's Times & Trends report, told SN.

“Since 2005, healthier snacks have stolen eight share points,” she said.

But that doesn't mean shoppers have stopped treating themselves. In fact, the most significant pocket of growth comes from the indulgent side, indicated by a 23% increase in sales of chocolate covered salty snacks in food, drug and mass channels in 2009 vs. 2008. Here are some other areas of growth:

HEALTHY SNACKS
Trail Mixes 9%
Sugarless Gum 7%
Dry Fruit Snacks 6%
Sensible Salty Snacks 5%
INDULGENT SNACKS
Chocolate Covered Salty Snacks 23%
Refrigerated Appetizers/Snack Rolls 12%
Indulgent Salty Snacks 8%
Toaster Pastries 6%

SOURCE: SymphonyIRI 2010 State of the Snack Industry Report