Major trends in snack production

There can be no replacement for proper meals and balanced nutrition when it comes to achieving a healthy lifestyle. However, it is undeniable that snacking is a major pastime in Asia with many office workers buying snacks for their mid-afternoon tea break after lunch. Industry reports have shown that on average people snack 14 occasions per week.

Datamonitor reports that consumers are increasingly looking for healthy snack alternatives, with 42 percent of consumers globally choosing healthy snacks. However, market data also shows that 36 percent of them feel guilty after snacking.

Non-communicable diseases (NCD) – such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and obesity – are on the rise in Asia. Consumers are increasingly aware that a healthy lifestyle starts with a balanced nutrition. As such, healthy snacks – with reduced sugar or fat or fibre-enriched recipes – present a great opportunity for food producers in Asia. They are now looking for food ingredients that help to improve products’ nutritional profiles but without sacrifices on taste and texture.

Major trends in snack production

There are four key trends we are seeing in the snack market in Asia and around the world.

All natural, clean labelling – Manufacturers are increasingly interested in having “cleaner” labels. Naturally derived texturisers such as rice starches are thus of growing interest. The vegetal origin of rice starches contributes to optimised textures, such as improved creaminess in fat-reduced dairy products with natural positioning but also helps to replace artificial whiteners in confectionery.

Sustained energy release – Consumers today need a lot of energy to get through their busy lives. Many (used to) resort to quick snacks or caffeine for that instant energy boost when they start to flag in the middle of the day. Today, they are iNike Air Max 90 Women