Did you know that 1 in 6 Americans replaced meals with snacks?
Snacks are no longer just a bridge between meals — they’re redefining what, how, and why we eat. From indulgent chocolates and nostalgic baked goods to health-forward bars and bold global flavors, the snacks and confectionery category is on the climb, and it’s showing no signs of slowing.
What once was seen as a guilty pleasure is now part of a broader consumer shift: people want joy, yes — but they also expect purpose. Functional ingredients, cleaner labels, and meaningful brand stories are reshaping this market, creating opportunities for companies that blend comfort with innovation.
According to Euromonitor International, this rise in “snack-as-meal” behavior isn’t a passing trend. In 2024, 1 in 6 adult Americans regularly replaced meals with snacks — pointing to a long-term lifestyle shift and growing demand for products that deliver on both convenience and nutrition.
Cravings Meet Consciousness
In the U.S., snackers are craving variety: think protein cookies, low-sugar muffins, spiced chocolate, and baked goods made with alternative flours. Baked treats, which was once a long-standing supermarket staple, are being reimagined for today’s wellness-driven consumer — individually wrapped, clean-label, and often with added benefits like fiber or probiotics.
From Latin America’s dulce de leche pastries and tropical fruit snacks, Asia’s mochi and egg tarts, to the Middle East’s nut-based sweets, are beginning to take the spotlight not just locally but globally. Consumers are more adventurous, and brands are embracing international inspiration.
Among the fastest-growing segments is protein-based snacking. The global protein snacks market reached $50.48 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $100.56 billion by 2032, according to Fortune Business Insights. This boom is fueled by demand for high-protein, functional products that deliver both taste and nutrition — from bars and bites to protein-enhanced baked goods.
What’s Trending?
- Healthier indulgence: Better-for-you baked goods and confections
- Function-first: Snacks with added energy, gut health, or stress-relief benefits
- Playful packaging: Designed to grab attention — and the “social media” love
- Eco-conscious formats: Compostable wrappers and minimalist designs
- Global comfort foods: Flavors and textures that connect with heritage
As snacking habits evolve, these trends show how innovation is meeting consumers’ desire for personalization, portability, and purpose — without sacrificing flavor.
Discover What’s Next at AF&B 2025
As this fast-growing sector evolves, the 2025 Americas Food & Beverage Show & Conference is your opportunity to explore it up close. Whether you’re launching a new baked snack, sourcing innovative ingredients, or exploring new markets, AF&B brings the industry together.
Join us September 10–12, 2025, at the Miami Beach Convention Center — and get a taste of what’s driving the future of food.
Taste the Fun. Connect Globally. Grow Boldly.