In an interview with Forbes, Jason Wright, the founder of WILDE, talks about how he uses chicken breast, egg whites and bone broth in a ‘first-of-its kind’ nutrient-dense protein chip. He said that although it “delivers the experience of a potato chip, the primary ingredient isn't potato—it's chicken breast.” His first format attempt was a meat-based protein bar, but consumer uptake was disappointing. However, “during a moment of solace with potato chips, my favorite comfort food, an epiphany struck me at the base of that chip bag: What if I could craft a healthier alternative by replacing the potato with chicken breast?" Wright says that the chips contain half the carbs of potato chips but five times the protein, without compromising on taste or texture. Whole Foods has “consistently” been the brand’s “primary ally”, but as the chip gained attention, and the pandemic unfolded, he tried direct-to-consumer models on platforms like Amazon. The brand has recently relocated to Nashville and is moving production to Winchester, Kentucky. On strategy, the brand targets 100 percent annual growth and is focused on mass retail, but also expanding distribution in club too, supported by a robust flavor profile innovation pipeline, which draws inspiration from “time-honored chicken dishes.” 

With edible insects becoming a thing, venture firms and startups are crawling over each other to bring them to consumers or their pets. Others are targeting industries like fish farming. InnovaFeed, a French biotech, develops insect protein for agriculture and aquaculture. In 2022, it secured $250 million Series D. Ynsect mealworms landed $170 million in Spring 2023. Dutch insect supplier Protix has received around $120 million so far. 31 companies in the Crunchbase database have raised $1.3 billion to date, and mostly in the two years or so. Startups are claiming sustainability benefits over other protein sources. Ynsect claims that 1kg of mealworm protein uses a fortieth of the water than the same weight of pork and produces a small fraction of the CO2 emissions coming from cattle farming. Insects also require a lot less land. There are obstacles to demand, not least the ‘yuck factor’ and claims from animal rights groups, like PETA, that insects are conscious beings, and that going vegan would be a much better and ethical alternative.

A kickstarter campaign aims to raise $1 million for Santana Snacks, which makes organic and better-for-you tortilla chips. Following the bankruptcy of his former brand, Nui Foods, which he took on “Shark Tank” in 2018 and for which he secured a $300,000 investment, founder Victor Macias plans to launch this new brand online first, rolling out to stores once the fundraising goal is reached. Macias wants Santana Snacks to be a cleaner version of the street corn and “paletas” offered in his home city of Santa Ana. Macias says he was motivated by rising child obesity in Latino populations to offer snacks with healthier ingredients, such as organic corn and avocado oil, for a gluten-free, non-GMO and vegan alternative. There are two flavors for the launch - sea salt and “chile y limon”.

Nudie Snacks is expanding its presence in the Middle East by introducing larger packaging sizes for its plant-based snacks, including its award-winning Cauliflower Crisps. Founder Tracey Hogarth says “we are seeing a real trend in the Middle East for sharing bags and bigger bags, because consumers are increasingly seeing snacking as a big part of occasions to gather.” The cauliflower crisps in Cheese and Caramelised Onion and Katsu Curry flavors are doing well in the region, according to Hogarth, who believes the high vegetable content is a “big draw” to consumers’ there. Nudie Snacks sells through supermarkets as well as independent and specialty stores in the region. In the UK, the snacks are available in ASDA, Whole Foods, Holland & Barrett and Planet Organic, an online organic supermarket. 

Nevada-based snack company Stellar Snacks is building a 434,000-square-foot production facility at a former chemical site in Louisville, Kentucky, with operations scheduled to start next year. The $137 million investment will generate 350 full-time jobs over the coming decade at Stellar Snacks, which makes vegan, non-GMO pretzel snacks using natural and sustainable ingredients. Flavors include Maui Monk, Sweet & Sparky and Bold & Herby. 

Private equity firm Citation Capital, LLC has acquired a majority interest in New Jersey better-for-you snack brand Cibo Vita, which owns Nature’s Garden, a brand that offers products like snack and trail mixes as well as dried fruits. Citation Capital is Cibo Vita’s first external investor. Ciba Vita’s founders, Emre Imamoglu and Ahmet Celik, will retain significant stakes. Imamoglu said the brand’s vision was “to bring healthier snacking options to all families, inspired by our Mediterranean roots.” Tiffany K. Hagge, founder and managing partner at Citation, said “Cibo Vita exemplifies Citation’s investment philosophy in backing fundamentally strong, defensible businesses with exceptional cultures and shared values.”

Following its recent acquisition of organic snacks producer Raw Gorilla, UK natural food retailer Whole Food Earth intends to introduce new products under the brand, both at home and internationally. Raw Gorilla’s no added sugar granola and muesli are gluten-free and keto-friendly, and are sold by online retailer Ocado as well as specialist health food websites. Whole Food Earth, based in Kent, said it will be “offering naturally processed and protein-rich foods that are essential for a healthy lifestyle”. It offers over 13,000 vegan branded products on the revamped The Vegan Kind marketplace, which it acquired in December 2022.

Several trends relating to the snacks category include better-for-you insights. Consumers are increasingly looking for snacks that are consistent with healthier lifestyles. A survey conducted by  McKinsey in the US and Europe found that about half see eating healthily as a priority. Demand for  low-calorie snacks are “skyrocketing” and, as lifestyles change, consumers are increasingly looking for “nutrient-dense, healthful, and purposeful snacking, with the need for emotionally rewarding and indulgent snacks”. With intermittent fasting and grazing becoming popular, people are changing how they eat, with some replacing the “three-course meal” with healthy snacks. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to more flexible eating. Consumers are also interested in snacks that can promote mental wellbeing and resilience, including mood, cognitive function, concentration and attention span.

Nestlé’s efforts to offer a wider range of food options, including those containing ancient grains, has led to the introduction in India of a+ Masala millet-based porridges, made with local ingredients such as barley, bajra (pearl millet), vegetables and 10 spices. There are two flavors - Tangy Tomato and Veggie Masala – both of which are high in fiber and preservative-free. They also contain 30 percent fewer calories than many popular cereals. The products were trialed in New Delhi at the end of last year. The packaging includes an endorsement logo from the Indian Institute of Millets Research.

Meat alternative food brand Meati Foods has launched its first shelf-stable snack product, a mycelium-based jerky in three flavors: original, peppered and sweet chile. They are based on patented MushroomRoot, together with oat fiber and chickpea flour. The protein is from offcuts of from its other meatless-products, such as cutlets and steaks, helping Meati achieve its zero-waste production ambition. The new product will be available through Meati’s direct-to-consumer platform, although its other products are also available nationwide at stores such as Whole Foods Market, Meijer, Sprouts Farmers Market and Fresh Thyme. 

On-the-go snack brand Quaker Chewy has launched Quaker Chewy Granola, containing 100% whole grains, in two flavors: chocolate and strawberry. Each serving offers 5g of protein, and there are no artificial colorings, preservatives or flavorings. Quaker Chewy partnered with sports and comedy group Dude Perfect for the launch, in a humorous YouTube video. The brand is also hitting the road with the Chewy Family Play Wagon, an interactive bus that will visit cities in the Northeast and Southern California.

With new flavors and packaging, Sunsol in Australia is seeking to attract new customers to its muesli range. Chris Diver, MD of Good Food Partners, which owns Sunsol, said that “customers felt there was a disconnect between the current packaging and the Sunsol name, which evokes sunny mornings and Australian beach vibes.” The rebrand aims to bring the essence of the Sunsol brand to “a bowl of optimism kissed by the warmth of the Aussie sun.” There are two new Natural Muesli Blends, two Toasted Muesli Blends, and four granolas. All the products are free of preservatives, artificial colours and artificial flavors, and are either vegan or vegetarian-friendly. 

To replace kūmara supplies from the country’s Northland, hit by Cyclone Gabrielle earlier this year, Proper Crisps in New Zealand is buying sweet potato from Australia until its usual suppliers get back to normal. Production will move entirely to the plant established in Victoria, Australia, in 2022 until supplies normalize, after which New Zealand consumers will again be served by production at the Nelson plant on South Island. One New Zealand supplier in the Kaipara said he lost 99 percent of his crop in the floods.

Expansion at the Muskego facility that produces Jackson’s kettle-cooked sweet potato chips will almost triple capacity less than two years after it opened. There will be two new kettles as well as additional high speed packaging lines and seasoning systems. It’s expected to be completed by early November and will also include more storage space. The plant will be able to produce over 600,000 bags each day. Jackson’s uses avocado oil to cook the chips, which are made from heirloom and non-GMO Beauregard and Covington sweet potatoes and are free from the top nine allergens. They can be eaten as a part of diets like vegan, keto, paleo and kosher, and are sold in several retailers including Costco, Whole Foods and Pick ‘n Save, in corporate food service and vending operations, and online Amazon and Jacksonschips.com.

Yumi, a kid-focused brand offering functional nutrition, will extend distribution this fall to Whole Foods, following a launch in Target two years ago. Its nutritious and clean-certified snacks for toddlers and young children include Rice-Free, Organic Meltable Puffs and Superfood Veggie Organic Bars. The bars are aimed at tackling common nutrient deficiencies among American kids with a blend of superfoods - vegetables and fruit – that provide iron, zinc, B vitamins, fiber and choline. And there’s no added sugar. Yumi’s rice-free meltable puffs contain choline and iron to support brain development. 

The National Association of Convenience Stores Show in early October will showcase the new better-for-you snack from Snack'in For You. The high-protein baked puffs are made from cauliflower or broccoli and will appear on shelves from early next year. There are four flavors: Buffalo Ranch Cauliflower Puffs, Mesquite Barbeque Broccoli Puffs, Cheddar Jalapeno Broccoli Puffs and Sour Cream and Onion Cauliflower Puffs. They are gluten-free and contain rice flour, chickpeas and pea protein.

A report by the Korean Agro-Fisheries and Food Trade Corporation found that Nongshim's Saeukkang was the top-ranked snack last year, capturing a seven percent market share. They were launched in 1971 and have been popular with generations since, and were inspired by "Kappa Ebisen", a Japanese snack made by Calbee. Originally comprising only shrimp-flavor, the  crackers have seen several variants added to appeal to different consumer groups, and they can now be found in 76 markets around the world. Second spot was taken by Poca Chip, which produces sweet and salty potato chips. Pringles was third. 

Consumers are seeking better-for-you breakfast options, and this is evidenced by the performance and financing of several brands in the category. Catalina Crunch, a keto-friendly breakfast brand launched in 2019, has recorded double-digit growth annually and can now be found in over 22,000 grocery stores across the US. Purely Elizabeth, a superfood granola brand closed a $50 million round in 2022, and Magic Spoon started selling in over 6,500 retail stores at the start of the year, extending beyond its direct-to-consumer beginnings. Oats Overnight, a grab-and-go brand, raised $20 million, and MUSH’s overnight oats raised slightly more last year. These and other brands are aiming to offer alternatives to ultra-processed options using new marketing initiatives. Off Limits, a functional cereal startup, is targeting Gen Z with an NFT collection and a partnership with influencer Emma Chamberlain’s coffee company. 

Better for you snack company Our Home has reached a deal with low-fare airline JetBlue. Popchips Sea Salt will be available on all flights as a complimentary snack; the Food Should Taste Good Multigrain Tortilla Chips will be available on select flights through JetBlue's EatUpⓇ Café. Mariya Stoyanova, director of product development at JetBlue, said: "JetBlue is excited to welcome Popchips into our complimentary, brand-name snack portfolio to provide customers with a new gluten free and delicious onboard option. We're certain that our customers will enjoy the natural, delicious flavors of Popchips Sea Salt at 35,000 feet."

An article in The Grocer suggested that although HFSS regulations do tackle the UK’s obesity crisis they also fail to acknowledge health benefits of some of the ingredients being targeted by them. It covers consumer research conducted by a brand asked by a retail partner to reformulate one of its bestselling products that had been classified as ‘unhealthy’. The research sought opinions from consumers on a new lower-fat version. Almost nine in 10 preferred the original, a granola that contained ‘good fats’ from coconut chips and pecans, and the brand found that its consumers felt sufficiently able to know how to follow a healthy and balanced lifestyle and resented being told not to eat what they wanted. The author hoped the government could be more pragmatic in its approach to HFSS legislation.

Among the trends highlighted in the Indian snacks market are some that can be identified as better-for-you. They include a move towards snacking that aligns with improved health and wellbeing and consumers’ health goals. This has led to innovation around baked chips and gluten-free snacks, and the inclusion of functional ingredients like quinoa, chia seeds and kale. Plant-based snacks are another trend associated widely with health, using ingredients such as chickpeas, lentils and sweet potatoes, which are often perceived as healthier and more sustainable. They are suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets, which are significant and expanding categories in India. Other trends identified include the use of fusion flavors; ethnic regional flavors; premiumization, which is often positioned as indulgent snacking; convenience and on-the-go snacking; online and direct-to-consumer business models; sustainable packaging; snacking with a story; and personalization and customization. 

Seaweed Snacks from Korean food brand Bibigo, owned by CJ Foods, are to be launched in the UK and Germany with a campaign called ‘The Art of Explosive Flavour’, across digital-out-of-home, press, digital, social, influencer and POS. There will also be a pop-up in Shoreditch, East London next month. Bibigo is asking consumers to “up their snack game” by trying something more exciting than crisps. The flavor burst promised by the brand is presented across media using elements of Korean design, with bold shapes and colors. Film clips show people enjoying the snacks at work, at home or after playing sport. Seaweed Snacks are available in ASDA and online supermarket Ocado, and also in specialist supermarkets.

Kent-based Nim’s Fruit Crisps in the UK has been shorlisted for the ‘Manufacturing in Action’ category in the Manufacturer MX Awards 2023. Nim’s was founded by Nimisha Raja in 2016, who set about creating a brand committed to zero food waste. It currently processes in excess of 1,000 tonnes of produce annually. The air-dried fruit and vegetable crisps are sold in high street retailers, pubs and bars, restaurants such as Zizzi and Wagamam, and on transport including Eurotunnel and British Airways. The awards will be held in Liverpool in mid-November.

Australian snack brand Joy St has brought two new protein-packed puff ball flavors to market. Cheese and Honey Soy Chicken will join Sweet Chili and Sour Cream, the original flavors. Each 110g bag contains 25 grams of protein and under 100 calories. The launch saw the brand partner with Sam and Teagan Rybka (the Rybka Twins), who are acrobats and social media influencers. The products are sold in Woolworths Supermarkets at an RRP of $4.30 per bag.

Sweet potato chip producer Jackson’s, which cooks its chips in premium oils, is adding Spicy Jalapeño Sweet Potato Chips with Avocado Oil to its range, the third new product of the year. They will be available nationwide at select retailers and online for an SRP of $1.29 for a 1oz bag $4.49 for the 5oz option. The entire range uses heirloom, non-GMO sweet potatoes and the products are free from artificial flavors and ingredients, and contain none of the top nine allergens, making them suitable for most diets.

ZENB is a plant-based food company that debuted in the US four years ago. It’s based in Chicago and says it embraces the Japanese concept of whole, or zenbu, wasting nothing. Its latest innovation is Cracker Crisps, made from 100% yellow peas, olive oil and seasonings. There are three initial flavors: Everything n’ Dill, Salt n’ More and Rosemary n’ Chia. ZENB’s Cracker Crisps contain 5g of protein and 3g of fiber in each 27-cracker serving, and they are grain-free, gluten-free and available on ZENB.com. The company’s other products, like ZENB Pasta, can be found at Sprouts Farmers Market, Central Market in Texas, Green Acres Market stores throughout Oklahoma and Chicagoland Jewel-Osco stores. 

Using flavors that evoke popular children’s cereals from years gone by, Magic Spoon launched cereals that contain high levels of protein but are low in carbs and have no sugar. It has over the last few years launched 26 cereal flavors and is now focusing on cereal bars as extensions to them. Magic Spoon Treats initially come in two flavors, marshmallow and chocolate peanut butter. The company has to date secured over $100 million in funding and has welcomed over one million customers on its direct-to-consumer site. It also sells its cereals in Target, Walmart, Kroger and Albertsons, among outlets. Experimentation with bars started last year, consulting with customers and using data from its cereal sales. The company hopes to replicate the success Rice Krispies had with its Treats extension in the 1990s. 

The Jewish Voice and Opinion highlighted two snack brands: Pan’s Jerky, mushroom-based jerky snacks, and Made In Nature and its fruit-based snacks. Pan’s jerky used shiitake mushrooms to mimic meat alternatives and umami flavor. It comes in six flavors: Original, Zesty Thai, Applewood BBQ, Salt & Pepper, Teriyaki and Curry. Original contains 110 calories, 35 percent of Vitamin D, 18 percent of daily fiber and 5g of added sugar in a 2.2oz. bag. The brand appeared on Shark Tank in 2020, securing a partnership with Mark Cuban. Pan’s Mushroom Jerky is produced in Portland, Oregon, and can be found in more than 3,500 US stores or purchased online in singles and bundles. Made In Nature’s snacks include dried mango, Smyrna figs, cranberries and coconut, among others. Its Figgy Pops are fruit bites with a textured surface around a fruit paste. Banana-rama, for example, has a ball of figs, dates, and banana and a crunch provided by quinoa, walnut and peanut. 

British consumers appear to be embracing the insect snacking trend, with students particularly interested in the high protein, gluten-free snacks. Brands include Saved, which sells savoury cricket puffs using house crickets, freeze-dried and then powdered. They are '70% protein and the rest is good fats', according the founder who suggests bugs could be important for milk, meat and protein alternatives. Saved offers the puffs in flavors such as sour cream and onion, smoked paprika and Mediterranean herbs.