Snack Factory introduces Pop’ums, a baked snack combining the crunch of pretzels with the lightness of popcorn. Launching nationwide in January 2025, Pop’ums will be available in three flavors: White Cheddar, Golden Mustard BBQ and Sea Salt. They are designed to meet growing demand for unique textures and premium salty snacks. The resealable bags make them convenient for home or on-the-go snacking. This marks Snack Factory’s latest innovation since Pretzel Crisps debuted in 2004. They are priced at $5.49 for a 9-ounce bag.

Quinn introduces PB&J Berry Pretzel Nuggets, inspired by founder Kristy Lewis’s favorite childhood sandwich. They are gluten-free, non-GMO and vegan-friendly containing no corn, soy, wheat or dairy. Filled with dried strawberry and raspberry, the nuggets offer a bold peanut butter and jelly flavor made with real ingredients. They will launch nationally at Sprouts in December and online at Thrive Market in January, with additional retailers to follow. 

Tiger Brands, South Africa’s largest food company, plans to sell its maize and sorghum cereal lines, including the Ace and King Korn brands, as part of moves to reduce by a fifth the number of SKUs and focus on profitable core categories. The sale is expected to conclude by mid-2025. Tiger Brands faces challenges such as inflation, poverty and national power outages, impacting domestic volumes. Despite these hurdles, the company reported slight revenue growth to R37.7 billion in 2024, with net income up 4 percent. 

Zydus Wellness acquired Naturell India for ₹3.9 billion (approximately $46 million), expanding its footprint in the country’s healthy snacks market. Naturell, founded in 2003, is known for its Ritebite Max Protein nutrition bars, cookies, crisps and high-fiber snacks. This deal aligns with Zydus Wellness’s strategy to address health-conscious consumer needs and broaden its wellness portfolio. Zydus Wellness, part of Zydus Group, is known for brands like Sugar Free, Glucon-D and Nutralite and continues to invest in health-oriented products.

Health-focused food brand WickedGud, backed by Shilpa Shetty and popularized on Shark Tank India, raised ₹20 crore in a funding round led by Orios Venture Partners. Founded by Bhuman Dani in 2021, the brand offers healthier alternatives to traditional noodles, pastas and chips, free from maida, palm oil and harmful chemicals. Funds will support distribution expansion, product development and marketing efforts. WickedGud has grown 5-fold in two years, with products available online and in over 2,000 retail outlets, including major stores like Reliance SMART Bazaar and DMart. 

Reducing sodium in snacks and cereals remains a key focus for producers like Ajinomoto as consumers seek healthier options. Salt enhances flavor, texture and preservation properties, making sodium reduction challenging without sacrificing product quality. Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition offers solutions, using advanced techniques and flavor enhancers like MSG, which has one-third the sodium of table salt and adds umami depth. Methods like topical applications, wet sprays and slurry ensure flavor integrity across various snacks. Innovations like Ajinomoto’s Salt Answer™ S enhance flavor perception while meeting health-conscious demands. Collaboration with flavor experts enables brands to balance bold taste and lower sodium.

One Rock Capital Partners completed its acquisition of Europe Snacks, a European manufacturer of private-label savory snacks, producing chips, crackers, popcorn and other snacks for retailers. It operates nine facilities in France, the UK and Spain. One Rock plans to help build on the company’s strengths in innovation, service and value and the acquisition aligns with One Rock’s strategy to expand its portfolio in the food and beverage sector. 

Tesco is preparing to launch “Gut Sense,” a new own-label range focused on gut health, expected in 2025. Trademark applications suggest the range will include probiotic supplements, kefir, cereal bars, nuts and vitamin-infused beverages. Recent moves by Tesco highlight its move toward to gut health, including adding high-fiber products like The Gut Stuff bars and Bio&Me mueslis to its shelves. The global gut health market, valued at $51.6 billion in 2023, is growing rapidly, with one source projecting sales could reach $68.2 billion by 2030. Tesco joins other retailers like M&S and Waitrose in tapping into consumer interest in gut health. Marks & Spencer collaborated with Zoe to launch Gut Shot drinks and Waitrose introduced dedicated gut health signage for yogurt and health drinks. 

Indian mothers are driving demand for “better-for-you” snacks, prioritizing health without compromising on taste. These brands replace ingredients like refined flour and palm oil with healthier alternatives such as millet and groundnut oil. While BFY snacks target health-conscious urban consumers, challenges like short shelf life and competition from established food giants persist. Companies are leveraging quick commerce to expand reach and gain traction. Experts note that balancing affordability, quality and nutrition is key for these brands to scale and appeal to a broader audience. The sector is expected to mature over the next decade, reshaping India’s snacking habits.

UK-based Surya Foods acquired a major stake in Karma Bites, a health-focused brand producing popped lotus seed snacks, leveraging the growing credentials of lotus seeds as a superfood. These nutrient-rich, vegan and gluten-free snacks are available in flavors like Himalayan pink salt and Wasabi. Karma Bites founder Ashwin Ahuja aims to expand production, distribution and product offerings globally with Surya Foods' support. The acquisition aligns with Surya Foods' strategy to grow its healthier snack portfolio and mainstream appeal. The company plans significant expansion at its Harwich site, including a new distribution center and more jobs in the next three years.

London-based Human Nature Snacks is among the first brands to adopt the Plant-Based Trademark, a certification from the Vegetarian Society ensuring products contain 100% plant-based ingredients. The brand’s Hot Jalapeno and Lime Lentil Sticks, an award-winning snack, highlight their focus on nutritious, plant-based options. Founder Bobby Patel emphasizes the importance of promoting plant-based diets, noting the term’s broad appeal and association with health benefits. The Plant-Based Trademark, introduced at the 2024 Plant Based Expo, provides third-party certification to help consumers make informed choices. 

From October 2025, ads for unhealthy food will be banned in the UK from TV before the 9pm watershed and restricted online, to reduce childhood obesity by removing 7.2 billion calories annually from children’s diets and preventing 20,000 obesity cases. The Government published guidance on which food and drink products fall under the ban, allowing businesses time to prepare. Health Secretary Wes Streeting believes reducing exposure to junk food ads will help shift healthcare focus toward prevention. The Obesity Health Alliance welcomed the move. 

Cereal Partners France, part of Nestlé and General Mills’ global venture, is reviewing plans for its Itancourt factory following a period of prolonged decline in Europe’s breakfast cereal market. Shifting consumer preferences toward muesli and granola reduced demand for “wellness” cereals, causing production at the site to drop to 40 percent of capacity. The review, concluding in March, will explore options including finding an industrial partner or buyer for the facility. Around 85 percent of the plant’s output is exported across Europe. Cereal Partners France says “wellness” cereals now account for around 11 percent of breakfast cereal sales in Europe, down from 19 percent in 20916.

Ahmedabad-based startup Nurasoi’s brand Vyndo launched Knots, a healthier snack made with jowar and chickpeas. Available in six flavors, including Mystic Masala and Cheerful Cheese, Knots are extruded, portion-controlled snacks priced at ₹10 per pack. Designed to offer a nutritious alternative to oil-laden snacks, they provide fiber, protein and energy, especially for children. Available in Gujarat, Mumbai, Canada and online, Vyndo aims to expand its reach. Knots embodies the brand’s mission to make healthy snacking affordable and enjoyable for everyone.

Snacking is evolving as consumers seek low-sugar and allergen-free options. Demand for healthier snacks is growing rapidly, with the allergen-free market projected to see 7.4 percent annual growth through 2024 and reduced sugar products seeing similar growth. Parents, schools and health-conscious consumers drive this shift, prioritizing safety, taste and nutrition. Brands like MadeGood and Bobo’s succeed by creating gluten-free, nut-free and low-sugar snacks that mimic popular flavors. Advances in food tech ensure these products maintain taste and texture while aligning with dietary trends. Data-driven insights are helping brands stay competitive by identifying consumer preferences, optimizing supply chains and managing costs. Platforms like Keychain provide real-time market data to help brands develop innovative and affordable snacks.