Conagra Unveils Future of Snacking 2025 Report
The inaugural report highlights five key trends, from bold global flavors to better-for-you options and co-branded collaborations, shaping the $149B US snacking market.
IMAGE COURTESY OF: Conagra Brands Inc.
Conagra Brands, Inc., a maker of iconic snacks including Slim Jim meat snacks, Orville Redenbacher's popcorn, DAVID Seeds, Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP popcorn, and Snack Pack desserts, released its inaugural Future of Snacking 2025 report. Leveraging Conagra's cutting edge demand science and insights expertise, in partnership with Circana LLC, the report provides a data-driven look at the $148.6 billion US snacking market and the evolving trends shaping consumer behavior.1
The report identifies five key trends that are shaping snacking behaviors and influencing how consumers navigate an increasingly diverse snack landscape. While focused on the US market, the report also covers relevant global snacking trends and behaviors.
"We've seen a transformation in consumer snacking habits in recent years. Snacking has evolved from a simple between-meal habit into a lifestyle, and winning in this space means delivering the right food at the right time," said Bob Nolan, senior vice president of demand science at Conagra Brands. "Today's consumers want bold flavors, better-for-you options, and choices that bring both taste and purpose. Our Future of Snacking report shows emerging trends and how Conagra is helping shape that future."
2025 Emerging Trends
1. Flavor Explosion: Classic favorites like sea salt, BBQ, and nacho cheese remain top sellers, but bold newcomers—sriracha, garlic parmesan, and hot honey—are driving rapid growth.2 Social media-fueled trends, including pickle-flavored-everything, are influencing both retail and foodservice menus, signaling consumer demand for adventurous taste experiences.
2. Snacking Without Borders: Globally inspired snacks are booming, with retail sales hitting $5.7 billion and 22% volume growth over the past three years.3 Younger consumers are driving interest in flavors like gochujang, sweet chili, and mango habanero, reflecting a shift toward multicultural taste exploration.4
3. Better-for-You Snacking: Protein-forward, portion-controlled, and nutrient-dense snacks are on the rise—especially among Gen Z and Millennials.5 Subcategories like meat sticks, nuts, seeds, and probiotic-enhanced snacks are outpacing total category growth, and "grass-fed" and "gut health" claims are resonating with wellness-focused shoppers.678
4. Co-Branded Bites: Strategic partnerships with restaurant, retail, and entertainment brands are fueling growth, with co-branded snacks generating nearly $2.1 billion in combined annual sales.9 Flavorful collaborations with fan-favorite sauces, candy brands, and more are bringing instant recognition and craveable appeal to the snack aisle.
5. Snacks on the Go: Convenience in snacking isn't just about grab-and-go packaging anymore, it's about being everywhere consumers are. In fact, Convenience is driving consumption, with away-from-home snack occasions projected to grow 39% by 2027.10 From bulk-buys online, to snack-sized treats at store checkouts, snacks are winning by showing up in more places, more often, in the right format for every occasion.
Citations:
Circana, LLC, Total US - MULO+ with Conv, Total Snacking Universe, Dollar Sales, 52 WE Mar 23, 2025
Circana, LLC, Total US - MULO+ with Conv, Multi-Attribute Flavor/Form Sizing, US, Savory Flavor Profiles, Dollar Sales and Volume Sales % Change v. YA, 52 WE Apr 20, 2025
Circana, LLC, Total US – MULO+ with Conv, Total Global Snacking, Dollar Sales and Sum of Vol v. 3YA, 52 WE May 25, 2025
Circana, LLC, Total US – All Outlets, Global Snacks by Generation, Dollar Index, 52 WE May 18, 2025
Circana, LLC, Total US – MULO+, Future of Snacking Universe, Health and Wellness Claims by Generation, Dollar Index to Total Snacking Spend, 52 WE June 15, 2025
Circana, LLC, Total US – MULO+, Total Future of Snacking Universe v. Better For You Subcategory, Volume Sales % Change v. 3YA, 52 WE May 25, 2025
Circana, LLC, Total US – MULO+ with Conv and Label Insights, Dried Meat Snacks, 100% Grass-Fed, Volume Growth v. YA, YE Apr 20, 2025
Circana, LLC, Total US – MULO+ with Conv and Label Insights, Total Bars & Other Snacks, Contains Probiotics, Volume Growth v. YA, YE Apr 20, 2025
Circana, LLC, Total US - MULO+ with Conv, US, Total Restaurant Co-Branded Licensing in Snacks, Total Media Co-Branded Licensing in Snacks, Total Retail Brand Co-Branded Licensing in Snacks, Dollar Sales, 52 WE Apr 20, 2025
Circana, LLC, SnackTrack®, Snack Foods Eaten Away From Home, Annual Eatings Per Capita % Growth, 2020 v. F2027
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