Snack Packs Falling From Favour

While baked goods and confectionery manufacturers continue to introduce new 100-calorie snack packs or mini-versions of top-selling products, sales data shows that consumers are cooling to the trend

Sales Slowing Down

According to a Mintel report released in late May, consumers are more concerned with price, sustainability, taste and efficacy, turning them away from the snack packs. Market information provider International Resources, Inc. shows that for the 52 weeks ended April 19, sales of most of the mini snack varieties are down.

And while Datamonitor research shows that 190 products were launched in 2008 and 68 this year in the 100-calorie package category, the trend seems to be slowing.

Consumer Preference

Industry insiders say there are several reasons for the fall from favour with consumers. Concerned with price, more consumers are measuring their own “on the go” snacks from regular containers. Taste, as compared to the original product, is also an issue, as is concern with the wasteful extra packaging.

Many of the products were also designed as a weight control measure – something which research now shows just doesn’t work. The 100-calorie packs could be seen as “a license to overeat,” says Marcia Mogelonsky, a food analyst with Mintel.

Instead, consumers are catching on to products which emphasize satiety, and which are loaded with protein and fibre.