Making Better Snackfections

In recent years, snacking has made a name for itself as one of the dominant categories in the food and beverage space. With snack options that taste better, are better-for-you and are easier to take on the go, consumers express an increased interest in snacking the same or even more in the near future. As a global leader in supplying specialty vegetable fats and oils for confectionery products, AAK plays an essential role in delivering snack-forward solutions that consumers love.

Enhancing the Sweeter Side of Innovation

For many consumers, snacking isn’t just about satisfying hunger; it’s an impromptu way to celebrate life’s little victories. According to a recent survey, a whopping 86% of Americans believe that it’s perfectly acceptable to indulge in chocolate or candy as an occasional treat.¹ And 76% of snackers say they enjoy trying new and unique snacks.² These perspectives reflect how snacking on confectionery treats has seamlessly woven itself into our lives, becoming a delightful part of consumers’ routines.

The Irresistible Rise of the Confectionery Category

The numbers speak volumes about the growing demand for confectionery delights. In 2022, confectionery sales in the U.S. skyrocketed to $32.1 billion, marking an impressive 11.1% increase from the previous year.¹ This surge in sales underlines the unwavering demand for these treats and highlights their significance in the food and beverage industry.

On average, consumers are treating themselves to snacks 2.4x per week.¹ Additionally, an intriguing trend has emerged among bar buyers—a staggering 75% of them intend to maintain or even increase their snacking habits in the coming year.³ This showcases the enduring popularity of snackfections and suggests that these types of snacks are becoming an integral part of consumers’ daily lives.

Delightfully Functional Eating Experiences

With a broad range of confectionery fats, AAK can partner with you to develop one-of-a-kind confections based on your requirements to captivate consumers’ taste buds. One of our recent success stories showcases how our approach pairs innovation with indulgence:

Enrobed Nutrition Bar
Using our Co-Development process, we developed an emulsifier-free blend that retains all the functionalities of the original product. This achievement highlights our commitment to delivering treats that are not only delicious but also aligned with consumer preferences. The end product has remarkable attributes, including:

• Clean Label Appeal: the formulation avoids unrecognizable ingredient names
• Uncompromised Quality: the formulation matches the gloss, shelf life, integrity and sensory qualities of the original coating
• Confection Perfection: the resulting end product offers a functional option and a great sensory experience

 

The Sweet Path Toward Better

Confectionery has become more than just a food category—it’s an experience that consumers are eagerly wanting more of! And, as the world of snacking continues to evolve, confectionery treats remain a cherished indulgence. Savor sustainable confectionery success with AAK, a global leader in fats and oils. Our 100+ years of confectionery experience work for your brand, to solve current and future formulation challenges in your confectionery processes. Learn more about AAK’s confectionery solutions here.

Sources:
1 2023 State of Treating, NCA, PPT.
2 Kantar Profiles/Mintel, October 2021.
3 Snack, Nutrition and Performance Bars, U.S., 2023 Mintel.