2026
10
A Year of Innovation in Salty Snacks and Fruit Mixes 2026
2026-04-22T00:01:17+00:00
REP4D969887_E5B6_46FB_9698_87E5B616FB63
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Report
en_GB
Brands are innovating with exciting new flavours, while demand for healthier options is inspiring innovations featuring high protein and clean ingredients. Amrin Walji, Senior Innovation Analyst…
Global
Snacks
simple

A Year of Innovation in Salty Snacks and Fruit Mixes 2026

"Brands are innovating with exciting new flavours, while demand for healthier options is inspiring innovations featuring high protein and clean ingredients."

Amrin Walji, Senior Innovation Analyst

Amrin Walji, Senior Innovation Analyst

Collapse All
    • What we have seen
    • Our pick of the most innovative launches in this review
    • Other innovative launches
    • Global spotlight: Asia Pacific dominates salty snack launches
    • Graph 1: salty snack launches, by region, 2021-26
  1. EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA (EMEA)

    • Europe: flavour innovation in salty snacks
    • Consumers use new snack flavours to start conversations with friends
    • Traditional flavour profiles dominate snack innovation in Europe
    • Graph 2: salty snacks launches, by top 10 flavours (including blend), 2024-26
    • Quirky flavours make snacks more exciting
    • Brands are also dialling up the intensity of classic flavours
    • Europe: brands innovate in fruit snacks to reignite excitement
    • Fruit snacks are often an overlooked snack choice
    • Fruit snacks can appeal with no added sugar, high fibre and natural qualities
    • Graph 3: fruit snack launches, by select claims, 2021-26
    • Brands are innovating around flavour, format and texture in fruit snacks to engage consumers
    • The Middle East & Africa (MEA)
    • Brands are using texture to create a more-sensory snacking experience
  2. ASIA PACIFIC (APAC)

    • Asia: limited editions keep snacking exciting
    • Limited edition snacks appeal to consumers seeking novel flavours
    • Limited edition launches see modest growth in Asia
    • Snack brands use limited edition to push the boundaries of flavour innovation
    • Asia: brands are tapping into consumer interest in better-for-you meat snacks
    • Chinese consumers seek natural, nutritious and convenient meat snacks
    • Meat snacks promote high protein claims to convey a better-for-you image
    • Graph 4: meat snack launches, by high/added protein claims, 2021-26
    • Meat snacks highlight high protein content, simple and nutritious recipes
    • Brand renovation/innovation: meat snacks appeal to parents through nutritional value and texture
    • Australia & New Zealand
    • Co-branded snacks allow brands to explore new flavours and formats
  3. THE AMERICAS

    • North America: clean label claims are increasing among salty snack launches
    • Clean label demand makes waves in salty snacks
    • Natural claims are increasing in salty snacks and fruit mix launches in North America
    • Graph 5: salty snack launches, by select natural claims, 2024-26
    • Snack brands promote cleaner recipes
    • Frito-Lay's new NKD line features the same crunch but cleaner ingredients
    • North America: brands highlight use of oil in salty snacks
    • Oil becomes an important health signal for consumers
    • Brands communicate type of oil used in salty snacks
    • Latin America
    • Consumers are seeking out high-protein snack options
    • Graph 6: salty snack launches, by high/added protein claims, 2021-26
    • Protein takes centre stage in salty snacks

Explore the latest innovation in salty snacks and fruit mixes with Mintel’s global innovation report. The report identifies the major launch activities, pivotal consumer attitudes and most important product development of the year across regions EMEA, APAC, and the Americas.

Key innovation trends in the snacking category are analysed and succinctly presented alongside Mintel’s consumer data and insights. So you can understand changing consumer demands and identify future growth opportunities.

This report also presents Mintel’s analysts’ pick of the most innovative launches in the global snacks market. Understanding innovation in salty snacks and fruit mixes has never been so easy.

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