A Year of Innovation in Salty Snacks and Fruit Mixes 2026
2026-04-22T00:01:17+00:00
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Report
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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
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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
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
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
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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