US Salty Snacks Market Report 2022

This report provides comprehensive and current information and analysis of the US Snacks Industry including US snack foods market size, savory snacks market share, anticipated market forecast, relevant market segmentation, and industry trends for the salty snacks market in the US.

Current market landscape

The $23.7 billion savory snacks market size continues to grow, increasing 9% in 2021 and enjoying high household penetration of 91%. At-home snacking has been strong during the pandemic, and convenient, single-serve packages support easy, hygienic consumption beyond the home.

Salty snacks satisfy cravings and serve as treats between meals. This has supported brand extensions of familiar corn and cheese snacks; indulgent sweet and salty popcorn flavors; and spicy, international flavors. Still, the BFY eating trend is also a core driver, dovetailing with interest in more eco-friendly products and functional benefits.

Market share and key industry trends

• Millennials are key group driving growth and innovation
  Salty snacks enjoy high household penetration of 91%, reflecting the diversity of choice and high usage at home and on-the-go. Consumption is highest overall among Millennials as they age and lead households. Millennials are more likely to report increased usage relative to a year ago and to consume snacks in a widening array of sizes and formats.
• Pleasure, satisfaction and indulgence are key, but health not far behind
  A range of secondary factors are in play, and snacks that meet specific nutritional needs – energy, weight-loss and nutrients – can complement core drivers, support niche products or help target specific demographics.
• Opportunity is robust for functional, health-focused innovation
  Women and Millennials show very high interest in snacks with specific health benefits, making this a key tool for new products targeting these demographics, and increasing the organic savory snacks market share. These products are also helping drive organic savory snacks market revenue. Alternative salty snacks, such as vegetable puffs and snacks made with diverse grains, already enjoy high associations with healthful qualities such as being low calorie, low carb, low sodium and made with organic, non-GMO and natural ingredients.

Future market trends in the salty snacks market

In the short term, a significant threat to the market is the wider instability caused by the on-going pandemic, which creates wavering consumer confidence and supply chain issues. In the long term, opportunity is high for more diverse healthy salty snacks, especially those with health benefits, and more sustainably sourced ingredients. Consumers across generations are eager for health-focused innovation, creating opportunity for snacks integrating more functional ingredients such as healthy oils for the heart, probiotics for the gut and vitamins or antioxidants for immunity.

Read on to discover more about the US savory snacks market, read our US Cheese Market Report 2021, or take a look at our other Food Market research reports.

Quickly understand the savory snacks market

• The size, segmentation and key trends driving growth in the Salty Snacks market.
• Competitive strategies, as seen in successful products across. salty snack segments, and marketing opportunities, especially relative to core consumer groups.
• Salty snack consumption, attitudes/behaviors and innovation.
• Organic savory snacks market size.

Covered in this report

Brands include: Cheetos, Chester’s, Fritos, Smartfood, Jack Link’s, Hershey’s, LesserEvil, Snacklins, Safe and Fair, MadeGood, PepsiCo, Conagra, Jack Links, SkinnyPop, Campbell Soup Company, Hershey Company, Utz Brands, General Mills, Hain Celestial, Epic, Paleo Ranch, Chomps, Smartfood, LesserEvil, Maddy & Maie, PopCorners, Sabritas, Whole Foods, Kroger’s, Good Roots, Dare to be Different, Rhythm Organic, Snacklins, Harvest Snaps, Crunchsters, country Archer Provisions, It’s Jerky Y’all, 12 Tides, Eat the Change, LesserEvil, Liberated, Harvey’s, Paleo Ranch, Snak Club, Mitica, Wholesome Pantry, Sprouts Farmers Market, Dirt Kitchen.

This report does not cover potato and tortilla chips, except, as noted above, as part of multi-packs containing a variety of different products. For information on chips, please see Mintel’s Potato and Tortilla Chips – US, 2021.

Expert analysis from a specialist in the field

This report, written by Beth Bloom, a leading analyst in the Food and Drink sector, delivers in-depth commentary and analysis of the organic savory snacks market to highlight current trends in savory snacks market revenue, and add expert context to the numbers.

Snacking has remained strong in 2021. In pursuit of craveable, hunger-satiating treats, some turn to familiar tastes, while others, especially younger consumers, embrace innovation and spicy, international flavors. Interest in BFY options as well as more environmentally friendly products is driving innovation among fast-growing alternative salty snacks. While the pandemic continues to create uncertainty, long-term growth opportunities are strong, especially for more functional, sustainable snacks that can support holistic wellness.

Beth Bloom
Associate Director, US Food and Drink Reports