In her 2024 State of Snacking review, Sally Lyons Wyatt of Circana revealed that consumer preferences are shifting, thanks to ongoing inflation and economic pressures. As shoppers dictate the trends, understanding their current desires is crucial – and convenience is leading the way.
Here are a handful of NPDs that deliver on convenience.
Stellar Snacks
The women-owned company has debuted its first grain-free pretzel crafted with superfood ingredients.
The Stellar Pretzel Thins marks a monumental launch for the Nevada-based vegan + peanut-free pretzel company as the brand becomes even more inclusive to the everyday consumer, especially those with gluten allergies and health-restrictions. The Thins collection is also Heart-Check certified by the American Heart Association.
The three dippable variants are inspired by the French Riviera – Bruschetta, Truffle Pesto and Sea Salt – and made with superfood ingredients like cassava, chickpea flour, hemp, pea protein and mushroom. They are baked with avocado oil, making them an excellent source for fiber, vitamin D and omega-3.
“After years of meticulous development, we’re thrilled to introduce Stellar Pretzel Thins – our gluten-free, superfood-packed snack that redefines what a pretzel can be,” said founder Elisabeth Galvin.
“We didn’t rush a single step because our mission was clear: create a gluten-free option that doesn’t just compete with, but outshines, competitors’ wheat-based snacks. Earning American Heart Association approval as a heart-healthy snack is the realization of our long-held dream, and we’re proud to set a new standard with a product that nourishes as much as it delights.”
Stellar Pretzel Thins are available at select grocery stores throughout the US, as well as online, for an RRP of $5.99 for a 7.2oz bag.
Magnolia Bakery
The US bakery-café chain is making back-to-school season even sweeter with a new addition to its world-famous Banana Pudding-turned-cookie line: Oatmeal Raisin.
Packed with chewy oats, cinnamon and sweet raisins, the soft-baked cookie is a twist on the classic oatmeal raisin favorite. Each cookie is also made with real butter and bananas.
Designed for school lunchboxes – and other occasions when a pick-me-up treat is needed – the cookies are individually wrapped in a convenient multipack (four cookies) and ready to go whenever you are.
The Oatmeal Raisin cookies are available online – including Wakefern, DoorDash (including Dashmart), Gelson’s and Amazon – for an RRP of $7.99 per multipack.
Bridor
The French bakery manufacturer has released the Bun ‘n’ Roll.
An 85g spiral-shaped bun made from Bridor’s croissant dough, the Bun ‘n’ Roll can be used as a base for dozens of different recipes, including sweet and savory dishes.
The launch capitalizes on current trends in both sweet pastries and burgers and allows foodservice providers to meet consumer demands.
Burgers are more popular than ever and consumers are increasingly interested in the choice of bread that is available. Bridor research found that 75% of European consumers like to try original burger recipes and using the unique flavor, texture and appearance of the Bun ‘n’ Roll will entice customers looking to try something new.
Additionally, the Bun ‘n’ Roll can be baked between two trays to create a ‘New York Roll’, an ontrend, flat, circular croissant that is often embellished with a sweet filling and decorated. These pastries are visually appealing and are instantly recognisable and desirable across the globe.
The Bun ‘n’ Roll come ready-to-bake and are available to foodservice providers in boxes of 50.
Entenmann’s
As the weather turns, get ready to embrace the cozy vibes of fall with the return of the Grupo Bimbo-owned brand’s favorite pumpkin treats.
The limited edition Little Bites Pumpkin Muffins are made with real pumpkin and are perfectly portioned for any outdoor adventure or as a quick snack snack break.
But that's not all. Entenmann's is also bringing back an array of pumpkin goodies to satisfy any autumn craving, including an Iced Pumpkin Cake, Pumpkin Donuts, Pumpkin Loaf Cake and Pumpkin Pop’Ems – all punching in with an extra dash of pumpkin-spiced delight.
Available from selected retailers across the US until the end of October, or while stocks last.
Del Monte Foods
The California food company has introduced its latest innovation – Bubble Fruit Gel – a one-of-a-kind snacking experience featuring real fruit, popping boba and gel.
Available in flavors like Apple Watermelon, Peach Strawberry and Tropical Pineapple, Bubble Fruit Gel is smooth and surprising, with each pop of boba delivering a burst of flavor. Each cup also provides an excellent source of vitamin C.
“We’re excited to introduce Del Monte Bubble Fruit Gel, a snack that goes beyond boba to deliver a trifecta texture experience for snackers, combining real fruit with the exciting pop of boba and flavorful gel,” said senior business manager Gareth Hollis.
“This product is an evolution of Del Monte's Bubble Fruit, taking fun-filled snacking even further for our consumers with the addition of gel
To celebrate the launch, Del Monte partnered with content creator and author Steffy Degreff for a limited time merchandise drop. Degreff's expertise in seasonal decorating played a pivotal role in providing creative direction for curating merchandise to complement Bubble Fruit Gel.
“The collaboration with Steffy perfectly captures the playful spirit of the new product,” said Hollis.
Added Degreff, “I had so much fun collaborating on the colorful, lively pattern for this limited time merch drop, inspired by the playful essence of the product and the ontrend aesthetic of fruit-inspired apparel.
Fans can enter online (open until September 13) for a chance to win the limited time merchandise featuring three varieties of Del Monte Bubble Fruit Gel, a unisex crew neck sweatshirt, canvas tote, handkerchief, spiral notebook and set of 4 snacking spoons, all designed by Degreff.
Bubble Fruit Gel is also available at major retailers across the US, including Target, Kroger, Walmart and Safeway.
Popcorn Kitchen
The UK popcorn producer has created the perfect fan snack for obsessive footy fans.
The third incarnation of Popcorn Kitchen’s legendary Pop at Home kits hones in on the beautiful game. The kit brings together gourmet mushroom popping corn, Belgian milk chocolate buttons and edible footballs.
The Pop at Home football kit gives the whole family the opportunity to get involved in assembling bowls of fresh popcorn topped with chocolate. And if football enthusiasts are going to keep the less-obsessed family members on side, serving up snacks of a more premiership disposition should be on the cards.
‘It was last year that we launched our Take Home Popping Kits, having listened to customers who wanted a more immersive Popcorn Kitchen experience that enabled parents and children to join forces when concocting their favourite stay-in treat,” said cofounder Louise Monk.
“With the success of seasonal specials that harnessed the feelgood of Halloween and Christmas, it made sense that our next offering would tackle the Beautiful Game.’
Available for an RRP of 13.99 (440g), which creates 14 generous portions.
Birley Bakery
When it comes to convenience, one UK bakery is making sure that dogs are well catered for, too.
Dogs have always been welcomed at the London-based concern and following its opening just two doors down from the bakery, the Birley Chocolate shop has developed a special ice cream for dogs.
Made with yogurt, peanut butter and banana in bite-sized bone and paw shapes, it’s the ultimate treat for dogs.
The ice cream is available to enjoy on-the-go through the ice cream hatch or on site at the shop, where artist Lizzi Porter has hand painted the whimsical world of Birley. Nestled among depictions of cocao plants and birds can be found paintings of our four legged friends.