“Snack foods continue to evolve both as between-meal snacks and as part of main meals,” says David Portalatin, NPD food industry advisor. “Each of these snack food roles is changing in different ways in reaction to Americans’ desire for balance, portable snack foods, and holistic wellness.”

This past fall, we commissioned Morning Consult, a market research company, to conduct a survey of more than 2,200 people across our diverse country to better understand the food trends that are driving our day-to-day lives.

The three leading drivers of choice in snacks and confectionery remain flavor, cost and indulgence, with health considerations lower down the pecking order in this segment.

Consumer expectations and preferences for snacks have evolved to meet on-the-go lifestyles, health preferences and a hunger for new, bold flavors. Here, we look at two prevailing snack trends—flavor and function—that apply to potatoes, and how manufacturers can market and innovate snack foods to capture consumer cravings.

Flamin' Hot Nacho's taste experience starts with the original nacho cheese flavor fans know and love, followed by a kick of heat that continues to build.

The maker of Oreo cookies, belVita biscuits, and Triscuit crackers, has signed a long-term lease on a newly-constructed five-story office building at 905 West Fulton, in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant food district.

To compete with a host of other snack options on the market, Dietz & Watson, which will be celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2019, is focusing on the use of familiar whole food ingredients, a wide assortment of offerings, innovative flavors, and dynamic packaging that improves consumer interest and convenience.

Vivek Sankaran, who currently serves as president and chief operating officer of Frito-Lay North America, will now become its CEO, and Kirk Tanner, who currently serves as president and chief operating officer of North America Beverages, will become its CEO. 

The spreads can be used as a replacement butter, nut butter, cream cheese, dessert topping, or in smoothies and baked goods.

Simply Fresh Foods, headquartered in Buena Park, Calif., produces fresh, all-natural foods for fast-growing segments of the refrigerated products market across a wide range of channels.