The Hunger for Healthy Snacks

THE HUNGER FOR

HEALTHY SNACKS

The healthy snack and ready-to-eat foods sector is expected to see substantial global growth as more and more consumers look to these healthier yet convenient food options. The COVID-19 virus has been ‘thanked’ for the increase in demand in healthy snacks, as consumers seek out better alternatives, together with shoppers practicing caution and shopping online and in bulk during the virus-related lockdowns.

Why do we snack? Whilst our main meals are usually eaten out of hunger or household routine, snacks are eaten for a variety of reasons. This can include those seeking comfort, inclusion, stress-management and low-mood, as a reward, convenience or a simple energy lift. Sometimes, it’s as simple as the habit of snacking in certain social settings and occasions.

The literal action of chewing or mastication can help with anxiety and mood, along with many other mental health issues. Why? Chewing activates the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal axis (or HPA) which is complex neuroendocrine mechanism to help balance the effects of stressors, by regulating physiological processes, such as metabolism, immune responses, and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Hence the invention of chewing gum, to reduce stress along with the perceived dental benefits.

Snacking may be a professional sport for fussy eaters like children, and in replacement of the traditional three meals per day, however for most, snacks are in integral ‘bridge’ in the diet between these main meals keeping our bodies at optimal performance levels.

Traditionally, snacks have been packed with salts, fats, sugars and synthetics to deliver endorphins or feel good hormones to our brain. Over indulgence on these traditional snacks, can be linked to a multitude of conditions including obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Hence the introduction of what is termed ‘solid’ snacks, deemed to be better for you.

Generally ‘solid’ snacks are lower in sodium, sugar and fats and enriched with nutrients and supplements for optimal health. They may also be high in protein and fibre to help promote energy levels during the day. Dietary restrictions as always are catered for with many brands offering gluten-free and keto/paleo options.

These snacks, marketed as helping the consumer to eat well, can also fulfil the ‘guilt-free’ healthy indulgence mindset. The more the consumer feels good about their choices, the more they will test out other categories within the health snacks market.

The best news? The Asia-Pacific region boasts the strongest growing market in healthy snacks, attributed to two reasons, the expansion of technology in food handling within the region and most importantly, the evolving consumer food choices pointing to natural and healthier options. In fact, this region represented 56% of the market growth in 2019, overshadowing the US market at only 25%.

Savoury Snacks Set to dominate the healthier snacks category, savoury snacks of chips, popcorn, crackers, nut mixes. The use of intense and spicy flavours is on the rise too, to satiate to the growing global palate.

Sugar-free Snacks It is expected that the claim of ‘sugarfree’ will be grow exponentially within this trend as consumers seek out ‘guiltfree’ options for their home comfort snacking and socialising.

The Market With the cost for healthy snacks a major hurdle, healthy snacking brands need to ensure they position their offerings well. As a result, retails stores and websites alike, are tipped to adapt their strategies to maximise this growth.

With retail store limitations in lockdown areas, customers tend to seek out information online, so harnessing the ‘natural mindset’ of the customer is key. They want healthier, they want to be justified in their purchase at that price, so sell them the pros by highlighting the emotional and lifestyle benefits.

Likewise, suppliers and manufacturers will need to ensure production capability and machinery to facilitate this growing sector of quick-seal packaging, as bricks & mortar stores and websites need to reposition this category to the fore to embrace the ‘convenience’ customer.

By Lindsay Spencer

The healthy snacks market to grow to $108b USD by 2027. Here are some of our favourite snacking options:

Nature First Lentil & Chickpea Chip Varieties See pg. 83 Lotus Banana Chips & Popcorn Kernels See pg. 68 & 74

I Am Grounded Coffee Fruit Natural Energy Bars See pg. 28 & 110 Googys Good Egg Protein Bars & Good Fat Collagen Bars See pg. 100 Alg Seaweed Seedy Bites See pg. 92

Salt and Vinegar Popcorn

Makes 6-8

Ingredients:

• ½ cup Lotus Organic Popcorn Kernels • 1 tbsp Global Organics Olive Oil • 2 ½ tbsp Nature First Apple Cider Vinegar • Sprinkle of Lotus Fine Celtic Salt

Method:

Add 1 tbsp oil to a large saucepan (make sure it has a lid or you could be in trouble!). Add 3 corn kernels, cover and place over medium-high heat. When the three kernels pop, add the remaining ½ cup kernels (this lets you know that the oil is hot enough). Cover the pot and swirl to coat the kernels with oil. Shake the pan constantly to ensure all the corn pops and it doesn’t burn. Continue cooking until the popping slows to less than one pop in 4 seconds. Remove from the heat.

Topping:

Add ingredients while popcorn is still hot and stir to combine.

Tofu Fingers

Serves 1-2

Ingredients:

• 1 block of organic tofu • 1 tbsp Global Organics Tamari • 2 tbsp Lotus Savoury Yeast Flakes • Gourmet Organic Herbs Chilli Flakes • Gourmet Organic Herbs Smoked Paprika • ½ cup Lotus Organic Rolled Millet Flakes • Salad leaves, cherry tomatoes, cucumber • Global Organics Egg Free Mayonnaise • Olive Oil – for frying • Pinch Gourmet Organic Herb Ground Pepper • Pinch Gourmet Organic Herb Ground Nutmeg • Pinch Lotus Fine Sea Salt

Method:

Slice tofu into strips, toss with tamari, seasonings and savoury yeast flakes. Coat in millet flakes and pan fry in batches until golden and cooked through. Pack for lunch with veggies or salad and mayo to dip.

Blueberry Crumble Slice

Makes 8-12

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Lotus Organic Quick Oats • 1 cup nuts or seeds of choice • ½ cup dried fruit • ½ cup Lotus Organic Brown Rice Syrup • ½ cup Global Organics Coconut Oil • 1 cup blueberries • 2 tbsp Lotus White Chia Seeds • 2 tbsp Lotus Organic Brown Rice Syrup

Method:

Combine ½ cup each of the brown rice syrup and coconut oil in a small pan until warm. Add oats, nuts or seeds and dried fruit. Press into a small tin or dish and refrigerate. Mash the blueberries with the chia seeds and add an extra 2 tablespoons of syrup. Pour over the slice and leave it to set. Cut into snack size pieces and enjoy.

Goji Slice

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

• 100g Lotus Choc Bits • ½ cup Lotus Organic Puffed Quinoa • ½ cup Lotus Organic Goji Berries • ½ cup pistachios chopped • Pinch of Lotus Fine Himalayan Salt

Method:

Melt the chocolate and mix in the puffed quinoa, pistachios and goji berries. Pour into a lined baking dish and leave to set in the refrigerator. Cut into squares and enjoy.