Background Research Ethnic foods are increasing in popularity within the United States, as tastes diversify. Retail sales of ethnic foods from 2013 to 2018 increased by 1.5 billion dollars in the United States.[1] As well as an increase in sales of ethnic foods, Americans are snacking more than ever, with snacks comprising up to a quarter of their caloric intake.[2] As tastes change, markets have also adapted. Grocery stores now carry snacks from other countries, such as Takis and Pocky.[3] Seventy percent of Americans consider the quality of their grocer’s ethnic foods section as an important factor in choosing their primary grocery store.[1] Snack foods are looking to expand in new markets by offering more varieties in flavor as well, but there are still a lot of roadblocks to reaching consumers in the ethnic foods market. Many consumers report having dietary restrictions, with my survey reporting 61% of responders having dietary restrictions and 20% of Americans reporting a dietary restriction. [4][5]
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