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Insight of the Day: Cargill breaks down latest research on consumer snacking behaviors

Cargill's research identified several consumer segments in the snacking market, each with distinct preferences and motivations. Here are the key segments:

  1. Health-Conscious Snackers: These consumers prioritize snacks that are nutritious, low in sugar, and made with natural ingredients. They are motivated by the desire to maintain a healthy lifestyle and make informed food choices.

  2. Convenience Seekers: This segment values convenience and time-saving options. They prefer snacks that are easy to consume on-the-go and fit into their busy lifestyles.

  3. Indulgent Snackers: These consumers seek snacks that provide a sense of indulgence and comfort. They are motivated by taste and the desire to treat themselves.

  4. Sustainable Snackers: This segment is concerned with the environmental impact of their food choices. They prefer snacks that are produced sustainably and have a minimal environmental footprint.

  5. Functional Snackers: These consumers look for snacks that offer additional health benefits, such as added protein, vitamins, or other functional ingredients.

  6. Hybrid Lifestyle Consumers: This segment includes individuals who balance their time between home and work. They seek snacks that are both convenient and nutritious to fit their hybrid lifestyles.

These segments highlight the diverse motivations and preferences of snack consumers, allowing brands to tailor their strategies to meet the specific needs of each group

Why It Is Trending

Cargill's research on consumer snacking behaviors is trending due to the increasing importance of understanding consumer preferences in the rapidly evolving snacking market. The insights provided by Cargill help brands adapt their strategies to meet the changing needs of consumers.

Overview

Cargill's research presentation at the Natural Products Expo West (NPEW) 2025 highlighted the different types of consumers in the snacking market and their purchasing motivations. The research focused on how Cargill is adapting its strategies to cater to these diverse consumer segments.

Detailed Findings

  • Consumer Segments: The research identified various consumer segments based on their snacking preferences and motivations.

  • Purchasing Motivations: The study explored the reasons behind consumers' snacking choices, such as health, convenience, and indulgence.

  • Trends: The research highlighted key trends in the snacking market, including the demand for healthier and more sustainable snack options.

Key Takeaway

The key takeaway from Cargill's research is the importance of understanding the diverse motivations and preferences of snack consumers to effectively cater to their needs.

Main Trend

Health-Conscious Snacking: Consumers are increasingly seeking healthier snack options that align with their dietary preferences and lifestyle choices.

Description of the Trend

Health-conscious snacking involves choosing snacks that are nutritious, low in sugar, and made with natural ingredients. This trend is driven by consumers' growing awareness of the impact of their food choices on their health and well-being.

Consumer Motivation

Consumers are motivated by the desire to maintain a healthy lifestyle, improve their overall well-being, and make informed food choices.

What Is Driving the Trend

The trend is driven by factors such as increased health awareness, the influence of social media, and the availability of healthier snack options.

Motivation Beyond the Trend

Beyond the trend, consumers are motivated by the desire for convenience, taste, and the ability to indulge in guilt-free snacking.

Description of Consumers

  • Age: The research indicates that health-conscious snacking is popular among consumers of all ages, but particularly among millennials and Gen Z.

  • Gender: Both men and women are equally interested in healthier snack options.

  • Income: Consumers with higher disposable incomes are more likely to invest in premium, healthier snacks.

  • Lifestyle: Health-conscious consumers lead active lifestyles and prioritize their well-being.

Conclusions

Cargill's research underscores the importance of understanding consumer preferences and motivations to effectively cater to the evolving snacking market.

Implications for Brands

Brands need to innovate and offer healthier, sustainable, and convenient snack options to meet the demands of health-conscious consumers.

Implications for Society

The trend towards healthier snacking can lead to improved public health outcomes and a greater emphasis on sustainable food production.

Implications for Consumers

Consumers benefit from having access to a wider variety of healthier snack options that align with their dietary preferences and lifestyle choices.

Implications for the Future

The future of snacking will likely see continued growth in the demand for healthier, sustainable, and convenient snack options.

Consumer Trend

Health-Conscious Snacking: Consumers are increasingly seeking snacks that are nutritious, low in sugar, and made with natural ingredients.

Consumer Sub Trend

Sustainable Snacking: Consumers are also looking for snacks that are produced sustainably and have a minimal environmental impact.

Big Social Trend

Wellness Movement: The broader wellness movement is driving consumers to make healthier food choices and prioritize their well-being.

Worldwide Social Trend

Global Health Awareness: There is a growing global awareness of the importance of health and nutrition, influencing consumers' snacking choices.

Social Drive

Influence of Social Media: Social media platforms play a significant role in shaping consumers' perceptions of health and wellness, driving the demand for healthier snacks.

Learnings for Brands to Use in 2025

Brands should focus on innovation, sustainability, and transparency to meet the evolving needs of health-conscious consumers.

Strategy Recommendations for Brands to Follow in 2025

  • Innovate: Develop new and exciting snack options that cater to health-conscious consumers.

  • Sustainability: Prioritize sustainable sourcing and production practices.

  • Transparency: Be transparent about ingredients and nutritional information to build trust with consumers.

Final Sentence

The main trend from Cargill's research is the growing demand for health-conscious snacking, driven by consumers' desire for nutritious, sustainable, and convenient snack options.

Final Note

  • Core Trend: Health-Conscious Snacking - Consumers are increasingly seeking snacks that are nutritious, low in sugar, and made with natural ingredients.

  • Core Strategy: Innovate, prioritize sustainability, and be transparent about ingredients and nutritional information.

  • Core Industry Trend: The snacking market is evolving to meet the demands of health-conscious consumers.

  • Core Consumer Motivation: Consumers are motivated by the desire to maintain a healthy lifestyle and make informed food choices.

  • Final Conclusion: Brands that focus on innovation, sustainability, and transparency will be well-positioned to succeed in the evolving snacking market.

  • Core Trend Detailed: Health-conscious snacking involves choosing snacks that are nutritious, low in sugar, and made with natural ingredients. This trend is driven by consumers' growing awareness of the impact of their food choices on their health and well-being.

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