1. Conagra's report analyzes $148.6 billion U.S. snacking market trends. 2. Key trends include bold flavors and healthier snack options. 3. Convenience and multicultural flavors are driving market growth. 4. Strategic partnerships are enhancing snack products' market presence. 5. Consumer demand for diverse, quality snacks is rapidly evolving.
The report identifies strong market growth areas aligning with Conagra’s existing brand portfolio, encouraging positive investor sentiment. Historical data shows that companies effectively adapting to trends often experience stock price appreciation, as seen with competitors like Kraft Heinz during similar market shifts.
The insights from the report provide a future-oriented view that aligns with changing consumer preferences, reinforcing Conagra's positioning in the market. The focus on evolving snacking trends increases its relevance for potential investors and markets.
The trends outlined are likely to shape consumer behaviors over several years. Historical trends indicate that companies successfully capitalizing on emerging consumer preferences see sustained sales growth, exemplified by similar strategies employed by snack food leaders.
Comprehensive Data-Driven Report Identifies Top Five Trends Shaping the Nearly $150 Billion U.S. Snacking Market
CHICAGO, Aug. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE:CAG), a leading maker of iconic snacks including Slim Jim® meat snacks, Orville Redenbacher's® popcorn, DAVID® Seeds, Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP® popcorn, and Snack Pack® desserts, released today its inaugural Future of Snacking 2025 report. Leveraging Conagra's cutting edge demand science and insights expertise, in partnership with Circana LLC, the report provides a data-driven look at the $148.6 billion U.S. snacking market and the evolving trends shaping consumer behavior.1
The report identifies five key trends that are shaping snacking behaviors and influencing how consumers navigate an increasingly diverse snack landscape. While focused on the U.S. market, the report also covers relevant global snacking trends and behaviors.
"We've seen a transformation in consumer snacking habits in recent years. Snacking has evolved from a simple between-meal habit into a lifestyle, and winning in this space means delivering the right food at the right time," said Bob Nolan, senior vice president of demand science at Conagra Brands. "Today's consumers want bold flavors, better-for-you options, and choices that bring both taste and purpose. Our Future of Snacking report shows emerging trends and how Conagra is helping shape that future."
2025 Emerging Trends:
1. Flavor Explosion: Classic favorites like sea salt, BBQ, and nacho cheese remain top sellers, but bold newcomers—sriracha, garlic parmesan, and hot honey—are driving rapid growth.2 Social media-fueled trends, including pickle-flavored-everything, are influencing both retail and foodservice menus, signaling consumer demand for adventurous taste experiences.
2. Snacking Without Borders: Globally inspired snacks are booming, with retail sales hitting $5.7 billion and 22% volume growth over the past three years.3 Younger consumers are driving interest in flavors like gochujang, sweet chili, and mango habanero, reflecting a shift toward multicultural taste exploration.4
3. Better-for-You Snacking: Protein-forward, portion-controlled, and nutrient-dense snacks are on the rise—especially among Gen Z and Millennials.5 Subcategories like meat sticks, nuts, seeds, and probiotic-enhanced snacks are outpacing total category growth, and "grass-fed" and "gut health" claims are resonating with wellness-focused shoppers.678
4. Co-Branded Bites: Strategic partnerships with restaurant, retail, and entertainment brands are fueling growth, with co-branded snacks generating nearly $2.1 billion in combined annual sales.9 Flavorful collaborations with fan-favorite sauces, candy brands, and more are bringing instant recognition and craveable appeal to the snack aisle.
5. Snacks on the Go: Convenience in snacking isn't just about grab-and-go packaging anymore, it's about being everywhere consumers are. In fact, Convenience is driving consumption, with away-from-home snack occasions projected to grow 39% by 2027.10 From bulk-buys online, to snack-sized treats at store checkouts, snacks are winning by showing up in more places, more often, in the right format for every occasion.
The full report can be viewed here: Conagra Brands' Future of Snacking 2025 Report
About Conagra Brands
Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE:CAG), is one of North America's leading branded food companies. We combine a 100-year history of making quality food with agility and a relentless focus on collaboration and innovation. The company's portfolio is continuously evolving to satisfy consumers' ever-changing food preferences. Conagra's brands include Birds Eye®, Duncan Hines®, Healthy Choice®, Marie Callender's®, Reddi-wip®, Slim Jim®, Angie's® BOOMCHICKAPOP®, and many more. As a corporate citizen, we aim to do what's right for our business, our employees, our communities and the world. Headquartered in Chicago, Conagra Brands generated fiscal 2025 net sales of nearly $12 billion. For more information, visit www.conagrabrands.com.
About the Future of Snacking 2025 Report:
Conagra Brands proudly shares the first edition of the Future of Snacking Report. A companion to Conagra's annual Future of Frozen Food Reports about the state of frozen foods, this report leverages Conagra's cutting edge demand science and insights expertise. In addition, we partnered with Circana, LLC to provide robust sales data and in-home consumption behaviors from its National Eating Trends® report. This report provides a comprehensive, data-driven look at the future of the $148.6 billion U.S. snacking industry, as defined by Circana, LLC. The Future of Snacking 2025 report can be reviewed in its entirety on the Conagra Brands website.
Media Inquiries:
media@conagra.com
Citations:
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/conagra-brands-unveils-future-of-snacking-2025-report-spotlighting-bold-flavors-better-for-you-choices-and-on-the-go-innovation-302539168.html
SOURCE Conagra Brands, Inc.