“Rise of Plant-Based and Vegan Healthy Snacks”
- Consumers are increasingly adopting plant-based and flexitarian diets, leading to a surge in demand for vegan-friendly healthy snacks options that are free from animal-derived ingredients. This shift is driven by health, ethical, and environmental concerns, encouraging brands to create innovative snacks using legumes, seeds, nuts, fruits, and vegetables
- Healthy Snacks brands are expanding their portfolios with plant-based protein bars, dairy-free yogurts, meat-free jerky, and vegetable chips to cater to this growing segment. Many products now highlight high-protein, high-fiber, and allergen-free claims to appeal to diverse consumer needs, particularly among millennials and Gen Z
- Marketing efforts are increasingly highlighting the sustainability benefits of plant-based snacks, including lower carbon footprints, reduced water usage, and cruelty-free sourcing. Certifications such as vegan, non-GMO, and organic are becoming critical purchase drivers and are prominently displayed on packaging
For instance,
- In 2024, Kellanova’s RXBAR brand launched “RXBAR Plant,” a new vegan protein bar made with pea and almond protein, targeting health-conscious consumers seeking plant-based alternatives
- Mondelez expanded its "Perfect Snacks" brand by introducing plant-based refrigerated protein bars with clean, simple ingredients
- PepsiCo’s Off The Eaten Path brand unveiled a new line of plant-based snack crisps made from legumes and vegetables to meet the rising demand for healthy, plant-forward snacking options
- As plant-based lifestyles continue to gain mainstream acceptance, the introduction of innovative, sustainable, and tasty vegan snacks will remain a key driver in the healthy snacks market, enabling brands to tap into a larger, ethically aware consumer base and secure long-term growth
