Plano, Texas-based Frito-Lay has named 2022 as the “Year of Crunch” due to the results of its recent U.S. Trend Index.
The index polled consumers on their snacking preferences and found that more than 70 percent of snackers would reach for a food with a crunch.
The Snack Index found other important snack factors included sweet, salty and filling. Almost half of those surveyed expressed that the snack is also nostalgic and reminds them of a specific moment in time.
“Consumers are at the heart of all we do, so considering every component of a snack – including the crunch factor – is very important to us,” said Denise Lefebvre, SVP of research and development for Frito-Lay and Quaker Foods North America.
“We know the perfect snack is different for everyone, which is why we constantly listen to consumers and then engage our chefs and our Culinary Center to provide variety, deliver on flavor and explore new recipes consumers love.”
While Frito-Lay predicts that all adults will continue to look for crunchy snacks in 2023, generational differences and end-of-year snacking behaviors also contribute to trends to watch.
The latest Snack Index showed that nearly 50 percent of Gen Z believes snacking is most satisfying after dark. They are also twice as likely as other generations to order delivery. On the other hand, 50 percent of Millennials satisfy their late-night snack cravings by visiting grocery or convenience stores. GenXers (64 percent) and Baby Boomers (62 percent) are most likely to prepare a comfort food recipe at home.
While 65 percent of adults crave snacks the most when they want to treat themselves, 61 percent are unlikely to crave snacks when they are feeling down during the holidays, according to the Snack Index. Snacking is also a sensory experience, with 55 percent of those surveyed indicating they crave snacks most when they smell them and 52 percent crave snacks when they see them.
For 45 percent of respondents looking for a flavor that is available during a limited time and 49 percent looking forward to variety and party packs this holiday, specialty offerings will be a key factor. According to the Snack Index, 62 percent of GenZers and 52 percent of millennials will be turning to social media for holiday recipes to try.
“As people of all ages experiment with recipes and enjoy snacks this holiday season, we’re excited to bring them new limited time products such as Lay’s Clusters, Cheetos Snowflakes, PopCorners Cinnamon Sugar and more, as well as fun new recipes made by our very own consumers that include your favorite snacks,” Lefebvre said.
For more inspiration, a newly revamped website with new Frito-Lay and Quaker recipes has just been released at MoreSmilesWithEveryBite.com. This new site propels engagement with consumers by showcasing ways to incorporate the products into their daily lives.
