Conagra Brands releases Future of Snacking 2025 report, identifies 5 key trends.

• Conagra Brands releases Future of Snacking 2025 report • $148.6 billion US snacking market analyzed • Five key trends shaping snacking behaviors • Data-driven insights from Conagra and Circana LLC • Global snacking trends covered • Consumer snacking habits transformed in recent years

Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG), a leading maker of iconic snacks, recently released its inaugural Future of Snacking 2025 report. The report, which leverages Conagra's cutting-edge demand science and insights expertise in partnership with Circana LLC, 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.

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. Social media-fueled trends, including pickle-flavored-everything, are influencing both retail and foodservice menus, signaling consumer demand for adventurous taste experiences [1].

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. Younger consumers are driving interest in flavors like gochujang, sweet chili, and mango habanero, reflecting a shift toward multicultural taste exploration [1].

3. Better-for-You Snacking: Protein-forward, portion-controlled, and nutrient-dense snacks are on the rise—especially among Gen Z and Millennials. 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 [1].

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. Flavorful collaborations with fan-favorite sauces, candy brands, and more are bringing instant recognition and craveable appeal to the snack aisle [1].

5. Snacks on the Go: Convenience in snacking isn't just about grab-and-go packaging anymore; it's about being everywhere consumers are. Convenience is driving consumption, with away-from-home snack occasions projected to grow 39% by 2027. 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 [1].

Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG) is one of North America's leading branded food companies, combining 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, Conagra aims to do what's right for its business, employees, communities, and the world. Headquartered in Chicago, Conagra Brands generated fiscal 2025 net sales of nearly $12 billion.

The full report can be viewed here: Conagra Brands' Future of Snacking 2025 Report.

References:
[1] 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