Increasing numbers of people are interested in healthy eating and keeping their weight down. Over 50 per cent of modern snack consumers choose products with additional health benefits. These include snacks that provide the body with proteins, fibre, and vitamins.
We can tell that healthy snacks are on trend without conducting any research: new snack products with health benefits are available almost every week through retailers, health shops and websites. And the survey data for international market and consumption studies confirms our subjective perception of reality.
According to a global survey by the Nielsen Institute, 43 per cent of those questioned preferred snacks made from natural ingredients. Around a third of all those interviewed said it was important that their snacks contained as little sugar, salt, fat and calories as possible. They also wanted more fibre, protein and whole grain. Consumers who replace their main meals with healthy snacks may even be promoting their well-being.
Children and old people need healthy snack options
A child's capacity to store energy is smaller than it is for adults. Healthy snacks are therefore important for children in particular because they supply the regular energy intake they need to stay fit and maintain concentration.
Snacks are as important for old people as they are for children. Beyond a certain age there is a fall in our appetite and desire to take in liquid. To avoid malnutrition, experts in geriatrics recommend taking several snacks as a form of prevention. It is therefore important to incorporate snacks into the daily ritual of older people.
Snacks throughout the day reduce hunger pangs
There are specific benefits in supplementing main meals with snacks. If the gaps in our food consumption are too big, we risk low blood sugar. Hunger pangs ensue and can lead to binge eating, which is not associated with a healthy approach to eating. Smaller portions do not stretch our stomach as much as bigger portions so the stomach is slower to empty. As a result, the hormones that regulate appetite are released more steadily and the blood sugar and insulin concentration is more balanced.
People who snack stay more physically and mentally productive and may even have more energy. More is sometimes less.
Facts about snacks
- 40 % of the German population replace main meals with snacks.
- 50 % of snack consumers chose products with added health benefits.
- According to a global survey, 43 % of those questioned preferred snacks made from natural ingredients.
- Around a third of all those interviewed said it was important that their snacks contained as little sugar, salt, fat and calories as possible. They also wanted more fibre, protein and whole grain.
- The number of new snack products entering the market in the raw fruit and vegetable segment increased five-fold between 2012 and 2015.
- 69 % of German consumers look out for the organic label.
