Packing in health
Healthier snacks are also in demand, says Cancro, and Technomic research confirms this trend. Overall, 34% of consumers say they are snacking on healthier foods more often compared to 2016, and 25% plan to snack more healthfully in the next 12 months. Health attributes with the greatest appeal include “high in protein” and “energizing.”
Compass recently launched a line of protein kits and snack boxes for foodservice customers to sell in their coffee bars, markets and other retail locations. A box holding a mini bagel, hard-cooked egg and apple slices meets the growing demand for all-day breakfast, for example, while a chicken pita with veggies is packed with protein. The grab-and-go snacks are marketed under the new Jack & Olive brand and sell for $5 to $7.
“With the market trend toward grazing, we wanted to leverage snacking opportunities in off-peak times,” says Julie Sajda, senior VP of strategic development for Compass’ Envision Group. “We’ve already seen a lift in sales.” The products are going to all noncommercial channels, including B&I, colleges and universities, and hospitals, she adds.
Photo courtesy of Compass USA